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Washington State Hosts Duquesne in 2026 Home Opener
The Cougars will welcome the Dukes to Gesa Field, but the FCS opponent could pose a challenge.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The Washington State Cougars will host the Duquesne Dukes in their 2026 home opener on September 19. While the Dukes may seem like an easy win on paper, the Cougars will need to be wary of the experienced Duquesne squad that narrowly missed the FCS playoffs last season.
Why it matters
Last year, the Cougars struggled against another FCS opponent, Idaho, in a low-scoring affair. The Dukes, who are aiming to return to the FCS playoffs, bring a talented roster with an experienced secondary and a potent rushing attack that could pose problems for the Cougars if they overlook the matchup.
The details
Duquesne's offense will be led by a trio of running backs - Ness Davis, Shawn Solomon Jr., and Dazhaun Hopkins - who combined for over 1,400 yards and five touchdowns last season. The passing game is anchored by wide receiver Joey Isabella, who had 63 catches for 839 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. On defense, the Dukes boast an experienced secondary with defensive backs D.J. Cerisier and Dallas Harper, who combined for 60 tackles, four interceptions, and 12 pass breakups last year.
- The Cougars will host the Dukes on September 19, 2026 at Gesa Field.
The players
Ness Davis
Duquesne's leading rusher in 2025, running for 927 yards and 2 touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore.
Joey Isabella
Duquesne's top wide receiver in 2025, catching 63 passes for 839 yards and 13 touchdowns.
D.J. Cerisier
Duquesne defensive back who had 1 interception and 8 pass breakups in 2025.
Dallas Harper
Duquesne defensive back who had 3 interceptions and 4 pass breakups in 2025.
What’s next
The Cougars will need to prepare carefully for the Dukes and avoid overlooking the FCS opponent, as they did against Idaho last season.
The takeaway
Washington State must not take Duquesne lightly in their 2026 home opener, as the experienced Dukes squad could pose a challenge if the Cougars are not fully focused and prepared.
