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# Cougars QB Competition Remains Open as Season Opener Nears
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/washington-state-cougars-quarterback-competition-remains-open/
- Published: 2025-08-18T19:44:53.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T06:18:45.000Z
- Author: Jacob Stevenson
- Tags: News, Jimmy Rogers, Zevi Eckhaus, Julian Dugger, Ajani Sheppard, Jaxon Potter, Cougars

\[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1080"\]

![  Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus throws the ball during the Holiday Bowl against the Syracuse Orange. Credit: Zevi Eckhaus/Instagram  ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/473781254_18475939402021245_4260319959424724951_n-format-original-1.jpg)

Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus throws the ball during the Holiday Bowl against the Syracuse Orange. Credit: Zevi Eckhaus/Instagram \[/caption\]

With just 15 days until the Washington State Cougars kick off their season against Idaho on August 30, coach Jimmy Rogers made it clear on Thursday that the quarterback competition is still wide open and will stay that way until the season begins.

At the team's [fall press conference](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUM197Ir3V4&ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com), Rogers addressed the ongoing battle for the starting QB spot, offering little to no hints.

“You guys won’t know. I’ll never tell you. You’re gonna see it on gameday,”[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUM197Ir3V4&ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com)Rogers said.

Four quarterbacks are in the mix for Washington State’s starting role:

**Zevi Eckhaus**

A fifth-year returner and the likely frontrunner to win the job, the 6-2, 209-pound Eckhaus showed unexpected mobility in last season’s bowl game loss against Syracuse and brings experience to the position after previously starting for FCS program Bryant. He completed 37 out of 50 passes for four touchdowns and two picks for the Cougars in limited action last season.

**Julian Dugger**

A second-year transfer from Pitt, the 6-3, 208-pound Dugger is a more mobile option who adds a dual-threat element to the offense. As a freshman for the Panthers last year, he rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown while adding two touchdown passes on 13 pass attempts, utilized more for his running ability in sparce action.  
  
**Jaxon Potter**

A third-year returner and prototypical passer with size (6-5, 205 pounds) and arm strength, Potter saw his first game action last year, completing both of his pass attempts for 26 yards. Experience isn’t working in his favor compared to Eckhaus or even Dugger.  
  
**Ajani Sheppard**

A powerful third-year transfer from Rutgers, the 6-2, 230-pound Sheppard offers another mobile threat with a strong build and playmaking potential. He completed two passes during limited snaps with the Knights in 2023 and had three rushes for 24 yards last season.  
  
According to [*CougFan’s* Jamey Vinnick,](https://247sports.com/article/washington-state-football-enter-final-stretch-position-duels-everywhere-including-qb-252544984/?ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com) Eckhaus is believed to have a slight lead heading into the final stretch of fall camp. Many assumed he’d enter as the starter, but it has been a true competition with a new coaching staff in town.

The diversity of skill sets in the quarterback room will make it especially difficult for Idaho to prepare for the opener. With no clarity on who will start and each quarterback offering a different style, whether it’s Eckhaus and Potter’s traditional pocket passing or the athleticism of Dugger and Sheppard, the Cougs may gain a tactical edge simply by keeping things under wraps, which explains why Rogers has stayed coy.

Regardless of who ultimately takes the first snap, it appears Washington State will head into the season with a deep quarterback room and four guys who can lead the offense. Though as the saying goes, if the Cougars have four quarterbacks, they don’t have one and a real starter will have to emerge from the group.