Welcome back to the Palouse Playbook Podcast 🏈 — your go-to source for everything Washington State Cougars football!

In this episode, we break down an electric spring practice where Coach Moore came in fired up and gave one of the most detailed updates yet on where this WSU football team stands heading into the spring game.

From quarterback timing and development to offensive line versatility questions and a defense that’s getting deeper by the day, there’s a LOT to unpack for Coug Nation.

🔑 Topics We Cover:

• Coach Moore’s instant reaction to a strong practice 💬
• QB room update – timing, rhythm, and competition heating up
• What’s going on with the offensive line (Kyle Martin position shift 👀)
• Why versatility could define this WSU offense
• Jamarey Smith & the nickel role in the 4-2-5 defense
• Defensive depth — is this one of the deepest Coug rosters ever?
• The brotherhood forming inside the quarterback room

This episode gives you real insight into how this team is progressing and what to expect as we get closer to the Washington State spring game.

If you’re a die-hard Coug fan or just love college football breakdowns, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Washington State football just gave us our first real look at the Kirby Moore era… and one thing is clear — this defense might be LEGIT. In the first WSU spring scrimmage, reports and post-practice interviews point to a dominant defensive line, constant backfield disruption, and a unit that could carry this team early in 2026.But here’s the real question…👉 If the defense is this good… how good does the offense actually need to be for Washington State to win 8+ games?In this episode of the Palouse Playbook Podcast, we break it all down:Why the WSU defensive line is already turning headsHow depth and rotation could make this defense dangerousEarly concerns (or not) about the quarterback battleBreakout players emerging from spring campWhat this means for the Cougs heading into the 2026 seasonAnd the BIG debate: Is this an 8-win team right now?There’s a lot to like in Pullman… but there are still real questions that could define the season.👇 Join the conversation in the comments:Do YOU trust this offense to not hold this team back?🏈 More Washington State Football ContentSpring Practice UpdatesPlayer BreakdownsGame Previews & ReactionsFull Coverage of WSU FootballSubscribe for daily Cougs coverage and real talk — no fluff.

There’s real momentum building in Pullman… and it might be bigger than people realize.On this episode of the Palouse Playbook Podcast, Christian Rauh, Chad Kebba, and Gavin Hite break down everything we’re hearing from Washington State spring football — and why the Cougars could be trending toward something special in 2026.We finally hear from defensive coordinator Trent Bray, and the message is clear: this defense is getting faster, more physical, and more connected by the day. But here’s the twist… the running back room might be the deepest and most dangerous unit on the team.From Keith Brown’s leadership return to a loaded RB competition, the Cougs are building identity on both sides of the ball.🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:Trent Bray’s early impact on the WSU defenseWhy communication + versatility are changing everythingPlayers standing out this spring (DJ Warner, Jalen Thomas & more)Keith Brown’s return and what it means for leadershipRB room breakdown: Is this a true committee attack?Why players are saying practice feels DIFFERENTWhat to watch for in the upcoming spring scrimmageCeiling vs floor for Washington State in 2026👀 BIG QUESTION:If this all clicks… how dangerous can Washington State actually be this season?If you’re a die-hard Cougs fan or tracking the new Pac-12 landscape, this is your go-to breakdown for everything happening inside WSU football right now.📢 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:👍 Like the video💬 Drop your thoughts: Is the defense or RB room the bigger strength?🔔 Subscribe for more Washington State Cougars coveragePalouse Playbook Podcast🏈 Washington State Cougars Coverage⚡ Powered by Up West Sports#GoCougs #WashingtonState #CollegeFootball #Pac12 #WSUFootball

Washington State just made it official… and it feels like a no-brainer move.

Jon Haarlow is no longer the interim. He’s the full-time Athletic Director as the Cougars prepare to enter a brand-new Pac-12 era—and this decision could shape the future of the entire program.

In this episode of the Palouse Playbook Podcast, we break down why Washington State chose stability over splash, and why that might be exactly what this program needs right now.

From major facility upgrades to key hires like Kirby Moore, Haarlow has already proven he can lead. But now comes the real question…

👉 Can he take Washington State from surviving conference chaos… to becoming a top-tier program in the new Pac-12?

We also dive into:

• Why continuity matters more than ever in college athletics
• The impact of leadership alignment with the university
• What Haarlow must do NEXT to elevate WSU football and athletics
• How fan experience and media innovation are becoming priorities
• Early returns from spring practice under Kirby Moore
• The growing buzz around the Cougars’ QB battle

This isn’t just about removing an interim tag.
This is about the direction of Washington State athletics moving forward.

If you care about the future of WSU, the Pac-12, and college football as a whole… this is a conversation you need to hear.

Subscribe for daily Washington State coverage, spring practice updates, and everything Cougs.

#WashingtonState #GoCougs #Pac12 #CollegeFootball #WSUFootball

🔥 WSU Spring Ball is heating up… and we’re breaking it ALL down.Welcome back to the Palouse Playbook Podcast by UpWest Sports! In this episode, we dive into Washington State Football Spring Practice (Day 3) and highlight the biggest takeaways, standout players, and what Coug fans NEED to know heading into the rest of camp.From wide receiver breakouts to a stacked defensive front, there’s a LOT to be excited about in Pullman 👀🏈 What We Cover:Early WSU Spring Ball takeaways from Coach Kirby Moore’s programWR standouts: Daniel Blood, Ryan McKendry & a deep receiver roomWhy the defensive line looks bigger, tougher, and dangerousLinebacker competition heating up (Nyl Brown, DJ Warner & more)The impact of transfers + returning leadership (Kaden Beatty bringing the juice 💪)QB competition update – who’s separating early?How Coach Moore is building culture + reconnecting Coug Nation across Eastern WashingtonThoughts on WSU Pro Day + NFL potential players

The Washington State running back room is turning into a PROBLEM… and it’s a good one.After Day 2 of spring practice, Kirby Moore made something very clear — this offense might run through the backfield in 2026.We break down why the RB room is quickly becoming the strength of the Washington State offense, how this could shape the identity of the team, and what it means for the quarterback competition moving forward.Because while the running backs are thriving…👉 The QB1 conversation might already be shifting.📌 In this episode of The Palouse Playbook:🔥 Why Kirby Moore spotlighted the RB room early (and why that matters)👀 Is Washington State building a 3-headed monster at running back?⚡ How the RB group could define the offensive identity in 2026🏈 Why this team might lean run-first early in the season🚨 QB1 talk heating up — is Caden Pannick already the leader?🧠 What this evaluation process means for Dugger & Eshleman🌍 Why taking practices outside Pullman is a huge recruiting move🛡️ Early defensive identity + what we need to hear nextThis is still early in spring practice…But one thing is clear:👉 This team isn’t revealing itself yet — it’s building something.And the running back room might be at the center of it.🎙️ Subscribe for DAILY Washington State Cougars coverage📍 Full spring practice breakdowns, QB battle updates, and insider-level analysis💬 Drop your take in the comments:Who should be RB1?And is the offense better off leaning on the run game this year?#WashingtonStateFootball #GoCougs #WSUFootball #CollegeFootball #SpringPractice #RBRoom #QBCompetition #KirbyMoore #Pac12Football

Washington State Spring Practice is officially underway — and one thing is clear: the QB battle is REAL.

After hearing from Head Coach Kirby Moore and multiple players following Day 1, we break down everything you need to know about what’s happening in Pullman right now.

From a true 3-way quarterback competition, to the biggest buzzword coming out of camp (EFFICIENCY), to key injury updates and player interviews — this is your full recap of WSU Football spring ball.

We also dive into what this new era under Kirby Moore actually looks like, how the culture is shifting, and which players are already starting to stand out.

📌 In this episode:

• The Washington State QB battle (Owen Eshleman vs Julian Dugger vs Kaden Pannick)
• Why this competition is truly wide open
• Kirby Moore’s evaluation process and what he’s looking for
• Day 1 takeaways: why efficiency is the new standard
• Injury update: 4 key players out for spring
• What that means for depth and opportunity
• Tony Freeman on culture, leadership, and the WR room
• Matyus McLain bringing elite mindset and defensive energy
• Why this feels like a full culture reset year in Pullman

Spring ball is just getting started — and we’re covering it ALL.

🎙️ Subscribe for DAILY Washington State Football coverage all spring long
📍 More episodes of The Palouse Playbook coming throughout camp

👍 Like, Comment, and let us know:
👉 Who do YOU think wins the QB job?

#WashingtonStateFootball #GoCougs #WSUFootball #CollegeFootball #SpringPractice #QBCompetition #KirbyMoore #Pac12Football

Washington State football is entering a brand new era as Kirby Moore begins spring practice in Pullman — and there is PLENTY to be excited about in 2026.

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about Washington State spring football, including the biggest storylines, position battles, and expectations for the Cougars heading into the 2026 college football season.

The Kirby Moore era is officially underway, and early signs point to a program focused on identity, culture, and building something sustainable in Pullman. From a loaded running back room to a wide-open quarterback competition, Wazzu has the pieces to take a major step forward this year.

We dive into:
• The start of the Kirby Moore era and what it means for Washington State football
• The QB battle featuring Caden Pinnock, Owen Eshleman, and Julian Dugger
• A deep and dangerous three-headed running back room
• Offensive identity and what Moore brings from the SEC
• Trent Bray taking over as defensive coordinator and what to expect
• Key position battles to watch during spring practice
• Why there’s real optimism around Washington State in 2026

Spring practice is where identities are built — and for Washington State, this could be the foundation of something BIG.

If you want to stay ahead on Washington State football, Wazzu spring practice updates, and Cougars 2026 season expectations, you’re in the right place.

Kirby Moore crushed the portal window, now what are we in store for moving forward?

Let's talk about how good this D Line is!