Washington State Looks to Open Pac-12 Play With a Bang vs. Fresno State
In their first game against a new conference foe, the Washington State Cougars will open Pac-12 play on Saturday night when they host the visiting Fresno State Bulldogs at Gesa Field.
The Cougars enter the conference opener at 1-3 after a tough start to the season. Washington State opened the year with road losses to No. 17 Washington and Kansas State before picking up its first win with a 48-7 victory over Duquesne. The Cougars then returned home last Saturday but couldn’t hold onto an early lead in a 34-24 loss to Arizona.
Fresno State enters Pullman at 3-1 and riding a three-game winning streak. The Bulldogs opened the season with a 39-0 loss at No. 14 USC before responding with wins over Sacramento State, San Jose State, and Rice, feasting on far lesser competition after getting ran out of the Coliseum in Week 1.
For the Cougars, Saturday marks an opportunity to put the first four games behind them and get off to a strong start in a Pac-12 conference that should be wide open, with the exception being Boise State as an outside contender to make the College Football Playoff.
Analysis: Assessing Cougars QB Caden Pinnick’s Play at Quarter Mark
The Washington State Cougars entered the 2026 season with a new coaching staff, a new-look roster, and a new starting quarterback, awarding Caden Pinnick the job after an intense competition that played out in summer camp.
Through four games, Pinnick has shown some glimpses of why he was named Co-Big Sky Freshman of the Year at UC Davis prior to transferring to Pullman, but it has come with some major growing pains facing off against Power Four opponents.
Pinnick has experienced plenty of ups and downs through the opening month of the season. He has made some impressive plays, showing the ability to make things happen with his legs and demonstrating the ability to be accurate in the short passing game. At the same time, turnovers, inconsistency, and struggles throwing the deep ball have limited the offense quite a bit in the early stages of the 2026 season.
Through four games, Pinnick has completed 66 of 108 passes for 644 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 845 total yards and six total touchdowns as a capable dual-threat quarterback running Kirby Moore’s offense.
How has Pinnick fared thus far? Where has he shown the most improvement and what areas remain concerning heading into Pac-12 play?
Washington State Falls to Arizona 34-24 After Early Lead Slips Away
Washington State got off to a fast start Saturday afternoon, but the Cougars could not maintain their momentum as the Arizona Wildcats rallied behind quarterback Noah Fifita for a 34-24 win.
The Cougars jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind an efficient opening drive from Caden Pinnick and a pick-six from Jackquintin Bal. However, Arizona responded with four straight scoring drives to take control of the game after that point.
Washington State falls to 1-3 on the season following the loss, while Arizona improves to 3-1 with the two teams heading in opposite directions as conference play approaches.
The Cougars had several opportunities to stay within striking distance late, but the offensive struggles that have plagued them at times this season showed up again down the stretch.
Washington State Looks to Build Momentum vs. Visiting Arizona
Washington State will return home Saturday afternoon looking to build on its first win of the Kirby Moore era when the Cougars host the Arizona Wildcats at Gesa Field.
The Cougars enter the matchup 1-2 after opening the season with road losses to Washington and Kansas State before bouncing back with a 48-7 win over Duquesne last Saturday. Arizona enters Pullman at 2-1 after defeating Northern Illinois 42-17 last weekend. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM PT on CBS.
For Washington State, the Arizona game represents another opportunity to see where the team stands against a Power Four opponent with a winning record.
The Cougars showed significant improvement against Duquesne, particularly in the running game and on special teams. Washington State rushed for 316 yards, had two 100-yard rushers and returned two punts for touchdowns in the victory, but those numbers came against a winless FCS foe that hasn’t competed with anyone so far this year.
Now, the Cougars will face a much more experienced Arizona team that brings one of the nation's most experienced quarterbacks to Pullman. What should fans be watching as Moore’s squad seeks a win over a Power Four foe?
Washington State Rolls Past Duquesne 48-7 for First Win of Kirby Moore Era
Washington State finally got the performance it had been looking for. After struggling to find any consistency during the first two games of the season, the Cougars broke out in the second half Saturday afternoon, scoring 41 unanswered points on their way to a 48-7 win over Duquesne at Gesa Field.
The victory gave Washington State its first win of the season and the first career victory for head coach Kirby Moore. The Cougars improved to 1-2 on the season after opening the year with tough losses to Washington and Kansas State.
Washington State led just 14-7 at halftime with the Dukes giving them a better than anticipated fight early, but the Cougars completely took control after the break. WSU scored touchdowns on its first three possessions of the second half before adding two more scores in the fourth quarter, blowing the contest wide open in the final 30 minutes.
The Cougars finished with 26 first downs and 480 total yards, including 316 rushing yards, and had multiple 100 yard rushers.
Here are four takeaways from the Cougs first win of 2026:
1. Caden Pinnick put together his best performance of the season after struggling through the first two games.
Pinnick, a redshirt sophomore, completed 17 of 22 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns while adding 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. He also distributed the ball to seven different receivers, making significant improvements as the game wore on.
After a rough start that included a botched snap and an interception, Pinnick settled down and helped Washington State move the ball consistently against Duquesne. His 19-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter gave the Cougars a 14-7 lead heading into halftime, building momentum needed to break things open after the break.
Washington State Offense Looks to Bounce Back Against FCS Foe Duquesne
After a tough 34-7 loss to Kansas State last weekend, the Washington State offense will look to find its identity and put together a much better performance when the Cougars host Duquesne on Saturday at 12:30 PM PT at Gesa Field.
Washington State enters the matchup 0-2 after opening the season with road games against No. 17 Washington as well as Kansas State. The Cougars have struggled to consistently move the football during the first two games, and the offense will have an opportunity to get back on track in its home opener against an FCS underdog.
The Dukes also enter the game 0-2 after losses to Air Force and Youngstown State. Duquesne has allowed 104 points through its first two games, giving Washington State a prime opportunity to get into a rhythm on offense versus one of the worst defenses at the lower Division I level so far.
Wildcats Pounce on Sluggish Cougars’ Offense, Washington State Falls to 0-2
When Washington State's Jaylen Thomas made his break on the ball along the Cougars sideline, Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson knew the mistake he just made. Thomas jumped the route for his second interception of the game and returned it for a touchdown with no time remaining in the first half. This lifeline from their safety put Wazzu on the board trailing 17-7, providing a much-needed momentum boost going into the break.
Courtesy of a 54-minute weather delay at halftime, the Cougs had time to sit on that momentum. But Washington State did not build off the big play in the second half and continued to fall further behind in an eventual 34-7 loss to Kansas State on Saturday morning at the Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Washington State received the kick after the delay. A false start immediately pushed the sticks back. Wazzu went three-and-out and on the ensuing Kansas State offensive play, running back Rodney Fields Jr. ripped off a 75-yard touchdown. The stark contrast to open both drives was indicative of how both teams would respond following the delay. The Wildcats would not slow down and the Cougars had no answers to speak of.
Bad Tasting Apple: Washington State Falls to Washington 24-10, Loses Kirby Moore's Debut
The Washington State Cougars stayed within striking distance for much of Sunday afternoon’s season opening Apple Cup before their defense eventually ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, as coach Kirby Moore’s squad left Husky Stadium with a 24-10 loss to No. 17 Washington.
While the final score does not tell the full story, Washington State's defense repeatedly kept the Cougars close, including making a crucial goal line stop at the end of the first half, and gave the offense several opportunities to capitalize and potentially steal a road upset.
However, missed opportunities, three turnovers, and obvious issues along the offensive line ultimately proved too much to overcome in Moore’s debut on the sidelines.
The Cougars finished with just 242 total yards and struggled to sustain drives, failing to convert a single third down. Washington State also missed two field goals, leaving points on the board against a Washington defense that could prove to be the toughest unit the Cougars face all season.
What stood out from the 14-point defeat in the latest Apple Cup?
Apple Cup Preview: Washington State Begins Kirby Moore Era Against No. 17 Washington
Washington State will officially begin the Kirby Moore era on the road when the Cougars take on the Washington Huskies in the Apple Cup, presenting a substantial challenge for the new coach as he tries to get his squad off to a fast start.
Moore will become Washington State’s third head coach in as many years, taking over a roster that has undergone significant changes throughout the offseason as they head into the first season competing in the new-look Pac-12 conference. With plenty of new faces on both sides of the ball, the Cougars will open the new campaign as a heavy underdog against a ranked Huskies team while looking to avenge last season’s loss.
What stands out as the Cougs prepare for their annual - at least for now - rivalry matchup in Seattle?
Pinnick at the Wheel for Washington State Offense
Caden Pinnick will take over as Washington State’s starting quarterback as the Cougars open the season with with plenty of changes on offense.
Pinnick, a transfer from UC Davis, was named Big Sky Freshman of the Year and will be tasked with leading an offense that features a few noteworthy returners from last year’s squad, including a backfield with Kirby Vorhees, Maxwell Woods and Leo Pulalasi all returning. The Cougars will also bring back their second and third-leading receivers from a year ago in Tony Freeman and tight end Trey Leckner. Leckner, however, will miss part of the season after suffering a foot injury.
Washington State Names Caiden Pinnick Starting Quarterback
Washington State has its starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
The Cougars have named UC Davis transfer Caden Pinnick the starter ahead of their season opener against the Washington Huskies. Pinnick entered fall camp as the favorite to win the job and ultimately beat out returning quarterbacks Julian Dugger and Owen Eshelman.
For Washington State, the decision gives the Cougars some clarity at one of the most important positions on the roster heading into the start of the Kirby Moore era.
As a redshirt freshman at UC Davis, Pinnick completed 69.6% of his passes for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Those numbers show the type of production Washington State is hoping to get from its new quarterback.
Washington State Football Feels Impact of New Five-for-Five Rule
With the NCAA’s new five-for-five eligibility rule changing the way college basketball teams approach recruiting and roster management, its effects are beginning to reach college football as well. Washington State is now navigating the rule as it looks to add another familiar face to its defensive line ahead of the 2026 season.
According to CougFan.com, Washington State is going through the process of adding defensive lineman Soni Finau to its roster. Finau, a Cal Poly transfer, played for the Cougars during the 2025 season after transferring from Cal Poly.
During his time in Pullman, Finau made an impact on the defensive side of the ball, recording 12 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. If he is cleared to return, Finau would provide the Cougars with another experienced option along the defensive interior.
Finau would join a defensive tackle group that already includes Kaden Beatty, Paul Hudson, Jirah Leaupepetele, Damarjhe Lewis, and Josh Wedel. Adding a player who was in the rotation last season could give Washington State some valuable depth as the season approaches.
New Faces to Know on Washington State's Offense
With about a month until the Washington State Cougars kick off the 2026 season, it's time to take a look at some of the new faces on the offensive side of the ball.
A new coaching staff usually brings plenty of roster turnover in today's college football landscape, but the Cougars did an impressive job retaining most of their offensive core following the hire of Kirby Moore. Washington State returns its top three running backs, its leading returning receiver, and the majority of its offensive line despite the presence of the transfer portal. Still, the coaching staff brought in several talented additions who could make an immediate impact this fall, including a projected new starter under center.
Analysis: All Eyes on Caden Pinnick, Cougars’ Quarterback Room Entering Spring Ball
Though the Washington State Cougars managed to reach a bowl game in the lone season under former coach Jimmy Rogers, they did so with uneven play from multiple quarterbacks, as Jaxon Potter opened the season before being benched in favor of Zevi Eckhaus.
Potter began the year as Wazzu’s starter under center, but a horrendous performance in a blowout loss to North Texas cost him the job, and Eckhaus took the reins from there. The senior signal caller provided a lift for the Cougars by throwing 15 touchdowns and rushing for eight scores, but he still battled turnover issues, throwing 12 interceptions in 11 games.
Under new head coach Kirby Moore, the Cougars bring a mix of proven production, returning experience, and intriguing young talent into 2026, but it remains to be seen who will start. As spring football approaches in Pullman, with Eckhaus graduating and Potter transferring, who has the edge in a Washington State quarterback room featuring an exiting newcomer and two returning signal callers?
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