Spring ball is underway for Washington State, and the team has already completed several practices under new head coach Jimmy Rogers and his reshaped squad. One of the most significant changes for the Cougars this season will be at quarterback, with senior Zevi Eckhaus expected to take the starting role.
Eckhaus, who filled in during last season’s Holiday Bowl after John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma, spoke with the media after the team’s first practice to talk about his new teammates and the 2025 Cougars.
“We’ve all got the same logo on our jersey,” Eckhaus told reporters while pointing at his chest. “We’re all WSU now… we’re all moving as one, we’re all moving as a team. Whether you’re new, whether you were here, whatever the case may be of how you got here, they understand that we’re one team.”
This offseason, Washington State has added 22 new transfers, following the departure of 36 players to the portal after the 2024 season. With new head coach Jimmy Rogers and his entire staff also arriving, the Cougars’ roster will look entirely different compared to their 8-4 season last year. Eckhaus, who had initially entered the portal himself, ultimately decided to withdraw and stay with the team.
This offseason, Washington State has added 22 new transfers, following the departure of 36 players to the portal after the 2024 season. With new head coach Jimmy Rogers and his entire staff also arriving, the Cougars’ roster will look entirely different compared to their 8-4 season last year. Eckhaus, who had initially entered the portal himself, ultimately decided to withdraw and stay with the team.
“Everybody’s trying to learn and adapt, which is great,” he said. “A lot of guys are new here and we’re just trying to have everybody fit into the offense the best they can.”
Eckhaus will have several new offensive targets, including JUCO transfer Devin Ellison, who has already made a strong impression at the receiver position. Ellison, a senior, is projected to be one of the starting receivers this fall. Last year, he recorded 45 receptions for 837 yards and 16 touchdowns at Monterey Peninsula College, where he earned California All-State honors and was named Region 2 Offensive MVP.
“[Ellison] looked great out there,” stated Eckhaus after WSU’s first practice. “All the receivers did.”
The other projected starting receivers are senior Tre Shackleford and Josh Meredith, both of whom were with the team last year. Together, they combined for 616 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. These players are all expected to play key roles in Washington State’s passing game this season.
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