Washington State Names Caiden Pinnick Starting Quarterback
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The Washington State Cougars have named Caden Pinnick as their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Washington Huskies in the annual Apple Cup. [/caption]
Washington State has its starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
The Cougars have named UC Davis transfer Caden Pinnick the starter ahead of their season opener against the Washington Huskies. Pinnick entered fall camp as the favorite to win the job and ultimately beat out returning quarterbacks Julian Dugger and Owen Eshelman.
For Washington State, the decision gives the Cougars some clarity at one of the most important positions on the roster heading into the start of the Kirby Moore era.
As a redshirt freshman at UC Davis, Pinnick completed 69.6% of his passes for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Those numbers show the type of production Washington State is hoping to get from its new quarterback.
Pinnick was not only productive through the air, but he also brings athleticism to the position, evidenced by over 600 rushing yards and three touchdowns as a runner for the Aggies last season. His ability to make plays with his legs gives the Cougars another option in the running game and could make it more difficult for opposing defenses to focus solely on Washington State's running backs and passing game.
While his statistics were impressive, consistency was one of the biggest reasons Pinnick was able to win the quarterback competition over the incumbents he was matched against. With a new coaching staff and a new offensive system, Washington State needed to find a quarterback who could consistently execute the offense.
Now, Pinnick will be tasked with leading a Washington State offense that is also adjusting to a new coaching staff.
Dugger, however, could still have a role. The redshirt freshman has shown that he is a talented athlete, and it will be interesting to see whether Washington State finds ways to get him on the field even though he did not win the starting quarterback job.
Former Washington State head coach Jimmy Rogers and his staff showed a willingness to use quarterbacks in creative ways last season. Because of Duggar's athletic ability, the Cougars could potentially use him in certain packages, as a gadget quarterback, or in situations designed to get the ball in his hands.
Having two athletic quarterbacks could give Washington State some flexibility as the season progresses.
For Pinnick, the focus now shifts from winning the job to preparing for his first start. He will not have to wait long for his first major test.
Washington State opens the 2026 season against the Washington Huskies in the annual Apple Cup, giving Pinnick an immediate opportunity to prove himself in one of the biggest games on the Cougars' schedule after throwing a touchdown in a 70-10 loss in Seattle with UC Davis last season. The matchup will also mark the beginning of a new era under Moore, making Pinnick's first start an important one for both the quarterback and the program.
Washington State has gone through plenty of turnover at the quarterback position in recent years. The Cougars have had a different starting quarterback in each of the last several seasons, with Cam Ward being the last quarterback to return as the starter in consecutive seasons.
Now, Washington State is hoping Pinnick can provide some stability at the position as the program begins a new era in the new Pac-12.
