⚡ CFB Dashboard

- Erik Coleman said Washington State has enough returning energy, experience, and offensive talent to contend for the Pac-12 Championship under Kirby Moore. - Coleman said Washington State's offense may need time because the Cougars have a new head coach, offensive coordinator, new players, timing work, blocking schemes, and quarterback strengths to sort through. - Coleman viewed Washington State's ravenous fall-camp defense as a good sign because defenses can be effective sooner with the right attitude. - Washington State retained more than 50 players and added 12 former Power 4 transfers under the new staff. - Washington State has five USA Network games, including the Sept. 19 home opener against Duquesne and an Oct. 24 Boise State game in Pullman.

- Kirby Moore declined to clarify Soni Finau's Apple Cup status before Washington State's roster deadline, leaving the defensive tackle's availability uncertain. - Finau has not been practicing long and likely would not play heavy snaps, but his 340-pound frame would still add size to Washington State's defensive tackle rotation. - Peyton Read is still working through an injury after missing the end of fall camp, which could leave Washington State with only Jack Pedersen, Beau Baker, and Cash Landau available at tight end. - Washington State did not reveal its right tackle winner, with Jonny Lester assumed to start but Jaylin Caldwell and Maximus McCree still described as contenders. - Moore said Washington State is still trying to find its best five offensive linemen and needs multiple edge options ready because games and seasons can change quickly.

- Caden Pinnick won Washington State's starting quarterback job by consistently making available plays and correcting mistakes, allowing Matt Miller to tailor the offense around Pinnick's strengths. - Julian Dugger and Owen Eshelman remain close enough to Pinnick that both are preparing as starters and are positioned to step in if needed. - Washington State intends to establish the run with Kirby Vorhees, Maxwell Woods and Leo Pulalasi, while breakout camp performer Tre Hill Jr. has pushed toward a fourth role in the rotation. - Jordan Dees, Darrius Clemons and Branden Ganashamoorthy have improved their command of route alignments, motions and run-game details, but the quarterbacks still need to give them more chances to make plays. - Jonny Lester and Jaylin Caldwell remain in an unsettled right-tackle competition after solid camps, with Miller expecting Washington State to need both during the season.

- Washington State added 6-foot-6, 264-pound Vanderbilt transfer Linus Zunk to supply SEC experience and leadership to a young defensive-end room. - Zunk's work at defensive end stood out in both spring practice and fall camp, and his leadership earned him co-captain honors for the 2026 season. - Zunk and Matyus McLain repeatedly disrupted plays at the line of scrimmage during camp and project as Washington State's starting edge pairing. - Zunk recorded 15 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 13 pressures across 267 snaps for Vanderbilt in 2025, giving Washington State a proven rotational pass rusher rather than a high-volume returning starter.

- Matt Miller's shift- and motion-heavy offense has forced Washington State's defense to improve its communication, checks and ability to adjust before the snap. - Likely starting strong safety Jeremiah Bernard has retained his physical run support while making major progress in coverage during camp. - Defensive coordinator Trent Bray praised quarterback Caden Pinnick's command, ball placement and ability to punish defenses athletically when plays break down. - Washington State's players selected defensive end Linus Zunk, defensive tackle Kaden Beatty and linebacker Keith Brown as defensive captains. - The defensive two-deep is nearly set, though Bray said the final close competitions will be decided during game-week practice.

- Washington State scheduled 2026 fall camp from Aug. 6 through Aug. 23 using one practice per day, with practices open to the public before the Sept. 6 opener against Washington. - The Cougars scheduled camp scrimmages for Aug. 15 and Aug. 21 at 11 a.m.; the staff was not expected to repeat last year's full-contact quarterback practice approach.

- Postpractice Interviews || Coach Bray, Coach Miller, Paul Hutson III, Nick Bakken Opens in a new window PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State Football practiced on Rogers Practice Fields and in Gesa Field Wednesday.

- Postpractice Interviews || Coach Moore, Coach Bray, Coach Miller Opens in a new window Postpractice Interviews || Ashton Tripp, Jirah Leaupepetele Opens in a new window

- Postpractice Interviews || Coach Kirby Moore, Coach Trent Bray, Coach Matt Miller Opens in a new window Postpractice Interviews || Linus Zunk, Ashton Tripp, Darrius Clemons, McLain Opens in a new window

- PULLMAN, Wash. (July 29, 2026) – Washington State Football will open 2026 Preseason Camp Thursday, August 6 on the Rogers Practice Fields. - The Cougars are led by first-year head coach Kirby Moore who was named WSU’s 36 th head coach December 12, 2025.