Washington State Cougars Football

The Washington State Cougars football team represents Washington State University in college football. They compete in the NCAA Division I FBS and are part of the Pac-12 Conference. Established in 1894, they're known as the Cougars. Their home ground is Martin Stadium, seating 33,522 fans.

The team's biggest rivalry is with the Washington Huskies, culminating in the Apple Cup game every late November, which marks the end of their regular season. With a history of over a century, the Cougars have become a significant presence in college football.

Washington State Cougars Football Introduction

The Washington State Cougars Football team, representing Washington State University, has a long history dating back to its start in 1894. Their home stadium is the famous Martin Stadium, located in Pullman, Washington. Led by head coach Jake Dickert, they compete in the Pac-12 Conference and play on FieldTurf. The team's mascot, Butch T. Cougar, represents their a strong spirit on the field.

Over the years, they've won four conference titles in 1917, 1930, 1997, and 2002. Their big rivalries with teams like Washington and Idaho make their seasons even more exciting, along with their competition for the Northwest Championship against Oregon State. With eight Consensus All-Americans on their team, the Cougars keep working hard for success.

Washington State Cougars Football History

The Washington State Cougars Football program has a storied history that dates back to its founding year, 1894. Led by first head coach William Goodyear, the team began with just two games in their inaugural seasons.

Over the years, the program evolved under the guidance of coaches like William L. Allen, who notably served as the first paid head coach in 1900 and 1902, achieving an overall record of 6–3–1. Throughout its early years, the team competed in various conferences, including the Pacific Coast Conference and the Independent Circuit, before joining the Pac-12 Conference in 1962.

Despite facing challenges and transitions, the Cougars have amassed a respectable record, currently at 579–581–45 (.499). They've participated in numerous bowl games and maintain a competitive edge with an 8–10 record. The program boasts one unclaimed national title in 1915 and has clinched conference championships in 1917, 1930, 1997, and 2002.

Washington State Cougars Football Coach

The Washington State Cougars football program has seen the leadership of 34 head coaches since its inception in 1894. Throughout its illustrious history, these coaches have played pivotal roles in shaping the team's identity and success on the field.

Head Coach: Jake Dickert

As the current head coach of the Washington State Cougars football team, Jacob Dickert brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role. Before assuming the head coaching position, Dickert served as the defensive coordinator at Washington State University starting in 2020.

He began coaching after playing football at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where he graduated in 2007. Dickert's coaching career has taken him to various institutions, including North Dakota State, South Dakota, and Wyoming, where he honed his skills in different coaching capacities. Since taking over as head coach in 2022, Dickert has continued to uphold the proud tradition of the Cougars.

Here’s the table shows the list of the head coaches of the Washington State Cougars Football program:

Washington State Cougars Football Stadium: Martin Stadium

Martin Stadium, located on the campus of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, serves as the iconic home field for the Washington State Cougars football team. This place is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference. Originally constructed in 1972, the stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to enhance the game-day experience for fans and players alike.

Named Gesa Field at Martin Stadium as part of a sponsorship agreement with Gesa Credit Union in 2021, the stadium boasts a rich history and a vibrant game-day atmosphere. It has been equipped with artificial turf since its inception, with infilled FieldTurf implemented since 2000.

Washington State Cougars Football Rivals

Washington (Apple Cup)

The rivalry between Washington State and Washington, known as the Apple Cup, dates back over a century to their first meeting in 1900. The series, currently standing at 74–33–6 in favor of Washington, is one of college football's oldest and most storied rivalries.

Historically, the teams competed for the Governor's Trophy until 1961, when the Apple Cup was renamed to honor Washington's apple industry. Since 2011, the game has been traditionally played on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Despite the Huskies' historical advantage, the Cougars continue to strive for victory, with the most recent game in 2022 ending in Washington's favor.

Oregon State

Though more long-standing than the Apple Cup, the rivalry between Washington State and Oregon State holds significant importance in Pac-12 football. The series began in 1895, and the Cougars currently lead with a record of 57-48. The most a recent encounter in 2023 that saw Washington State emerge victorious with a score of 38–35. As both schools plan to schedule games with the Mountain West conference in the coming years.

Idaho (Battle of the Palouse)

The Battle of the Palouse between Washington State and Idaho is a historic rivalry fueled by the close proximity of the two universities. Dating back to their first meeting in 1894, the series has seen Washington State dominate with a commanding 73–14 lead.

Despite periods of intermittent play, the rivalry remains significant for both institutions. Though Idaho currently competes in lower-level FCS play, the teams continue to schedule games.

Utah

The rivalry between Washington State and Utah may not be as deeply rooted as others, but it has become increasingly competitive since their first matchup in 1977. With Utah leading the series 11-9, each game brings intensity as both teams vie for supremacy on the field.

Northwest Championship

In addition to individual rivalries, Washington State has also competed for the Northwest Championship by facing off against regional rivals Washington, Oregon State, and Oregon. The Cougars claimed the championship in 1983 by sweeping these opponents.

Washington State Cougars Football Record and Stats

The Washington State Cougars football program boasts a proud history marked by notable achievements and standout performances. While the NCAA does not officially recognize the team's national championships, Washington State holds the distinction of winning the Rose Bowl in 1916.

The 1915 WSC team, led by coach William "Lone Star" Dietz, delivered an unbeaten and untied season, conceding only 10 points. Their impressive campaign culminated in a decisive 14–0 victory over Brown University in the Tournament East-West football game, now known as the Rose Bowl. This triumph remains Washington State's sole Rose Bowl or New Year's Six Bowl victory, a cherished moment in the program's history.

While the contemporary system for determining national champions was absent in the early years of college football, the 1915 WSC team has been celebrated by various major selectors. Referee Walter Eckersall lauded the team as the equal of Cornell, while the Associated Press referred to them as "mythical national champions" during a 20th-anniversary celebration in 1935. In 2014, the Washington State Senate passed Resolution 8715, officially recognizing the team as national champions on the season's 99th anniversary, with head coach Mike Leach in attendance.

Rose Bowl champions

Conference championships

Division championships

Washington State Cougars Football Roster

In 2024, the Washington State Cougars Football team showcased a diverse roster of talent across various positions.

• Defensive Back

• Stephen Hall

• Jackson Lataimua

• Kapena Gushiken

• Tyson Durant

• Adrian Wilson

• Kenny Worthy III

• Jaylon Edmond

• Ethan Torres

• King Williams

• Warren Smith Jr.

• Ethan O'Connor

• Reece Sylvester

• Jamorri Colson

• Tanner Moku

• Cole Norah

• Kasen Kinchen

• Aslan Fraser

• Joe Taylor

• Defensive Line

• Ansel Din-Mbuh

• Jack Procter

• Rashad McKenzie

• Khalil Laufau

• David Gusta

• Aden Mata

• Bryson Lamb

• Syrus Webster

• Nusi Malani

• Quinn Roff

• Raam Stevenson

• Isaac Terrell

• Michael Hughes

• Jack Janikowski

• Andrew Edson

• Kicker

• Dean Janikowski

• Linebacker

• Tristan Bohannon

• Taariq (Buddah) Al-Uqdah

• Keith Brown

• Frank Cusano

• Hudson Cedarland

• Tai Fa'avae

• Parker McKenna

• Kyle Thornton

• Gavin Fugat

• Long Snapper

• Colson Brunner

• Sean Bures

• Durham Harris

• Offensive Line

• AJ Hasson

• Gauge Machado

• Rodrick Tialavea

• Landon Roaten

• Christian Hilborn

• Luke Roaten

• Brock Dieu

• Jonny Lester

• Kyle Martin

• Devin Kylany

• Ashton Tripp

• Nathan Pritchard

• Zack Miller

• Noah Dunham

• Esa Pole

• Fa’alili Fa’amoe

• Punter

• Nick Haberer

• Quarterback

• Zevi Eckhaus

• Jaxon Potter

• Evans Chuba

• John Mateer

• Hunter Najm

• Brady McKelheer

• Running Back

• Djouvensky Schlenbaker

• Leo Pulalasi

• Wayshawn Parker

• Josh Joyner

• Dylan Paine

• Lane Heeringa

• Jalen Ridgeway

• Tight End

• Trey Leckner

• Cooper Mathers

• Ben Dutton

• Billy Riviere III

• Mahki Whitney

• Andre Dollar

• Luke Leighton

• Wide Receiver

• Tony Freeman

• Kris Hutson

• Kyle Williams

• Tre Shackelford

• Carlos Hernandez

• Kyle Maxwell

• Leon Neal Jr.

Washington State Cougars Football Schedule

Here is the 2024 Washington State Cougars Football Schedule: