Washington State Reveals Depth Chart Heading Into Season Opener vs. Idaho
With the Washington State Cougars set to take on the Idaho Vandals on August 30, head coach Jimmy Rogers has released the team’s Week 1 depth chart, though it may not answer many questions about who to expect to start in the opener.
There aren't many surprises here — every position includes an “OR” designation, which suggests the coaching staff is being intentionally vague. This tactic likely aims to keep Idaho guessing about who will actually take the field. It also indicates that fans can expect heavy rotation across multiple positions.
At running back, all four players listed could see action for Washington State, including Dylan Paine. The defensive line is also expected to rotate frequently, keeping players fresh with the goal of maintaining pressure throughout the game with hot late summer temperatures expected.
While the depth chart offers flexibility with the purposeful coyness, those listed at the top of each position are generally expected to start or play significant snaps. At wide receiver, Leyton Smithson is listed as a starter at one of the outside spots. However, expect to see plenty of rotation here too, with Josh Meredith, Tony Freeman, Devin Ellison, and Jeremiah Noga all likely to get meaningful reps.
The biggest question mark remains at quarterback. It’s a four-man competition, and while CougFan’s Jamey Vinnick reports that Zevi Eckhaus is currently projected as the frontrunner, the depth chart still lists three “ORs” at the position. That means the starting quarterback likely won’t be confirmed until the Cougars take the field.
