Washington State’s head coach secured two more commitments on-one from SMU transfer cornerback and another from New Mexico State transfer defensive end. Davis’ commitment was confirmed by a source to the Spokesman-Review, while Peleti announced his decision publicly.
These additions, along with New Mexico State transfer defensive tackle Malaki Ta’ase’s commitment on Tuesday, bring the total number of new Cougars added this spring to four. They join Idaho offensive line transfer Sone Falealo, who announced his commitment on Monday.
247 Sports was the first to report Davis’ decision.
AJ Davis saw limited action during his three years at SMU, logging just 91 snaps but recording 12 tackles and three pass breakups—one in each season. The Dallas native, now a rising junior, had his 2023 season cut short due to a head/neck injury sustained in Week 10 against Pittsburgh. He had appeared in 10 games, mostly on special teams, before being sidelined for the rest of the year.
Coming out of high school, Davis was a three-star recruit and initially committed to Kansas before flipping to SMU. Washington State’s current head coach, Jake Dickert, and his staff had offered Davis back then as well. He also received offers from schools like Baylor, Colorado, Virginia, Utah State, Liberty, and Nevada.
Davis now joins an already talent-rich WSU secondary. South Dakota State transfer Colby Humphrey is expected to lock down one starting cornerback spot, with the other likely contested between returning player Jamorri Colson and Cal Poly transfer Kai Rapolla, who missed a portion of spring practice due to injury. At safety, South Dakota State transfers Tucker Large, Matt Durance, and Cale Reeder are projected to take on leading roles, helping to turn the secondary into a strength—a marked improvement from last year’s struggles, particularly at safety.
On the defensive line, WSU is also bolstering its ranks with the addition of Buddha Peleti (born Fallauga Peleti), a transfer defensive end from New Mexico State. In his three seasons there, Peleti recorded 58 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, including multiple two-sack performances, such as one against Texas A&M. At 6’2″ and 250 pounds, he brings much-needed experience to a unit that lost significant depth in the offseason.
Veteran Raam Stevenson is currently the most seasoned edge player for the Cougars, while rising junior Isaac Terrell is poised to take on a larger role, though he has yet to become a regular in the rotation.
Peleti, originally from Hesperia, California, entered the portal on April 18 and quickly picked up offers from FAU, Arkansas State, South Alabama, and Sacramento State before choosing WSU.
These roster moves come as Washington State navigates upcoming NCAA changes, including a new 105-player roster limit expected to be implemented this fall. The rule is part of the anticipated House v. NCAA settlement. However, Judge Claudia Wilken recently indicated she would not approve the current terms unless changes are made—particularly the immediate enforcement of roster limits, which could displace current athletes. She recommended a delay that would allow current players to be “grandfathered in,” and set a May 7 deadline for legal adjustments.
Meanwhile, WSU has seen a notable wave of departures, with 23 players entering the transfer portal this spring, including walk-ons like QB Reilly Garcia, kicker Connor Calvert, and safety Aslan Fraser. The full list includes contributors across all positions, from running backs and defensive linemen to wide receivers and quarterbacks, as the Cougars look to reshape their roster ahead of the new regulations.
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