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?
Season Preview: Meet Kirby Moore, Cougars New-Look Coaching Staff
As fall camp rolls along, Emerald City Spectrum is giving you the rundown on what you need to know before the Washington State Cougars open the 2026 season against Washington in the annual Apple Cup.
Washington State enters the season with a completely new coaching staff at the top, led by first-year head coach Kirby Moore. Moore has also brought in Matt Miller to run the offense and Trent Bray to lead the defense.
While all three coaches bring different backgrounds and coaching experiences to Pullman, they share one common goal: getting Washington State ready to compete in the new-look Pac-12.
Here is a look at the three men calling the shots for the Cougars in 2026:
Kirby Moore, Head Coach
Kirby Moore enters his first season as Washington State’s head coach, but he is far from new to college football.
A native of Prosser, Washington, Moore grew up around football. His father, Tom Moore, was a longtime high school coach at Prosser, where Kirby played before eventually joining his older brother, Kellen Moore, at Boise State.
Moore played wide receiver for the Broncos from 2009-13, helping Boise State post a 45-8 record during his career. He finished with 115 receptions for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns. After his playing career ended, he quickly moved into coaching.
Analysis: Breaking Down Washington State’s 2026 Football Schedule
Washington State has officially released its 2026 football schedule, marking the first season of the rebranded Pac-12 era with seven conference opponents. In year one under head coach Kirby Moore, the Cougars will face a challenging and intriguing slate filled with the Apple Cup, Power Four opponents, and newly-minted conference matchups.
Who will the Cougs play and which games stand out as their toughest draws entering the Moore era? Starting with their biggest state rivals, there won’t be an easing in period for Wazzu.
Cougars Transfer Portal: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What’s the Impact for Wazzu Football?
With a new head coach taking over for a second straight year, the Cougars will likely undergo major roster turnover with several key starters already hitting the transfer portal. Who will bolt Pullman and who will join Kirby Moore’s squad via the portal?
Transfer Portal Tracker: Breaking Down Cougars’ Returning Players, Newcomers
With plenty of player movement expected with the transfer portal officially open, new Cougars coach Kirby Moore will look to keep as many key contributors in Pullman as possible while adding quality talent from other programs. Who will return and which newcomers jumped onboard?
Washington State Ends Season on Strong Note, Wins Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs. Utah State
While turnovers resulted in several missed opportunities to truly turn the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl into a blowout, the Cougars had more than enough firepower through the air and on the ground to secure a winning 2025 season.
‘Great to Be Home’: Kirby Moore Introduced as Washington State’s 36th Head Football Coach
Embracing the challenges that come with coaching at Washington State in the current state of college football, Kirby Moore has sights on bringing playmakers to Pullman to make the Cougars a threat in the rebuilt Pac-12.
How Can Kirby Moore Achieve Success at Washington State?
Coming back to his home state, the Cougars will be hoping Kirby Moore can provide stability for their fledging football program, and plenty of challenges await for him to meet such expectations in the new-look Pac-12.
Kirby Moore Makes Homecoming as Washington State Cougars’ New Football Coach
Returning close to his hometown of Prosser, Kirby Moore will aim to reinvigorate Washington State’s offense with his first head coaching job, taking over for the departed Jimmy Rogers in Pullman.
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