Analysis: Examining Cougars WR Depth Chart Entering 2025 Season
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A JUCO transfer to Pullman, Washington State will be counting on speedy receiver Devin Ellison to help electrify their offense in 2025. Credit: Devin Ellison/Instagram [/caption]
On August 30, the Washington State Cougars will be hosting their 2025 season opener against the Idaho Vandals, marking the beginning of the Jimmy Rogers era in Pullman. Here is a look at the projected wide receiver depth chart with less than three weeks remaining until the start of the season:
Starters
Josh Meredith
Meredith, who is entering his fifth year as a redshirt senior, originally entered the transfer portal after the coaching change, but chose to come back to play for Rodgers. Last year, he caught 39 passes for 472 yards, which ranked third on the team in both categories. With a new offense, the Cougars are expected to run the ball more that previous seasons. However, Meredith figures to be one of Wazzu’s top wide receivers once again and his veteran presence should benefit the entire receiving corps.
Washington State receiver Josh Meredith has withdrawn from the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.
Had 39 catches for 472 yards and 2 touchdowns this season.https://t.co/VxSGJEUisH pic.twitter.com/IHI7igYJwd— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 1, 2025
Jeremiah Noga
The 6-2 190-pound Noga spent his entire career at Oregon State before transferring to Washington State. Last year, the fifth-year transfer caught 23 balls for 266 yards for the Beavers. He is expected to be a primary receiver this year with his new team and even in a run-heavy offense, you can expect Noga to exceed his production from last season working alongside Meredith.
𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝.@JeremiahNoga is a Coug✍️🐾 pic.twitter.com/XS2G8Vdfp1— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) May 5, 2025
Devin Ellison
At 6-2 192 pounds, Ellison arrives in Pullman as a junior college transfer from Monterey Peninsula College. He caught 45 passes for 837 yards last year and scored 10 touchdowns. He committed to WSU after being recruited by Boise State among others as one of the most sought after JUCO recruits in this year’s cycle. Ellison has the ability with his speed to take the top off the defense and make an impact vertically as well as stretching the field horizontally on screens and jet sweeps, bringing a different type of weapon to the Cougars’ offensive attack.
Welcome to the Palouse, @devinellisonn pic.twitter.com/Dus5ZaGmRS— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) January 10, 2025
Reserves
Tony Freeman
Entering his second season in Pullman after playing his freshman season at College of San Mateo, Freeman caught eight passes for 125 yards and also returned 12 punts. With the arrival of Ellison, who jumped ahead of him on the depth chart, he’s expected to be a reserve wideout this year and be a contributor on special teams for the Cougars, including possibly being a primary return option.
Leyton Smithson
Smithson originally came to Washington State as a receiver and had a solid freshman year catching 30 passes for 235 yards and one touchdown. After his sophomore season where he developed into more of a kick returner, he changed his position and became a safety for his junior year while remaining a kick returner. After converting back to a receiver for the 2025 season, Smithson figures to be a depth option and once again factor in the return game.
Branden Ganashamoorthy
Ganashamoorthy originally arrived at Washington State as a walk-on, utilizing a redshirt during his freshman year. In his sophomore season in 2024, he climbed the depth chart and caught five receptions for 45 yards and one touchdown. Standing at 6-3, he offers size and length - and he’s shown significant growth since day one on campus. While he’s currently projected as a backup receiver, his physical attributes and ongoing development make him a name worth keeping an eye on that could rise up the depth chart again to see meaningful offensive snaps.
Leon Neal Jr
Another player who came to Washington State as a walk-on, Neal played in 13 games last year, mostly pitching in on special teams. His biggest play came on a blocked punt for a touchdown against Fresno State. Entering his fifth year in college football, he should be a candidate to be a primary depth option who sees a handful of offensive snaps and remains a core special teamer for the Cougars.
