Washington State University is gearing up for another season of college football and basketball. There are some big games and plenty of roster changes ahead.
The Cougars have a much clearer handle on the roster math this year. Last season, the rules were still being sorted out, which made things a little chaotic.
This time around, they know exactly what they’re working with. The NCAA now allows 105 players overall, which is a bump up from the old 85-scholarship limit.
That extra clarity has let the Cougars add to their roster with a mix of walk-ons and a few possible scholarship guys. It’s made for a more strategic approach.
Roster Math: A Clearer Picture for the Cougars
Last year, the NCAA’s roster rules were a moving target. Teams had to guess and adjust on the fly, which wasn’t ideal for anyone.
Now, with the 105-player limit in place, Washington State can plan with confidence. They’ve brought in several new faces, aiming to boost depth and give the coaching staff more options.
Key Additions and Changes
The Cougars have been busy lately, adding new players to the mix. Most of these are walk-ons, but there are a couple who could end up on scholarship.
It’s all about building depth and flexibility as the season gets underway. The coaching staff will have more choices, and that’s never a bad thing.
Exciting Basketball Matchups on the Horizon
Basketball fans have a lot to look forward to as well. Washington State has announced some intriguing games, including a home-and-home series with North Dakota State.
Alex Rosinski first reported the matchup on Twitter, and it’s now confirmed. The Cougars will host the Bison on December 6, and they’ll head to Fargo for the return game in the 2027-28 season.
North Dakota State: A Formidable Opponent
North Dakota State put together a strong season last year, finishing 27-8 overall and 14-2 in their conference. They made the NCAA Tournament as a No. 14 seed, though they eventually lost to No. 3 seed Michigan State.
Dave Richman is still leading the Bison, now in his twelfth year. The transfer portal hit them pretty hard, and they’ve only kept one of their top players, but they’re still a tough matchup.
For context, North Dakota State’s best win last season was against St. Thomas. Washington State beat St. Thomas 81-71 in Pullman, so there’s a bit of a measuring stick here.
Additional Challenging Games
Besides North Dakota State, the Cougars have other notable games lined up. They’ll play Murray State on November 30, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.
Murray State isn’t quite the powerhouse it was during Ja Morant’s days, but they’re no pushover. They finished last season 20-13, with a 12-8 conference record.
Murray State: A Fast-Paced Challenge
The Racers lost to Nevada in the NIT. Ryan Miller took over as head coach last year, and the team was ranked No. 127 in KenPom.
They picked up wins against teams like George Washington and Akron. Murray State likes to push the pace and shoot a ton of threes, which should make for an interesting test of Washington State’s defense.
Returning to Familiar Grounds
Washington State will also host Davidson this season. The Cougars lost to the Wildcats 85-69 on the road last year, but a lot has changed since then.
Both teams have seen plenty of roster turnover, so it’s really anyone’s guess how this one will play out. Still, there’s a bit of a revenge angle for Washington State.
Davidson: A Rematch with New Dynamics
Davidson managed to keep more of their roster intact over the offseason compared to the Cougars. But, as usual in college basketball, both squads will have a new look.
This matchup gives Washington State a shot to show how much they’ve grown since last season’s loss. It’s always interesting to see how teams adapt after a tough defeat.
The Acrisure Series: A Showcase of Talent
Washington State is also set to play in the Acrisure Series in Palm Springs this November. It’s a big event with a stacked field—USC, South Carolina, Saint Louis, Stanford, Arizona State, Grand Canyon, Nevada, Santa Clara, Utah State, Oregon State, Colorado, Seattle, San Francisco, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Cal Baptist, USD, Tulsa, Fordham, LMU, and San Diego are all in.
Pods and Matchups
The series is divided into pods, so the Cougars don’t yet know exactly who they’ll face. Either way, it’s a good chance for them to challenge themselves against a wide range of teams.
Events like this are great for team development, even if the matchups aren’t set in stone just yet. It’s a busy, unpredictable schedule—and that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
Conclusion
Washington State is gearing up for the new season. Both the football and basketball squads have a lot on their plates, honestly.
They’ve got a clearer sense of the roster situation now. The schedule? Not exactly a walk in the park—there are some real tests coming up.
The Cougars could really surprise some folks this year. There’s a buzz about growth, and fans are hoping for a fun ride.
If you want the full breakdown, you might want to check out the [full article](https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/article/washington-state-football-roster-math-breaking-down-285603810/) on 247Sports.
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