The transfer portal might not officially open for another couple of weeks, but the winds of change are already blowing through Pullman. Washington State is bracing for a significant shakeup, with at least 15 players either announcing their intentions to transfer or being reported as likely departures. While nothing is official yet, the early signs are painting a clear picture: the Cougars are facing a critical offseason, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Eight of those 15 players come from the offensive unit, and while some exits were expected and manageable, others hit a little harder. Losing wide receivers Tony Freeman and Carter Pabst, along with running back Kirby Vorhees, would be a tough pill to swallow for any offense-especially one trying to maintain continuity amid broader program changes.
There's always a chance those three reconsider and return, and if they do, they'd instantly become top priorities for retention. But if they’re truly on their way out, the Cougars have to pivot quickly.
That brings us to the next phase: who’s still in the fold, and who absolutely needs to stay. Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has his work cut out for him, and there are five offensive players in particular who could form the backbone of Washington State’s 2025 offense-if they can be convinced to stick around.
These are the kinds of players who not only bring production, but also leadership and stability to a roster that’s about to look very different. Retaining them could go a long way in keeping the Cougars competitive during a transition-heavy offseason.
No names have officially hit the portal just yet, but the writing is on the wall. This is a pivotal moment for Washington State football-not just in terms of who leaves, but who stays.