Washington State’s Running Back Room Brings Back Its Core-and Its Identity
PULLMAN - In an era of constant roster churn and transfer portal chaos, Washington State’s running back room is doing something rare: staying together. The Cougars return three of their top four backs from last season, and not just any three - these were the most efficient runners on the team. And while it looked like at least two of them might be suiting up elsewhere in 2026, they’re all back in crimson and gray.
Let’s break down what that means for Wazzu’s offense this fall. Spoiler: it’s big.
A Trio That Nearly Wasn’t
Kirby Vorhees had one foot in the portal before deciding, at the eleventh hour, to stick with the Cougs. Leo Pulalasi actually entered the portal, tested the waters, then made his way back to Pullman.
And Maxwell Woods? He never wavered.
While others were weighing options, Woods was among the first to recommit.
That kind of continuity is rare - and valuable. Especially when you’re talking about a group that brings three distinct skill sets to the table.
The Roles Are Clear - and Complementary
Start with Kirby Vorhees, the hammer in short-yardage situations. At 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, the fourth-year back out of Lutz, Florida, is built for contact and thrives in the trenches.
Last season, he logged 138 carries for 576 yards and five touchdowns, and added 19 receptions for 125 yards. When it’s third-and-2, Vorhees is the guy you want taking the handoff.
He’s not flashy - he’s effective. And in the red zone, that matters.
Then there’s Leo Pulalasi, the do-it-all back. At 6-1, 212, he brings size and versatility.
The Tacoma native rushed for 205 yards on 38 carries and caught 12 passes for 77 yards in 2025 - and here’s the kicker: he wasn’t tackled for a loss all season. That’s not just good vision; that’s consistent execution.
Pulalasi also brings value as a blocker, making him a true three-down option when needed.
And finally, Maxwell Woods, the home-run threat. The 5-10, 192-pound back from Carver, Minnesota, didn’t get a ton of touches last season - just 36 carries for 225 yards - but when he did, he made them count.
His breakout came in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where he ripped off 117 yards with Vorhees sidelined and the offensive playbook opened up. It was the second-highest rushing total by a Coug in bowl history, and a reminder that Woods has big-play ability waiting to be unleashed.
He also caught 18 passes for 138 yards, showing he can be a weapon in space as well.
Who’s Out - and Why It Matters
The Cougars did lose a few names from the room. Angel Johnson, who transferred in from South Dakota State, never quite found his rhythm in Pullman.
He carried 75 times for 298 yards and one score before graduating. Travon Pankey, a freshman who didn’t see the field, entered the portal and is still looking for a new home.
And then there’s Dylan Paine, a longtime presence in the program who missed all of 2025 due to injury. He’s transferring to Montana for his final season, a move that should give him a clearer path to playing time. Still, he leaves as a graduate and a Coug.
New Faces, But No Urgency
With the top trio returning, WSU didn’t need to chase big names in the portal. They added Beau Phillips, a walk-on transfer from Central Washington, and signed CJ Toney and Tremayne Hill out of high school. There’s also Lance McGee, an athletic piece who could line up at running back or linebacker depending on how the staff sees his fit.
Hill was expected to arrive early, but with the coaching transition, it’s unclear if that timeline held.
What This Means for Wazzu’s Offense
Head coach Kirby Moore and offensive coordinator Matt Miller have worked with some elite backs in recent years - names like Ahmad Hardy, Ashton Jeanty, and Cody Schrader come to mind. Now, they’ve got a trio in Pullman that might not have the national headlines yet, but could be just as impactful by committee.
This isn’t about one guy putting up 1,500 yards. It’s about three players who can each give you 500-700 yards, keep legs fresh, and present different looks to opposing defenses. Think back to the James Williams-Gerard Wicks-Jamal Morrow trio from 2016 - that’s the blueprint.
And the fact that all three backs chose to return - even with portal offers and real interest elsewhere - says a lot. It speaks to the culture being built, the belief in the system, and the opportunity they see in 2026.
The Cougs might not have a Heisman contender in the backfield, but they’ve got something just as dangerous: options. And in today’s game, that’s a weapon.