Washington State Doubles Down on In-State Recruiting Under Kirby Moore
PULLMAN - Washington State is planting its flag firmly in its home soil.
On Tuesday, the Cougars unveiled a new recruiting strategy that signals a major shift in how they plan to build their roster - and it starts by locking down the state of Washington. The message? The Evergreen State isn’t just a part of the plan anymore - it is the plan.
Under head coach Kirby Moore, WSU is dramatically expanding its in-state recruiting efforts. In the past, the Cougars typically assigned a couple of coaches to cover Washington.
Now? Try nine.
That’s right - nearly the entire coaching staff, from coordinators to position coaches, will be hitting the road within state lines.
The only exception is offensive line coach Jack Abercrombie, who will focus his efforts elsewhere. But every other assistant on Moore’s staff has been assigned a recruiting territory within Washington, making it clear that the Cougars are going all-in on local talent.
This approach isn’t just strategic - it’s personal. Moore, a Prosser native, knows the football culture in Washington as well as anyone. And he’s betting that the state’s under-recruited areas, often overshadowed by bigger pipelines in California or Texas, are brimming with players who can thrive in Pullman.
It’s a bold pivot, but one that makes a lot of sense for a program looking to reestablish its identity. Washington State has always prided itself on finding diamonds in the rough - players with chips on their shoulders and something to prove. By focusing on its own backyard, WSU is doubling down on that gritty, homegrown ethos.
This renewed emphasis on in-state recruiting could also pay dividends in fan engagement and program loyalty. When local athletes suit up in crimson and gray, it resonates. Communities rally behind their own, and that kind of connection can build something special - not just on Saturdays, but year-round.
Bottom line: Moore isn’t just recruiting players - he’s recruiting belief. Belief that Washington’s best can help Washington State win. And if this new approach takes hold, it could mark a turning point for the Cougars’ future.