Washington State's Defensive Ends Lead New Look Defense as Apple Cup Approaches
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Washington State Cougars defensive end Matyus McLain runs down a ball carrier during a spring practice in Pullman. [/caption]
When Washington State takes on the Washington Huskies next Sunday in the Apple Cup, the Cougars will have a new look on the defensive side of the ball.
After losing several players from last season’s defense to transfers and graduation, there will be plenty of new faces looking to make an impact. With Trent Bray coming over from Oregon State to take over as Washington State’s defensive coordinator, the Cougars are counting on several of these newcomers to help lead the defense into a new era.
Two of those players will line up on the edge, with transfers Matyus McLain and Linus Zunk expected to play major roles at defensive end. Both players have received positive reviews throughout fall camp and look poised to play prominent roles for the Cougars in their first year in the new Pac-12 conference.
Matyus McLain
McLain comes to Pullman from Idaho after putting together a strong 2025 season with the Vandals. The defensive end earned All-Big Sky honorable mention honors after recording 42 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, showing the ability to consistently turn up the heat on quarterbacks.
His ability to create pressure off the edge gives Washington State an experienced pass rusher who can help the Cougars get after opposing signal callers, which may be especially vital with a lot of new pieces in the secondary that will need time to acclimate.
McLain spent the previous three seasons playing in the Big Sky, and the Apple Cup will give him his first opportunity to see how his game translates against a Power Four opponent. The jump in competition will be something to watch, but his production at Idaho gives Washington State reason to believe he can make an impact.
With Bray taking over the defense, McLain will be asked to be more than just a pass rusher. He will also have to help set the edge against the run and make plays in space with the program counting on him to contribute as an all-around defender in the starting lineup..
Linus Zunk
Zunk, meanwhile, arrives at Washington State after spending the 2025 season at Vanderbilt. During his time with the Commodores, Zunk recorded 15 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, posting strong production in one of college football’s best conferences.
Bringing valuable experience from playing in the SEC, where he spent the last four seasons, Zunk’s arrival could be especially important for a Washington State defense that is replacing several players from a season ago.
While his numbers at Vanderbilt were not as high as McLain’s numbers at Idaho, Zunk has played against some of the best offensive talent in the country. That experience could help him adjust quickly to Washington State and Pac 12 opponents.
The Cougars will need Zunk to use that experience to make plays both against the run and as a pass rusher to help stabilize the front line early.
New Faces Along the Defensive Line
McLain and Zunk will be expected to help set the edge against the run while also providing pressure when Washington State brings its pass rush.
For a defense going through a transition, having experienced players at key positions can be extremely important. Washington State will have several new faces on defense this season, making the performances of players like McLain and Zunk something to watch closely.
The Apple Cup will provide the first major test for the new-look defense.
Washington State will face a Washington offense looking to start the season strong, and the Cougars’ defensive ends could play a major role in slowing down the Huskies. Football is won at the line of scrimmage and McLain and Zunk will have a large say in Washington State’s ability to win that battle.
McLain has two years of eligibility remaining, while Zunk has one year left. That gives Washington State the opportunity to get immediate production from both transfers while potentially building around McLain for the next two seasons as more of a program cornerstone for the new staff.
As the Cougars begin the Kirby Moore era and Bray puts his stamp on the defense, McLain and Zunk will be two players to watch, and all eyes will be on them entering the latest matchup between two bitter in-state rivals.
