Analysis: Cougars Balance Continuity With New Faces in Tight End Room
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Washington State Cougars tight end Trey Leckner (23) is tackled by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive back Sam Fongang (0) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images [/caption]
With new faces and returning experience at the position, the Washington State Cougars’ tight end room has a mix of size, athleticism, and versatility heading into the 2026 season.
The Cougars bring back proven contributors like Trey Leckner while also adding an experienced transfer and intriguing developmental player to the mix who could emerge over time in new coach Kirby Moore’s offense. Whether it’s as blockers in the run game or pass catchers in the red zone, this group has the potential to play an important role in WSU’s offense throughout the year.
Here’s a look at all six notable tight ends on Wazzu’s roster heading towards the 2026 season:
Trey Leckner - A redshirt junior from Snohomish returns after a solid sophomore campaign in which Leckner caught 24 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. Leckner missed all of spring ball due to injury, but with his ability as a pass catcher already proven, he should still be a key part of the rotation come September and one of the team’s primary receiving threats at tight end.
Beau Baker - A redshirt sophomore transfer from South Dakota State, Baker chose to remain with Wazzu and will be entering his second year in Pullman. Originally from Springfield, Baker has solid size at 6-6 and around 255 pounds. He possesses the physical tools to contribute as a blocker, and after missing time during his redshirt freshman season due to injury, Baker should factor into the tight end rotation if healthy.
Nathaniel Salmon - A freshman tight end from Porirua in New Zealand, Salmon brings massive size to the room at 6-foot-6 and 274 pounds. Salmon is one of the biggest bodies on the roster and has the frame to develop into a strong blocker while also becoming a potential red-zone weapon down the road. A former professional basketball player, he participated in the NFL’s international pathway program in 2025 and earned an invitation to the Los Angeles Chargers minicamp. With football still being relatively new to him and the tight end room crowded, Salmon could be a redshirt candidate this season.
Jack Pedersen - A redshirt senior transfer from the UCLA Bruins, Pederson adds experience to Washington State’s tight end group. Originally from Murrieta, California, Pedersen stands 6-5 and over 250 pounds. He caught 11 passes for 72 yards during the 2025 season and is expected to be part of the tight end rotation this fall alongside Leckner and Baker.
Peyton Read - A redshirt freshman from Portland, Read returns for his second year in Pullman after coming to WSU from Westview High School. At 6-6, Read has intriguing size and has received positive reviews for both his blocking ability and pass-catching potential. With several other tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart, Read may not see the field much this season, but he remains an exciting developmental player for the future.
Hudson Cedarland - Cederland, a redshirt senior from Gig Harbor, has spent several years in the program after originally beginning his career at linebacker. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Cedarland has embraced a leadership role within the room and will likely contribute in limited situations as a blocking tight end and on special teams.
Overall, the Cougars’ tight end unit features several players capable of contributing in different ways. Leckner projects as the top receiving threat of the group, while veterans like Pedersen and Cedarland provide experience and leadership. Younger players such as Salmon, Read, and Baker add long-term upside and physical tools that could help shape the future of the position in Pullman. If the group can stay healthy and continue developing, the Cougars should have solid depth at tight end this season.
