PULLMAN, Wash. — The talking is over in Pullman.
After months of offseason workouts, Washington State officially begins fall camp Thursday, marking the start of first-year head coach Kirby Moore’s inaugural season leading the Cougars.
Speaking at Wednesday’s Media Day, Moore said the excitement surrounding a new era for the program now shifts toward preparing for Week 1.
“There’s no substitute for practice,” Moore said. “Helmets on, 11-on-11. Can’t wait to get to work with our guys.”
Moore was hired in December after serving as offensive coordinator at Missouri. Since arriving in Pullman, he’s worked to establish a new culture while keeping much of last season’s core intact.
The Cougars return 11 starters from last year’s bowl team, while a strong transfer class has added competition across the roster.
“We kept 11 (starters) and then added the pieces from the portal,” Moore said. “We’ve got a leadership group of 15 guys who have been steady… making sure the standard is what we need it to be.”
One of the biggest position battles entering camp is at quarterback, where Moore says the competition will sort itself out on the practice field.
“The quarterback will present himself during fall camp,” Moore said. “Everyone will know in the situational football that will show up.”
Moore also pointed to depth at wide receiver and throughout the roster, saying the focus remains on player development before establishing a two-deep depth chart.
Defensive coordinator Trent Bray is also beginning his first season in Pullman, though the city is familiar territory.
The Pullman High graduate and son of former Washington State assistant coach Bob Bray called his return a homecoming.
“It’s been great to be back,” Bray said. “It’s surreal driving through the same neighborhoods that you did as a child.”
On the field, Bray wants his defense to be known for a straightforward identity.
“Fast and physical,” Bray said. “You don’t need to know football to spot those things.”
Bray believes the returning veterans have helped speed up the transition to a new coaching staff while helping transfers adjust to the program.
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Matt Miller said Washington State’s offense won’t be locked into one style. Instead, it will be built around the strengths of the players on the roster.
“I learned more than anybody this spring about things we were good at and things we weren’t good at,” Miller said. “We’re going to be super multiple and explosive and keep defenses on their heels.”
Miller also praised the offensive line, calling the group the foundation of the offense heading into camp.
“I hold those guys to a very high standard,” Miller said. “How those guys go, the rest of our offense is going to go.”
With Media Day complete, the Cougars now turn their attention to the practice field, where position battles, a new coaching staff and a new era of Washington State football officially begin.
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