Washington State Football Feels Impact of New Five-for-Five Rule
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="4219"]
Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Soni Finau (53) celebrates after a play against the Oregon State Beavers in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State Cougars won 32-8. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images [/caption]
With the NCAA’s new five-for-five eligibility rule changing the way college basketball teams approach recruiting and roster management, its effects are beginning to reach college football as well. Washington State is now navigating the rule as it looks to add another familiar face to its defensive line ahead of the 2026 season.
According to CougFan.com, Washington State is going through the process of adding defensive lineman Soni Finau to its roster. Finau, a Cal Poly transfer, played for the Cougars during the 2025 season after transferring from Cal Poly.
During his time in Pullman, Finau made an impact on the defensive side of the ball, recording 12 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. If he is cleared to return, Finau would provide the Cougars with another experienced option along the defensive interior.
Finau would join a defensive tackle group that already includes Kaden Beatty, Paul Hudson, Jirah Leaupepetele, Damarjhe Lewis, and Josh Wedel. Adding a player who was in the rotation last season could give Washington State some valuable depth as the season approaches.
The potential addition comes as the Cougars continue preparing for their September 6 season opener against Washington. While Washington State has yet to officially name its starting quarterback, reports coming out of fall camp have pointed toward Caiden Pinnick as the likely starter under center.
Pinnick transferred to Washington State from UC Davis after an impressive 2025 season. He completed 69.6% of his passes for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also added 437 rushing yards, giving the Cougars a quarterback capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground.
If Pinnick earns the starting job, Washington State will enter the Apple Cup with a quarterback who brings significant production and experience to a team undergoing another major transition.
Whether it’s Pinnick or someone else, whoever takes the first snap for Washington State will be a different starter than the Cougars had a year ago. In fact, Washington State has not had the same starting quarterback in consecutive seasons since current Tennessee Titans starter Cam Ward started in 2022 and 2023.
The potential return of Finau and the quarterback competition are two more storylines to watch as the Cougars get closer to the start of the 2026 season. With a new coaching staff, a revamped roster and the first game against Washington approaching, Washington State still has plenty of questions to answer.
The possible addition of a familiar defensive presence could add some much-needed depth, while Pinnick could provide stability at quarterback if he ultimately wins the starting job. With the 2026 season just weeks away, Washington State is beginning to put the final pieces together before a new era officially begins.
