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.
Just one day later, Washington State secured a commitment from Barnett, who starred for The King's Academy in Sunnyvale, California. Barnett stands 6-4 and weighs approximately 195 pounds, bringing impressive length and athleticism to the position. While currently unranked by 247Sports, Barnett has attracted significant recruiting attention, holding offers from Colorado State, San Diego State, New Mexico, UNLV, Army, FIU, and several Ivy League programs.
During the 2025 season, Barnett demonstrated his versatility by catching 36 passes for 583 yards and nine touchdowns while also contributing on defense with two interceptions and 34 tackles. He also plays basketball and after his commitment to Washington State, he cancelled his visit to San Diego State. Barnett became Washington State's first wide receiver commitment in the 2027 cycle and continues the staff's emphasis on adding size and athleticism at the skill positions.
The Cougars also strengthened their future receiving corps with the commitment of Malachi Garlington from Adrienne C. Nelson High School in Happy Valley, Oregon. The 6-3, 180-pound receiver carries an 82 overall rating and a three-star designation, making him one of the more established recruits among Washington State's recent commitments.
Garlington chose the Cougars over offers from Oregon, Oregon State and Boise State, highlighting the significance of his commitment for Moore and his staff in an important Pacific Northwest recruiting victory. His combination of size, length and athletic ability gives Washington State another promising target on the outside. In the 2025 season, he caught 51 passes for 910 yards and 20 touchdowns.
With these three additions, Washington State continues to establish a strong foundation for the future. Moore and his staff have placed a heavy emphasis on recruiting California and the Pacific Northwest, and recent commitments suggest that strategy is paying dividends as the Cougars continue to assemble a talented group of young players that they hope will allow for early and sustained success in the new-look Pac-12.
