Washington State University’s football program is in the middle of a wild stretch after the 2025 season. There’s been a shakeup in the coaching staff and a surprising number of players have left through the transfer portal.
The Cougars finished 2025 with a 7-6 record. They wrapped it up with a win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, but then head coach Jimmy Rogers left for Iowa State.
Kirby Moore was hired to replace Rogers. His arrival set off even more transfers and has left the team’s future looking pretty murky.
Washington State’s 2025 Season Recap
The 2025 season was honestly a bit of everything for the Cougars. A 7-6 record isn’t bad, especially given all the hurdles they faced.
They ended the year on a high, beating Utah State 34-21 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. That was their first bowl win since 2018, and the first for Jimmy Rogers as head coach.
Coaching Changes and Their Impact
But, just as fans were getting excited, things changed fast. On December 5, 2025, Jimmy Rogers took the head coaching job at Iowa State, signing a six-year deal worth $3 million per year.
Rogers left after Matt Campbell headed to Penn State. Suddenly, Washington State had to scramble for a new leader.
They moved quickly, landing Kirby Moore, who was Missouri’s offensive coordinator. Moore’s known for his work on offense, both at Missouri and before that at Fresno State.
Still, the buzz around Moore’s hiring faded as players started leaving in droves.
Mass Exodus via the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal turned into a revolving door for the Cougars. A jaw-dropping 37 players exited after the 2025 season.
That’s one of the biggest waves of departures in the country, and it’s left the roster looking pretty thin.
Key Departures
Here are some of the main players who left:
- Landon Wright: Wide receiver, now with Boston College. He had 121 yards and two touchdowns on seven catches, averaging 17.3 yards per grab.
- Isaac Terrell: Led the team in sacks with seven, plus 28 tackles and a forced fumble.
- Colby Humphrey: Top cornerback, two interceptions, 53 tackles.
- Matt Durrance: Safety, 58 tackles, two passes defended, one interception, one forced fumble.
- Donovan Fitzmaurice: Defensive tackle, 11 tackles and one sack.
- Josh Meredith: Leading receiver with 723 yards and three touchdowns on 57 catches.
- Kirby Vorhees: Top rusher, 576 yards and five touchdowns on 138 carries, averaging 4.2 per carry.
Losing these guys hit the Cougars hard—on defense, offense, and pretty much everywhere in between.
Challenges Ahead for Kirby Moore
Now, Kirby Moore’s got his work cut out for him. The roster’s thin, and he’s got to rebuild, fast.
The pressure’s on to use the transfer portal and recruiting to fill gaps and get the team back on track. It’s a tough spot, honestly, and it’ll take some smart moves to keep the Cougars competitive next season.
Replenishing the Roster
Moore’s recruiting chops are going to be tested. The portal isn’t just for losing players—it’s also a way to snag experienced guys who can help right now.
And, of course, solid recruiting is the only way to lay a real foundation for the future.
Navigating Spring Practices
Spring practices are coming up, and they’re going to be huge for Moore and his staff. It’s a chance to see what’s left on the roster and start working in new faces.
Moore’s got to get his offensive ideas across, and building chemistry will be key. There are some pretty big holes to fill, too.
Fan Expectations and Program Outlook
If you’re a Washington State fan, it’s probably time to buckle up. The next few months could be rocky as the program tries to find its footing.
Maybe things turn around quickly, maybe not. With the right plan and some luck in recruiting, the Cougars could surprise people—or at least start putting the pieces back together.
Long-Term Vision
The immediate future might be a bit rough, but there’s a sense of hope about Washington State’s long-term prospects with Kirby Moore at the helm.
Moore’s experience running offenses hints at a more dynamic style of football. That could help lure in talented recruits and maybe even light a fire under the fan base again.
It’s going to take some real patience and buy-in from the community as everyone adjusts to all this change. Nobody said transitions were easy, right?
The Cougars are definitely at a turning point after a rollercoaster season. Losing key players and bringing in a new head coach—it’s a lot to handle at once.
Rebuilding is the name of the game now, and everything is shifting toward what’s next. If you want a deeper dive on who’s left the team and what it means, check out the source article.
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