Washington State was climbing up the rankings in November last year and looked like it might have a chance of making the College Football Playoff.
The Cougars, in their first season with just two teams in the Pac-12, had won eight of their first nine games and were ranked as highly as No. 18. But then they lost by three points at New Mexico and followed that up with another three-point loss at Oregon State before falling again, 15-14 vs. Wyoming. Wazzu ended up playing in the Holiday Bowl and lost 52-35 against Syracuse.
However, the Cougars will look much differently this year. Former head coach Jake Dickert is now at Wake Forest, and quarterback John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma.
New head coach Jimmy Rogers, after an FCS championship-winning tenure at South Dakota State, is in charge of making sure Wazzu continues winning.
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Washington State Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Wazzu’s win total Over/Under is 5.5, with Under 5.5 at -165 and Over 5.5 at +140.
The Cougars’ betting odds of making it into the College Football Playoff are +10000.
Washington State Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Idaho
Sept. 6 vs. San Diego State
Sept. 13 @ North Texas
Sept. 20 vs. Washington
Sept. 27 @ Colorado State
Oct. 11 @ Ole Miss
Oct. 18 @ Virginia
Oct. 25 vs. Toledo
Nov. 1 @ Oregon State
Nov. 15 vs. Louisiana Tech
Nov. 22 @ James Madison
Nov. 29 vs. Oregon State
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Washington State Football Begins New Season With New Faces
Washington State’s roster undoubtedly is much different in Year 1 of the Jimmy Rogers era compared to before. But there’s still some familiar names on the team.
John Mateer, one of the top quarterbacks in the FBS last year, is now at Oklahoma. He threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on a 64.6% completion rate while rushing for 826 yards and 15 scores.
Zevi Eckhaus is the front runner to earn the starting QB role among WSU’s returners. The former Bryant transfer started in the Holiday Bowl against Syracuse last year and threw for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions on 31-of-43 passing while rushing for 28 yards and another TD. He also completed 6 of 7 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown in an appearance against Portland State last year.
Jaxon Potter, Pitt transfer Julian Dugger, and Rutgers transfer Ajani Sheppard could be in the mix at quarterback as well.
Running back Leo Pulalasi is the team’s leading returning rusher after running for 302 yards and two touchdowns on 65 carries a season ago. At wide receiver, Kyle Williams is now in the NFL after catching 70 passes for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024. But Joshua Meredith is back after ranking third on the team with 472 yards and 39 receptions while scoring two touchdowns through the air. Tony Freeman is also back at wide receiver after he caught eight passes for 125 yards last season.
On the offensive line, Christian Hilborn and Brock Dieu are both back after being among WSU’s primary starters in 2024. Both gained experience at multiple positions last year.
Wazzu’s top eight tacklers from last season are gone. Linebacker Parker McKenna is the leading returner in that category as he totaled 39 tackles, a sack, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble a year ago.
The Cougars brought in several transfers from South Dakota State, including on defense. They hope those newcomers will step up to the challenge in 2025.
Washington State Football Season Prediction
I predict Washington State will go Over 5.5 wins during the regular season.
Rogers is in his first season as a head coach at the FBS level, sure. The Cougars’ roster is also going to look different following Dickert’s departure. But I still think the Cougars are capable of putting together a .500 season at minimum.
Wazzu had to put together a bit of a makeshift schedule this season before the Pac-12 is solidified next year. With that said, there’s some winnable games for the Cougars.
I specifically think Idaho, Colorado State, Toledo, and Louisiana Tech could be wins for Wazzu. I also expect Washington State and Oregon State will split the two-game series between them this season.
From there, the Cougars need just one more win to get to .500. San Diego State, North Texas, and Virginia could be tough, especially with those last two games being on the road. But I think it’s very possible Wazzu ends up being favored in those matchups, too.
All to say, there’s a clear pathway to six wins for Washington State in 2025.
