When you think about the unsung heroes of the 2025 Washington State football team, the special teams' prowess in covering kickoffs and punts might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, their effectiveness in this often thankless role was a key component of their success. It's one of those areas that only grabs headlines when things go awry, but for the Cougars, it was a point of pride.
As they look to the 2026 season, replicating this success will be crucial, especially with a fresh coaching staff and a largely revamped special teams unit. Last year, Washington State ranked 35th in the nation for kickoff return defense, allowing a mere 18.8 yards per return. Even more impressive was their punt return defense, which held opponents to just 3.9 yards per punt, placing them 14th in the country.
This season, Derek Sage takes the helm of the special teams, with support from Peyton Yanagi. Their mission?
To maintain that elite level of coverage and continue to be a silent force on the field. It's a tall order, but if they can pull it off, the Cougars' special teams might just be the secret weapon in their arsenal once again.