Prediction: How Many Games Will Washington State Win in 2025?
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Washington State will count on receiver Devin Ellison to be an impact contributor after arriving in the transfer portal. Credit: Devin Ellison/Instagram [/caption]
Opening up with a new installment of the “Battle of the Palouse” against Idaho, the Washington State Cougars will face an unusual 2025 football schedule as they prepare for the upcoming transition to the rebuilt-Pac-12 era.
Before the Pac-12 officially starts on July 1, 2026, Washington State will be tasked with navigating a schedule that features a mix of cross-country matchups, tough regional rivalries, and intriguing future conference foes. Notably, they will play three games in the Eastern time zone, including two in Virginia, and not a single game against a California opponent.
With so many unfamiliar opponents and challenges ahead, it's uncertain how this season will play out under first-year coach Jimmy Rogers. But with a record of eight bowl appearances in the last nine years (excluding 2020), the Cougs are hoping to make it nine out of 10.
Will they reach that impressive accomplishment? Predicting game by game before kickoff against Idaho in the season opener:
Washington State vs. Idaho
Opponent Overview:
After losing head coach Jason Eck to New Mexico, Idaho has undergone some major roster changes. New coach Thomas Ford Jr will inherit a program that has had recent success but having lost several players to the transfer portal, though they do return some key contributors. Joshua Wood, a former Fresno State quarterback who will be taking the reins, will be important for Idaho to maintain success.
What to Expect:
This should be a relatively easy win for Washington State, as the Cougs should have the talent advantage on both sides of the ball. Despite Idaho’s recent success, they also have a new head coach and the Cougars have more firepower that should push them to a convincing win.
Prediction: WSU 37-17
Washington State vs. San Diego State
Opponent Overview:
San Diego State is in a rebuilding phase, losing several key players to both graduation and the transfer portal. Michigan transfer Jayden Denegal will be their new quarterback after the departure of Danny O'Neil. The Aztecs have struggled on the road under head coach Sean Lewis, who has yet to find consistent success away from home.
What to Expect:
Although the Aztecs will be a step up in competition from Idaho, Washington State should still have enough firepower to win at home without a hitch. SDSU’s road struggles will likely continue in Pullman in the battle of future Pac-12 teams.
Prediction: WSU 24-14
Washington State at North Texas
Opponent Overview:
North Texas comes into the season with a prolific offense, ranking in the top 25 nationally last year in both passing yards and points scored. Despite losing some key players, head coach Eric Morris will have his team ready to play and should have another quality offense with the Mean Green.
What to Expect:
Even with this being the first road game of the season, the Mean Green have significant players to replace on both sides of the ball and while it will be close, the Cougars make enough plays and find a way to win.
Prediction: WSU 28-24
Washington State vs. Washington
Opponent Overview:
The Huskies come into this game after losing a close Apple Cup last year. Quarterback Desmond Williams Jr. will lead the offense, and key returnees like Jonah Coleman and Denzel Boston give UW a solid fountation. The Huskies, however, did struggle on the road last year.
What to Expect:
Rivalry games are always unpredictable, and while Pullman is a tough place to play, the overall talent edge goes to Washington. Expect a close, hard-fought game, but ultimately, the Huskies should escape with the win to get some revenge.
Prediction: UW 27-21
Washington State at Colorado State
Opponent Overview:
Colorado State comes off a solid 8-5 season and returns starting quarterback Bradyen Fowler-Nicolosi. While the Rams have lost some key players, including Seahawks draft pick Tory Horton, they still pose a significant challenge. Jay Norvell enters his fourth season, looking to build on the progress made last year.
What to Expect:
This game should be a back-and-forth affair, but Washington State’s should be able to make one more play then the Rams. The Cougars need to handle the altitude and road environment, but they have the talent to win there.
Prediction: WSU 31-27
Washington State at Ole Miss
Opponent Overview:
Ole Miss, an SEC opponent on the road, looks to be the most difficult game of the season on paper. Although they lost several key players to the NFL draft, they still boast a deep and talented roster. Playing in a hostile SEC environment will be a significant test for the Cougars.
What to Expect:
The Cougs will hang in for a while, but with back-to-back road games and the overwhelming talent of the Rebels on a long road trip, Washington State will struggle to keep up. Ole Miss’ depth should help them pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Ole Miss 38-17
Washington State at Virginia
Opponent Overview:
Virginia will be well-rested, coming off a bye week, and this will be the Cougs’ second cross-country trip in a short time. The Cavaliers are a solid team in the ACC and will be a tough opponent for Washington State.
What to Expect:
This game will be a tough one for the Cougs with the travel of back to back east coast games. Expect this to be a close one, but Virginia to pull away late for the win.
Prediction: Virginia 28-24
Washington State vs. Toledo
Opponent Overview:
Toledo is a strong team in the MAC and is picked to win the conference. Their quarterback, Tucker Gleason, is a solid player, and they have several important returning players on both sides of the ball. They’ll provide a tough test for the Cougs.
What to Expect:
This will be a challenging game for Washington State, especially after their three straight road games. With a bit more high-level talent, the Cougs should still be able to outlast Toledo at home to break a losing streak.
Prediction: WSU 30-24
Washington State at Oregon State
Opponent Overview:
The Beavers enter this season with a new quarterback, Maalik Murphy, a transfer from Duke. Last season, Oregon State won a close one in Corvallis, using home field to their advantage.
What to Expect:
Oregon State is tough at home, and while Washington State has the talent to win this game, the Beavers will likely be too much on their home turf and you can expect them to make one or two more plays at the end similar to last year’s contest.
Prediction: OSU 27-24
Washington State vs. Louisiana Tech
Opponent Overview:
Louisiana Tech has struggled under head coach Sonny Cumbie, winning only 11 games over the last three seasons. The Bulldogs have been especially poor on the road, making this an ideal game for Washington State to bounce back.
What to Expect:
This is a game Washington State should dominate. Louisiana Tech’s lack of success in recent seasons, combined with their poor road record, makes them a perfect candidate for a comfortable win for the Cougars.
Prediction: WSU 38-21
Washington State at James Madison
Opponent Overview:
James Madison is projected to win the Sun Belt Eastern Division champion and has a perenially solid program. Quarterback Alonza Barnett III is one of the better quarterbacks in the country, and the Cougs will have to return to the east coast and Virginia again.
What to Expect:
This will be one of the tougher games of the season for the Cougars. The long road trip, combined with James Madison being one of the better groups of five teams out there, you can expect James Madison to pull out the win.
Prediction: James Madison 34-27
Washington State at Oregon State
Opponent Overview:
In an extremely rare home-and-home situation, Washington State faces Oregon State for a second time in the season. The Beavers haven’t won in Pullman since 2013, and with the second matchup being a home game, the Cougs should have the advantage.
What to Expect:
Expect Washington State to make necessary adjustments from the earlier matchup in Corvallis. With home-field advantage on their side, and Oregon State’s struggles in Pullman well-documented, the Cougs should come out on top.
Prediction: WSU 24-17
