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.

Former Sumner High School standout Kyle Martin enters his fourth season in Pullman after working his way up from a walk-on to scholarship player. Giving up two sacks on 129 pass blocking snaps, Martin did a solid job filling in at center last season in four games played and enters fall camp as the favorite to take over the starting pivot job full-time.

Noah Dunham also enters his fourth season with the Cougars looking to take another step forward. He appeared in nine games last season with two starts, allowing a sack and seven pressures, and is expected to compete for one of the starting guard positions in 2026. Another offseason in the program should help him continue his development as Washington State looks to solidify its interior offensive line.

After transferring from Grand Valley State before the 2025 season, Jaylin Caldwell enters his second season at Washington State. Injuries limited him for much of last year and he played in just two games as a result, but he returns healthy and is expected to compete for the starting right tackle job. His size (6-6, 325 pounds) and experience give the Cougars another quality option to consider at the bookend spots as they continue to build depth across the offensive line.

The lone newcomer to the Cougs’ offensive line group, Maximus McCree arrives in Pullman after previous stops at Iowa Central, Maryland, and Washington. Entering his sixth season of college football, McCree appeared in seven games for the Huskies last season, making three starts before suffering a season-ending injury. In 2024, his first year on Montlake, he played in six games and started four before another injury cut his season short.

If healthy, McCree brings valuable experience to the room after playing parts of three seasons against Big Ten competition and is expected to battle Caldwell for the starting right tackle position in his final year of eligibility

Overall, while there are still some question marks in the trenches, the offensive line looks like one of the most stable position groups on Washington State's roster heading into 2026. Returning experience at multiple positions, combined with the addition of McCree, gives the Cougars plenty of competition and depth up front. If this group can stay healthy and quickly adapt to Moore's system, it has the potential to be a major strength for Washington State's offense and make life easier on the many new skill players in Pullman.