PULLMAN, Wash. — Months of offseason preparation turned into football Thursday as Washington State officially opened fall camp, beginning a new era under first-year head coach Kirby Moore.
The Cougars took the field in helmets, jerseys and shorts for their first preseason practice, with competition beginning across the roster as players work toward the Sept. 6 Apple Cup against Washington.
Moore said the first day checked several important boxes, particularly at quarterback.
“I thought there was good efficiency, good operation and no pre-snap penalties that I saw,” Moore said. “I thought they did a good job taking care of the football.”
While no starter has emerged, Moore said the quarterback competition will be decided through repetition and communication.
“It’s timing, being on the same page. We’ve got to have a lot of dialogue and a lot more reps with the receivers, tight ends, backs and quarterbacks.”
One of the biggest changes from last season was the pace of practice. Washington State’s offense operated with noticeably more tempo, something Moore hopes becomes a strength.
“We talked about the energy before practice,” Moore said. “The operation was much cleaner than spring ball. Whether it was huddle or no-huddle, they did a really good job operating.”
Senior wide receiver Tony Freeman felt that difference immediately.
“I’d say the conditioning part is getting back up there,” Freeman said. “We have a high-tempo offense. You make a big play and the next play is already coming.”
Freeman said the offense wants to establish an identity built on speed and physicality.
“I’ll say fast, physical, explosive and a very high-IQ offense.”
As one of the longest-tenured players on the roster, Freeman has also embraced a larger leadership role under the new coaching staff.
“The coaches have faith in me to be more vocal and be that guy for this team,” Freeman said. “The guys that stayed and the guys that came in all bought in from day one. It made it an easy adjustment for us.”
On the defensive side, junior defensive tackle Kaden Beatty said continuity has helped create a close-knit group entering camp.
“Our defensive tackle room is close-knit,” Beatty said. “We’re around each other all the time, and those are my brothers. When you go to war, you want someone you can trust next to you.”
Beatty is also excited about playing in defensive coordinator Trent Bray’s system.
“He allows us to pin our ears back and go,” Beatty said. “He says don’t worry about missing tackles, just play fast.”
Moore emphasized that while excitement is high after the first practice, no position battles will be won in a single day.
“Nothing’s going to happen overnight,” Moore said. “No one’s going to earn a starting job today. We’ve got a long ways to go.”
With 15 practices remaining before the season opener, Thursday marked only the first step, but the Cougars believe the foundation for the 2026 season is beginning to take shape.
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