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.
How Do Washington State's Football, Basketball Programs Stack Up in New Pac-12?
Washington State enters the rebuilt Pac-12 as one of the conference's two cornerstone programs. Alongside Oregon State, the Cougars helped keep the Pac-12 alive through one of the most turbulent periods in college athletics before leading the conference's rebuild.
Now, with the league officially returning in 2026, Washington State once again finds itself at the center of Pac-12 football and basketball.
For the conference's new members, Washington State represents one of the league's most recognizable brands. The Cougars spent more than a century competing at the Power Conference level and have built a reputation as a tough, competitive program that consistently punches above its weight. While Pullman may be one of the smallest college towns in the country, it has produced some of the Pac-12's most memorable moments and one of the most passionate fan bases in college sports.
Analysis: What NCAA's New 5-for-5 Rule Means for Washington State Athletics
College athletics entered a new era this summer as the NCAA officially adopted its new "5-for-5" eligibility model. The rule is one of the biggest changes to college sports in decades, replacing the traditional four seasons of competition with a much simpler system. Student-athletes now receive five full seasons of eligibility, provided they enroll in college within the required age window. The change also eliminates redshirts and many of the waiver exceptions that had made eligibility increasingly complicated in recent years.
The rollout of the new model has already produced additional legal developments. On July 31, a federal judge in Colorado granted an extra year of eligibility to athletes who were part of the 2022 recruiting class. While those athletes are immediately eligible to compete, they cannot transfer to another school unless they entered the transfer portal during the spring transfer window.
Meanwhile, separate lawsuits in Ohio and Tennessee have resulted in temporary rulings allowing the named plaintiffs in those cases to enter the transfer portal through August 10. Those decisions currently apply only to the athletes directly involved in the lawsuits, but they illustrate just how quickly the college athletics landscape continues to evolve.
For Washington State, the new rule presents both opportunities and challenges as the Cougars prepare for life in the rebuilt Pac-12.
Washington State, Rebuilt Pac-12 Welcome New Opponent in San Diego State
A familiar foe for many of its new rivals, including the Washington State Cougars, the San Diego State Aztecs enter the rebuilt Pac-12 as one of the conference's top additions.
While the Aztecs are best known for their basketball success, they have consistently fielded competitive programs in both football and men's basketball, immediately raising the profile of the new-look conference.
For Washington State fans, San Diego State is hardly an unfamiliar opponent. The Cougars and Aztecs have faced each other several times in football over the years, including as recently as last season when Washington State emerged victorious, but those matchups will now carry much more significance as conference games.
Washington State, Rebuilt Pac-12 Welcome New Opponent in Utah State
A former member of the Mountain West, the Utah State Aggies will be among the newcomers set to join the rebuilt Pac-12 this season. While the Aggies may not carry the national brand recognition of some schools, few programs outside the Power Four have been as consistently competitive in both football and men's basketball over the past several seasons.
For Washington State fans, Utah State is a familiar opponent. The two programs have met on the football field in recent years, but those non-conference matchups will now carry much more significance as conference games in the new-look Pac-12.
The Aggies' football program has experienced both success and transition over the last several years. Utah State captured the Mountain West championship in 2021 with an 11-win season under Blake Anderson, turning in one of the best campaigns in school history. The Aggies have made a bowl game in three of the last four seasons and seven out of the last eight.
Washington State, Rebuilt Pac-12 Welcome Perennial Group of 5 Power Boise State
Just two years removed from being in the College Football Playoff, the Boise State Broncos immediately enter the rebuilt Pac-12 as one of the conference's top athletic programs, bringing a nationally respected football program and a basketball program that has become a consistent NCAA tournament contender. The Broncos arrive from the Mountain West as maybe the strongest brand among the league's newest schools.
For Washington State Cougars fans, Boise State is already a familiar opponent. The two schools have played in several memorable football games in the past and have faced off in basketball in recent years. Now, those matchups carry conference championship implications as both programs begin a new chapter in the Pac-12.
Football has long been the standard in Boise. Few Group of 5 programs have matched the success the Broncos have enjoyed since 2000, as they have racked up multiple conference championships, a plethora of double-digit win seasons, numerous New Year's Six bowl appearances, making Boise State one of college football's most recognizable programs.
Washington State, Rebuilt Pac-12 Welcome New Opponent in Colorado State
Colorado State is the latest program to join the rebuilt Pac-12, bringing a combination of recent basketball success and a football program searching for a new direction. The former Mountain West member now finds itself in the same conference as Washington State, adding another familiar regional opponent to a league that continues to take shape ahead of a new era.
For Washington State fans, Colorado State is not an unfamiliar foe. The two programs have met on the football field in recent years. Now, those matchups become conference games, adding another layer of intrigue to the new-look Pac-12.
Football remains a work in progress in Fort Collins. The Rams have reached just one bowl game over the last seven seasons and have struggled to build consistent momentum. Those challenges led to change within the program, as Colorado State moved on from coach Jay Norvell during the middle of last season.
Washington State Rekindles Pac-12 Ties With Familiar Opponent in Oregon State
With the Pac-12 back open for business, Washington State will get to see a well-known foe in Oregon State, the only other program returning from the old conference. Like the Cougars, the Beavers were left scrambling after the Pac-12 fell apart in 2023.
Oregon State spent the last two football seasons as an independent while many of its other sports competed in the West Coast Conference. It wasn't an easy road, but the Beavers continued to find ways to compete despite the uncertainty. Now, with the rebuilt Pac-12 officially underway, Oregon State is back where it belongs. Along with Washington State, the Beavers will help usher in a new era of Pac-12 athletics as one of the two original members leading the way.
Football enters a new chapter in Corvallis this season under first-year head coach JaMarcus Shephard. Oregon State moved on from Trent Bray after the 2025 season and turned to Shephard to help get the program back on track. Before taking over the Beavers, Shephard built a strong reputation as one of college football's top assistant coaches, particularly as a wide receivers coach and recruiter. He now faces the challenge of rebuilding a program that has struggled since Jonathan Smith departed for Michigan State following the 2023 season.
Washington State and Colville Tribes Announce Partnership
Washington State Athletics announced a historic new partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation that marks the largest sponsorship agreement in school history, providing a jolt for the athletic department entering a new era of the rebuilt Pac-12 conference.
The five-year deal, announced on June 30, is valued at approximately $8.4 million and includes a $250,000 donation to the Cougar Athletic Excellence Fund during the first year. Beginning with the 2026-27 athletic season, every Washington State athletic team will wear the Colville Tribes logo on their uniforms. The agreement is one of the most expansive uniform sponsorships in college athletics and the first of its kind in the new Pac-12.
"This is a historic partnership rooted in Eastern Washington," Washington State athletic director Jon Haarlow said. "It brings together two tradition-rich communities as we chart an exciting new path forward as leaders in the Pacific Northwest and the new Pac-12."
Camp Preview: Experienced O-Line Stands Out as Potential Strength for Washington State
With Kirby Moore entering his first season as the Washington State Cougars head coach, one of the biggest strengths for the team on offense could be the offensive line, which has several returning contributors from the 2025 season.
Unlike several position groups that saw significant turnover this offseason, the Cougars bring back plenty of experience up front, while also adding a veteran transfer from in-state rival Washington to the mix who could compete for immediate playing time. With multiple linemen entering their fourth or fifth seasons in Pullman, impressive continuity in today’s era of college football, Washington State has the pieces to put together one of its best offensive lines in recent years.
After spending the past three seasons in Pullman, Ashton Tripp enters his fourth year at Washington State as one of the veteran leaders along the offensive line. The Kennewick High School product returns for his second season as the Cougars' starting left tackle and should once again be a key piece protecting the quarterback's blind side after allowing only one sack in 2025, standing out as arguably the best returning starter for the Cougars on offense.
A versatile starter, Jonny Lester brings ample experience at multiple positions to the offensive line heading into 2026. Entering his fifth season with the Cougars, the Spokane native started at left guard most of last season while also making two starts at right tackle, yielding three sacks and 28 pressures. Having another returning starter should help provide continuity as the offensive line adjusts to a new coaching staff and new offensive scheme.
Washington State Flips Safety Jayden Harris From Fresno State
Earning a significant victory on the recruiting trail, the Washington State Cougars added another piece to their growing 2027 class, landing the commitment of Jayden Harris after he initially gave a verbal to a soon-to-be Pac-12 rival.
Harris, a 6-3, 180-pound safety from Manteca High School, originally committed to Fresno State, but he reopened his recruitment and ultimately chose to switch his allegiance to Washington State. His commitment to the Cougars continues a strong recruiting push for coach Kirby Moore’s program in California and gives the staff another intriguing defensive back with size and playmaking ability to throw into the mix.
Harris is currently an unranked prospect according to 247Sports, but in addition to Washington State, he held offers from UNLV, San Diego State, and several other programs, showing there was plenty of interest in one of the bigger safety recruits in the 2027 class. Once he became available again, the Cougars were able to beat out a number of West Coast schools to secure his commitment.
Washington State Secures Four-Star OL, Three-Star CB to Boost 2027 Class
The Washington State Cougars continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, adding two significant commitments to their growing 2027 recruiting class, including beating out several regional rivals for a coveted four-star offensive lineman.
The Cougars recently secured pledges from offensive lineman Rashaun Lavata’i of Curtis High School in University Place, Washington and cornerback Gianni Haynes of Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. These additions represent another step forward for a Washington State program looking to strengthen its roster while joining a rebuilt Pac 12 conference.
The first four-star to commit for new coach Kirby Moore, the 6-7, 265-pound Lavata’i holds a 90 overall rating in the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is currently ranked as the No. 3 prospect in Washington and one of the top offensive linemen in the Pacific Northwest. More importantly, Lavata’i becomes Washington State’s first four-star commitment since 2018, making his pledge one of the most significant recruiting victories for the program in recent memory.
Washington State Adds Three-Star Tackle to Growing 2027 Recruiting Class
The Washington State Cougars landed two more commitments as their 2027 recruiting class continues to grow under first-year coach Kirby Moore, pushing their total number of commitments to 17 by signing a pair of line prospects.
One of the newest additions is Randolph Santiago, a 6-6, 275-pound offensive tackle from Kailua. Currently rated as a three-star prospect, Santiago carries an 84 overall rating according to 247Sports. His recruitment included offers from programs such as UNLV, Boise State, Oregon State, New Mexico, and San Diego State, making him a stellar addition to the trenches for Moore’s squad.
Washington State also landed another defensive prospect from California with the commitment of Richard Orosco, a 6-4, 240-pound EDGE rusher from St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower. Orosco has received scholarship offers from New Mexico, UNLV, and San Diego State, among others, and looks to be an ascending recruit despite not having a star rating at this point.
Cougars Bolster 2027 Recruiting Class, Sign O-Line and WR Prospect
With their latest latest wave of commitments for the 2027 recruiting class, the Washington State Cougars continued a trend that has become a major focus during the first full recruiting cycle under first-year coach Kirby Moore and his staff. The Cougars have put a significant emphasis on recruiting talent throughout the western United States, particularly in California, and that strategy paid off once again with commitments from offensive tackle Landon Guenter and athlete Sirjewel Glover.
Guenter is a 6-6, 255-pound offensive tackle from Redwood High School in Visalia, California. He becomes the 10th California prospect to commit to Washington State in the 2027 recruiting class, further strengthening the Cougars' footprint in one of the nation's most talent-rich recruiting states. Guenter chose Washington State over offers from Fresno State, UNLV, Idaho, and several other programs.
Joining Guenter in the class is Sirjewel Glover, a 6-0, 180-pound playmaker from Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. Glover gives Washington State another talented in-state prospect to develop and becomes the third commitment from Washington in the 2027 class. He selected the Cougars over offers from Oregon State, UNLV, New Mexico, and several other programs.
Washington State Signs Two More California Recruits to Growing 2027 Class
Washington State continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail under first-year coach Kirby Moore, as the Cougars added two more commitments to their 2027 recruiting class this weekend heralding from the Golden State.
Pledging their commitments to the program, cornerback Noah Clark from Inglewood High School and edge rusher Sonasi Maka II from Deer Valley High School in Antioch, California, both announced their intentions to take their talents to Pullman.
With the additions of Clark and Maka II, Washington State now has 14 total commitments in its 2027 class. The Cougars have made California a major priority in this recruiting cycle, as nine of those 14 commitments currently come from the Golden State. The entire class is made up of players from the western region of the United States, highlighting the recruiting strategy being used by the Washington State coaching staff.
Washington State Lands Two More Recruits as 2027 Class Takes Shape
Washington State's 2027 recruiting class continued to gain momentum over the past several days as the Cougars secured commitments from two more prospects who fit the program's growing emphasis on winning recruiting battles in nearby Western states.
The first commitment came from edge rusher Tautai Meredith, a 6-3, 260-pound prospect from Lehi High School in Utah. Meredith chose Washington State over a number of offers that included Boise State, Colorado State, and San Diego State, among others.
Meredith becomes the second edge defender to commit to Washington State's 2027 class, joining fellow defensive prospects Colton Ritchter and Sonasi Maka II on the defensive front. While he is currently listed as an edge rusher, Meredith possesses a frame that could allow him to add significant weight over the next several years. If that development occurs, it would not be surprising to see him spend time at defensive tackle during his career in Pullman.
Washington State followed Meredith’s commitment with another addition on Wednesday when safety Nate Obasanjo announced his commitment to the Cougars. Obasanjo, a 6-1, 210-pound safety from Mount Rainier High School, selected Washington State over offers from Utah, Colorado State, and New Mexico.
Washington State Secures Commitments from Colton Richter, Jettson Gilliam for 2027 Class
Kirby Moore and the Washington State Cougars continue to build for the future of their football program on the recruiting trail, adding talent from across the West with the commitments of Colton Richter and Jettson Gillam.
Richter, an EDGE defender from Shadow Ridge High School in Nevada, chose Washington State over Boise State, Fresno State, and UNLV, among others. He is rated as a three-star recruit according to 247Sports. Standing at 6-3 and 235 pounds, Richter brings impressive size and versatility, offering the ability to not only drop into coverage but also rush the passer effectively.
For the Cougars, Richter's commitment represents more than just adding another talented player. It is another example of the program successfully reaching outside the state of Washington and landing a prospect from a state that sits in the heart of the recruiting pipeline for several conference rivals. As the coaching staff continues to reshape the roster, it will be interesting to see where the Cougars continue to target players and how they build the roster moving forward.
Kirby Moore, Cougars Land Three West Coast Recruits for 2027 Class
Washington State head coach Kirby Moore and his staff continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, landing three notable commitments for the Cougars' future over the past several days. The additions of tight end Owen Yurosek and wide receiver Adrian Barnett strengthen WSU's 2027 class, while three-star receiver Malachi Garlington adds another talented playmaker to the group.
The first commitment came from Yurosek, a 6-4, 215-pound tight end from Bakersfield Christian High School in California. Yurosek chose Washington State over a growing offer list that included Nevada, Fresno State, Hawaii, San Jose State, UNLV, and several other programs. Although he remains unranked by 247Sports, Yurosek possesses the size and frame that college coaches covet at the tight end position. During his junior season, he recorded 13 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown while showcasing his ability as both a receiving threat and blocker.
Yurosek also comes from a football family, as his older brother, Ben Yurosek, starred at Stanford before signing with the Minnesota Vikings organization. His commitment gives Washington State its first tight end pledge in the 2027 recruiting class and adds another California prospect to the Cougars, a pipeline that Washington State has gone to in the past.
Washington State Lands Pair of Commitments for 2027 Recruiting Class
With the 2026 season still months away, recruiting for the class of 2027 is already beginning to take shape in Pullman. New Washington State Cougars head coach Kirby Moore has wasted little time putting together the foundation of his first full recruiting class, landing five commitments early in the cycle.
Two of those early pledges come from the West Coast, representing important additions on both sides of the ball as Moore looks to establish the future identity of the program heading into a new-look Pac-12 conference.
What stands out about Wazzu’s two most decorated recruits signed so far in the 2027 recruiting cycle?
Analysis: Cougars Balance Continuity With New Faces in Tight End Room
With new faces and returning experience at the position, the Washington State Cougars’ tight end room has a mix of size, athleticism, and versatility heading into the 2026 season.
The Cougars bring back proven contributors like Trey Leckner while also adding an experienced transfer and intriguing developmental player to the mix who could emerge over time in new coach Kirby Moore’s offense. Whether it’s as blockers in the run game or pass catchers in the red zone, this group has the potential to play an important role in WSU’s offense throughout the year.
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