2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 8-5, Loss vs. Syracuse in DirecTV Holiday Bowl (52-35)

It was a hot start for Washington State, improving to 4-0 after a 54-52 win over San Jose State. Following a loss to Boise State, the Cougars improved to 8-1 but it came crashing down late. Washington State lost the final three games of the regular season before a loss to the Orange in the bowl game.

OFFENSE: Cougars Lean on Ground Game

Jimmy Rogers comes in to be the new head coach for the Cougars and offensive coordinator Danny Freund came with him.

With John Mateer now in Oklahoma, Washington State will look to lean on the ground game. Zevi Eckhaus can use his legs to make plays and will be leaned on in this way. Wayshawn Parker landed in Utah after entering the portal but Angel Johnson is one of many South Dakota State transfers to come to Pullman. He averaged seven yards per carry last season.

Johnson will run behind a line that returns two starters in Brock Dieu and Christian Hilborn. The wide receiver room was pilfered with Kyle Williams and Kris Hutson being gone, along with tight end Cooper Mathers. Now, the team will rely on Josh Meredith, who was third on the team with 39 catches and 472 yards last season.

Washington State was among the nation’s leaders in scoring offense last season. Mateer had plenty do with this. Now, the offense will take on a new identity in 2025.

DEFENSE: Linebackers Lead New-Look Unit

The defense saw plenty of changes this offseason but many returners come from the middle.

Keith Brown leads the way as he prepares to step into an extended role for the Cougars. Parker McKenna also returns as a veteran within the group and it will go a long way for the newcomers. The linebackers also feature some new faces, such as Caleb Franci who made 78 tackles for South Dakota State last season.

Washington State is hoping to be stronger up front as a whole. It continues with a big defensive line. Raam Stevenson steps into the rotation while Max Baloun, another former Jackrabbit, will be expected to make an impact right away.

Jesse Bobbit makes his return to Pullman after being the defensive coordinator for South Dakota State. This is why many Jackrabbits have made the move to Washington State — primarily in the secondary.

Colby Humphrey has All-Conference ability while Mathew Durrance and Tucker Large are other depth options at cornerback. The defense for the Cougars is expected to take a step forward this season.

2025 WASHINGTON STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. Idaho
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. San Diego State
• Saturday, Sept. 13: at North Texas
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. Washington
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at Colorado State
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Ole Miss
• Saturday, Oct. 18: at Virginia
• Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Toledo
• Saturday, Nov. 1: at Oregon State
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Louisiana Tech
• Saturday, Nov. 22: at James Madison
• Saturday, Nov. 29: vs. Oregon State