Cougs in the Pros: Kyle Williams Goes Deep, Chau Smith-Wade Shines, and More WSU Alums Make NFL Noise
Monday Night Football had its share of highlight-reel moments, but one of the most electric plays belonged to a name you might not have expected: Kyle Williams. The former Washington State wideout made the most of his lone target, turning a third-and-nine into a 33-yard touchdown that had shades of Willie Mays in the outfield. Eyes to the sky, arms extended, Williams tracked a perfectly placed lob from rookie quarterback Drake Maye and hauled it in over his shoulder right at the goal line.
It was a textbook go route-something Williams made a living off of back in his Pac-12 days-and he ran it to perfection against Saints corner Paulson Adebo. With a clean release and a burst of speed, Williams created several yards of separation, and Maye didn’t hesitate.
The throw was all touch, and the catch was all poise. Just like that, Williams had his second career touchdown.
That would be his only catch of the night, but it was enough to earn him a game ball from head coach Mike Vrabel, who handed it over in the locker room to a round of applause from the Patriots. Williams, ever humble, soaked in the moment.
“Monday Night Football, you only get so many opportunities,” he said postgame. “But that one, it felt special. I’m grateful for it.”
Veteran wideout Stefon Diggs also tipped his cap to the young receiver, praising his growth and persistence.
“[Williams] is a young guy, but he can roll,” Diggs said. “He’s fast, he’s savvy, he’s been open a lot.
They haven’t connected throughout the year, but it’s around that time those banked reps start to turn the corner for you. Super happy for him.”
Through limited action this season, Williams has just five catches, but he’s made them count-averaging a scorching 28.6 yards per reception. At 5-11 and 190 pounds, he’s carving out a role as a deep threat who can change a game in one snap.
The Patriots handled the Giants with ease, cruising to a 33-15 win. But Williams’ moment? That was the exclamation point.
Smith-Wade Steps Up in a Big Way for Carolina
Over in Carolina, another former Coug made waves-this time on the defensive side. Chau Smith-Wade, thrust into a starting role due to Jaycee Horn’s concussion, delivered a performance that helped fuel the Panthers’ stunning 31-28 upset over the Rams.
Matched up against the dynamic duo of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, Smith-Wade didn’t blink. He allowed just two catches for 10 yards while playing every single defensive snap for the first time in his NFL career.
Not bad for a guy many pegged as a nickel-only prospect coming out of WSU.
At 5-11 and 176 pounds, Smith-Wade has shown the versatility and toughness to line up anywhere in the secondary. On Sunday, he proved he could hang with some of the league’s best.
Thanksgiving Spotlight: Hicks and Watson Bring the Heat for Kansas City
Thanksgiving Day football always brings the drama, and the Coug duo of Jaden Hicks and Jaylen Watson delivered early fireworks for the Kansas City Chiefs.
On the Cowboys’ opening drive, Hicks came screaming off the edge on a third-down blitz and absolutely leveled Dak Prescott. The ball fluttered out of Prescott’s hand, and Watson was waiting 25 yards downfield to snag the interception-his third career pick.
It was the first game this season where Hicks and Watson played significant snaps together, and the chemistry was evident. Hicks was elevated into a larger role following an early injury to starter Bryan Cook, and he didn’t waste the opportunity. According to Pro Football Focus, Hicks earned a solid 75 game grade, showing the kind of impact he can have when given extended run.
While the Chiefs ultimately fell 31-28, the performance from the two former Cougars was a bright spot-and a reminder of what WSU fans once saw every Saturday in Pullman.
With Watson likely headed to free agency this offseason, this might be one of the last chances to see the duo share the field in KC colors. But for now, they made it count.
Cougs Around the League: NFL Week Highlights
- Abraham Lucas, Seattle Seahawks: On a day where the Seahawks offense didn’t need to air it out, Lucas quietly dominated in the trenches. While Sam Darnold threw for just 126 yards, Lucas helped anchor a ground game that controlled the clock and wore down the Vikings in a 26-0 shutout win. The right tackle was a true tone-setter.
- Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals: Thompson continues to be a bright spot in a tough season for Arizona. The safety came up with two clutch pass breakups against Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s aggressive passing attack. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals dropped another close one, 20-17, falling to 3-9.
- Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers: The linebacker chipped in with three tackles and half a sack in a 31-14 win over the Raiders. It wasn’t a flashy stat line, but Henley’s presence was felt, especially in run support and short-yardage situations.
- Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders: Luvu’s motor never stops. On Sunday Night Football, he chased down Bo Nix for a critical late-game sack-covering over 20 yards in the process. It was a classic Luvu hustle play, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to prevent a 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos.
Tough Outing for Cameron Ward
After lighting it up against the Seahawks a week ago, Cameron Ward came crashing back to earth. The Titans rookie quarterback struggled against Jacksonville, throwing for just 141 yards with no touchdowns in a 25-3 loss.
It’s been a rough rookie campaign for Ward, with Tennessee sitting at 1-11. But make no mistake-this isn’t just about the quarterback.
The entire Titans offense has sputtered, and the growing pains have been widespread. Ward has shown flashes, but the consistency just hasn’t been there yet.
Still, for a player thrown into the fire this early, the experience is invaluable. The tools are there. Now it’s about building around him and giving him a chance to grow.
Final Word
From highlight touchdowns to game-changing sacks, Washington State alumni made their presence felt across the NFL this week. Whether it’s rookies like Kyle Williams and Chau Smith-Wade seizing their moments, or veterans like Jaylen Watson and Abraham Lucas continuing to grind, the Cougs are showing up-and showing out.
And if this week was any indication, there’s plenty more to come.