⚡ 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.

- 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.