Washington State Cougars is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +0.9. Washington State Cougars enters the season with a power rating of +0.9, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Washington State Cougars head to Washington next in Week 1. In 2025, Washington State Cougars went 6-6 overall, 8-4 against the spread, and 3-9 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Washington State Cougars Power Rating of +0.9 is 0.7 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Washington State Cougars have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 9,386 miles, ranking 37th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Washington | 250 mi | 500 mi |
| Week 2 | Kansas State | 1,160 mi | 2,821 mi |
| Week 3 | Duquesne | Home | 2,821 mi |
| Week 4 | Arizona | Home | 2,821 mi |
| Week 5 | Fresno State | Home | 2,821 mi |
| Week 6 | Utah State | 434 mi | 3,689 mi |
| Week 7 | Oregon State | 332 mi | 4,354 mi |
| Week 8 | Boise State | Home | 4,354 mi |
| Week 9 | San Diego State | 962 mi | 6,278 mi |
| Week 10 | — | Bye | |
| Week 11 | Colorado State | Home | 6,278 mi |
| Week 12 | Texas State | 1,554 mi | 9,386 mi |
| Week 13 | — | Bye | |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Washington State enters 2026 with a first-time head coach in Kirby Moore and a rebuilt roster after heavy offseason turnover. The Cougars lost six key defensive linemen to Iowa State but added transfers like Matyus McLain (FCS Idaho) and Linus Zunk (Vanderbilt) to anchor the pass rush. The offense returns an experienced offensive line and a deep running back trio, but the quarterback battle between Caden Pinnick (UC Davis transfer) and Owen Eshelman remains unresolved. The team's identity is still forming, but the foundation of a high-flying offense and a defense that must prove itself is in place.
The Cougars return all five starters on the offensive line: left tackle Ashton Tripp, left guard Jonny Lester, center Kyle Martin, right guard Noah Dunham, and right tackle Jaylin Caldwell, plus veteran transfer Maximus McCree. This experienced unit should provide stability for whichever quarterback wins the job and open holes for a running back committee led by Kirby Vorhees, who had the bulk of the team's 1,006 rushing yards last season. The line's cohesion will be critical to Washington State's offensive success.
After losing six key defensive linemen to Iowa State, the Cougars reloaded through the portal with ends Matyus McLain (13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks at Idaho) and Linus Zunk (3 sacks at Vanderbilt), plus interior players Kaden Beatty, Damarjhe Lewis (Purdue), Paul Hutson III (Marshall), and Jirah Leaupepetele (Eastern Washington). The pass rush has potential, but the interior is unproven. How this unit holds up against the run and generates pressure will determine whether the defense sinks or swims.
Kicker Jack Stevens returns after a strong debut season, making 16 of 19 field goals and all 33 extra points. Punter Max Dean, a New Mexico State transfer, averaged 42.3 yards per punt last year. Florida transfer wideout Tank Hawkins is expected to handle returns, adding a dynamic element. Special teams should be a consistent asset for the Cougars.
Washington State enters the rebuilt Pac-12 with a resource advantage over many former Mountain West programs, according to an opposing assistant coach. The Cougars have the infrastructure and recruiting ability to compete for a high finish, but the roster turnover and new coaching staff mean early growing pains are likely. The season opener at Washington (line: Washington -21.5) will be an immediate test of how quickly this team can gel.
Washington State Cougars is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Washington State Cougars holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +0.9, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Washington State Cougars's home field advantage rating is 2.2 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Washington State Cougars travels 9,386 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 37th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Washington State Cougars: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +0.9.
