Washington State Football Embracing Transparency with Open Spring Practices, April 25 Spring Game
After a 2025 spring season that felt more like a closed-door session than a showcase, Washington State football is flipping the script this year. Head coach Kirby Moore made it clear this week: the Cougars are opening things up in 2026 - literally and figuratively.
Speaking on the Inside WSU Athletics Podcast alongside interim athletic director Jon Haarlow and play-by-play voice Chris King, Moore laid out a spring football schedule designed to reconnect the program with its fans, alumni, and the broader Cougar community. The headline?
Full access. Open practices.
And a spring game circled on the calendar for April 25.
“That’s something I want to make sure the alumni comes back to,” Moore said of the spring game. “Our players meeting those guys and being super appreciative for what they’ve done for them.”
It’s a notable shift from last spring, when the coaching staff - navigating the early stages of the transfer portal window - kept things close to the vest. The 2025 version of the spring game felt more like a controlled scrimmage than a fan-focused event. But with no spring portal to worry about this time around, Moore is leaning into transparency and engagement.
And he’s not just opening the doors - he’s laying out the roadmap.
Spring practices will kick off on March 26, a Thursday, and run on a three-day-a-week schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. That cadence mirrors more traditional spring calendars from years past, when spring ball would begin shortly after spring break and extend through late April.
“I’m not going to make any plays out there on Saturdays in the fall - Saturdays are about our players,” Moore said. “Our staff is going to do a great job of putting them in position to be successful. So just looking forward to the spring and getting out there with them.”
Moore also mentioned a return to Spokane for a practice session, though the exact location hasn’t been confirmed. Last year, WSU held an open practice at One Spokane Stadium, and that venue remains a logical candidate. But nothing is set in stone.
Also on the spring calendar: the Coaches Clinic on April 11 and 12, a staple event that brings together football minds from across the region and gives coaches a behind-the-scenes look at how WSU operates.
As for practice times, Moore didn’t get into specifics, but given class schedules and early sunsets in Pullman this time of year, morning sessions seem likely.
This year’s approach marks a return to a more fan-friendly format - and a clear message from Moore about the direction of the program. He’s not just building a team; he’s building a culture that values connection, appreciation, and visibility.
So Cougar fans, mark your calendars. March 26 is when it all begins, and April 25 is your chance to see the next era of Wazzu football take shape - up close and personal.