When Beau Baker first set foot in Pullman, Washington, he didn't see just another small college town. Coming from Springfield, Kentucky, a place with fewer than 3,000 residents, Pullman felt like a bustling metropolis.
But what really captured Baker was the sense of belonging he found there. Even when the coaches he initially committed to left in the offseason, his decision to stay was unwavering.
Pullman had become home.
"I'm from an even smaller town," Baker shared. "Pullman's a big town compared to where I am.
It feels like my home away from home. The people here make it feel like home too.
The fans, everybody here. It just feels like I'm home."
Baker, a former 4-star recruit, faced a setback in 2024 when he tore his ACL, sidelining him for the season. However, he bounced back, playing in all 13 games this past season and gradually carving out a role in the tight end rotation. According to Pro Football Focus, Baker logged 97 snaps, with a standout performance of 25 snaps during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory over Utah State.
Primarily utilized as a blocker, Baker's impact was felt on 81 of his 97 snaps. But he also made a memorable contribution as a receiver, catching a crucial 12-yard touchdown pass in the Apple Cup.
Despite the coaching shuffle, Baker quickly formed a bond with the new staff, solidifying his commitment to stay in Pullman. It's clear that for Baker, Pullman isn't just a stop on his football journey-it's a place that feels like home.