Former Idaho DE Matyus McLain Transfers to Washington State

The defensive end's life trajectory changed during a drive on Interstate 5 in Oregon.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:55am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the geometric shapes and planes of a football player in a defensive stance, rendered in earthy greens, oranges, and blues to conceptually represent a player's change of direction and path.A former Idaho defensive end's decision to transfer to a Pac-12 program reflects the fluidity of college football rosters as players seek new challenges.Pullman Today

Matyus McLain, who spent the first three years of his college football career playing defensive end at the University of Idaho, has decided to transfer to Washington State University. The decision came to him during a drive on Interstate 5 in Oregon in early January, when he had an epiphany to 'forge another path'.

Why it matters

McLain's transfer from a smaller program like Idaho to a Pac-12 school like Washington State represents an opportunity for him to elevate his game and exposure on a bigger stage. It also highlights the fluid nature of college football rosters as players seek out new challenges and programs that may better fit their goals.

The details

After spending his first three seasons at Idaho, McLain decided it was time for a change. During a drive on Interstate 5 in Oregon in early January, he had an epiphany that led him to transfer to Washington State. The Cougars coaching staff welcomed McLain and believe he can make an immediate impact on their defensive line.

  • McLain spent the first three years of his college career at the University of Idaho.
  • In early January, McLain had an epiphany while driving on Interstate 5 in Oregon that led him to transfer to Washington State.

The players

Matyus McLain

A defensive end who spent the first three years of his college football career at the University of Idaho before deciding to transfer to Washington State University.

Washington State University

A Pac-12 Conference school that welcomed McLain as a transfer and believes he can make an immediate impact on their defensive line.

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The takeaway

McLain's transfer from Idaho to Washington State represents a player seeking out new challenges and opportunities to elevate his game on a bigger stage within the Pac-12 Conference.