Washington State should get a welcome boost in the secondary on Saturday.
Kirby Moore said Thursday that both cornerbacks, Jalil Tucker and Khamari Terrell, are set to return when the Cougars host Duquesne at 12:30 p.m. on USA Network. Tucker has been out since leaving the Apple Cup with a leg injury, and Terrell missed the Kansas State game after being diagnosed with a concussion mid-week.
Moore’s Thursday availability had no other media in attendance, so it functioned largely as a direct update session on the Cougars’ health. He said, “ Malachi (Wrice) and Mike (Hughes) we anticipate being out,” and added, “ Trey (Leckner) is back practicing at a higher level.
From a workload standpoint, I think that'll still be week to week here. But do anticipate him being back sooner than later.
"And then Huddy (Cedarland) will probably be a little bit more midseason ... Peyton (Read) should be good to go.”
Wrice and Hughes were already expected to sit, though Moore indicated Hughes may be sidelined longer, which matches his removal from the official depth chart while Wrice remained.
Leckner’s progress could matter a lot for Washington State, which has been leaning on essentially one tight end in Jack Pedersen.
Moore also addressed wide receiver Caleb Northcroft, who has moved into the two-deep with Tony Freeman out for the season. “Caleb Northcroft got here after the 4th of July, and that guy has maximized every workday.
I know coming from Spokane and just his attention to detail, it started in the weight room, transitioned to fall camp. Obviously, other guys had spring ball, and he's really done a nice job of maximizing his opportunities, and that's where he's at on offense.
And then he's going to have the opportunity here soon on special teams as well.”
On defensive tackle Kaden Beatty, Moore praised the way he carries himself every day: “You appreciate it because every day he shows up the same guy. The energy is through the roof.
The players kind of can anticipate it too, and he can pick up his teammates. Sometimes, someone might be going through something off the field, on the field.
Kaden is always there, bringing tremendous energy, and he is consistent every day.”
Northcroft’s background as a Pullman kid and the son of former Coug defensive tackle Marty Northcroft was also part of the conversation. Moore said, “I think he is very grateful to be in the position that he's in.
And he is a sponge. You saw it right away coming back from the 4th of July with the workouts, staying extra.
He's around the building. He's talking to the older guys.
He's talking to Tony about certain concepts and routes, and he does a great job of doing more than what's expected.”
There were also updates on the line play. Moore said, “ Luke (Webb) and Jack (Procter), they've had some practice reps this week.
And we have to make sure we're fresh up front. We have to rotate those guys.
Be fresh on third down. We have to get after the passer.
I think that's one thing looking at the first couple of games. We've done a nice job of stopping the run.
But when we have opportunities to pressure the quarterback, we have to make sure we make those count.”
Asked about one player’s status, Moore said, “He has the opportunity to. I think he's still working through and coming back. But we're evaluating everything week to week.”
And on the offensive line rotation, he said, “Naturally we'll rotate. I think you look at what Jaylin (Caldwell) did last week as well, so we want to make sure we give those guys opportunities.
We keep them fresh up front. We have to do a better job of all being on the same page, and that's something we've really worked on this week.”
In Other News...
WSU Needs A Spark In Its Home Opener From These Playmakers
Washington State finally gets to come home for its 2026 opener after opening the season with three straight road games, and the timing could hardly be better for a team looking to shake off an 0-2 start. Duquesne brings a defense that has already shown some vulnerability, which gives the Cougars a chance to settle in offensively and put a more complete game together in front of their own fans.
The spotlight falls on Pinnick, Thomas and Blood, three players WSU needs to help set the tone and provide the kind of spark the offense has been missing. With the Cougars still searching for traction early in the year, this matchup feels like an opportunity to regain some confidence and establish a rhythm before the schedule tightens further. [Read more 🡒]
Jaylen Thomas Is Giving WSU A Huge Boost In His New Role
Washington State has been searching for dependable answers in the secondary, and Jaylen Thomas has become one of the most interesting ones as he settles into a new spot. The redshirt sophomore made the move from cornerback to safety and has looked comfortable there, showing the kind of range and playmaking ability that can change a game in a hurry for a defense that needs steady impact players.
Against Kansas State, Thomas showed exactly why the switch has mattered, coming away with two interceptions in one quarter and turning one of them into a pick-six. The performance earned him Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors, and even the celebration stood out, with a backflip after the touchdown return. The bigger question for WSU is how much more there is to come now that he seems to have found a role that fits. [Read more 🡒]
Cougars Let Another Winnable Match Slip Away At Home
Washington States womens volleyball team had another opportunity to make Bohler Gym matter on its side, but Long Beach State walked out with a 3-0 sweep after the Cougars could not turn enough of their better stretches into finished points. The numbers were close enough to suggest a tighter night than the final score showed, with Washington State finishing with 34 kills and a .184 hitting percentage while Long Beach State posted 38 kills and hit .220.
Mary Healy led the Cougars with 11 kills and 13 points, Madyn Cervellera added eight kills and 14 digs, and Audrey Hollis handled 19 assists as Washington State kept searching for a steadier rhythm. The frustrating part for the Cougars is that home matches like this are the ones they need to cash in, and instead another one slipped away before they could put real pressure on a ranked-caliber opponent. [Read more 🡒]