Washington State Football Holds Spring Practice in Spokane

Cougs continue preparations for upcoming season with focus on fundamentals and playbook installation.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:55am

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The Washington State University football team held a spring practice session at Union Stadium in Spokane, as they continue to work on mastering their new offensive and defensive schemes under head coach Kirby Moore and his staff. The practice focused on red zone and tempo drills, with the coaching staff looking to slowly build up the complexity of the playbook to allow the players to react instinctively.

Why it matters

Spring practices are crucial for college football teams to install new systems, evaluate talent, and prepare for the upcoming season. By holding a practice session in Spokane, the Cougars are engaging with their fanbase in Eastern Washington and showcasing the program to a new audience.

The details

During the practice, the Cougars worked on red zone and tempo drills as they continue to learn the new offensive and defensive schemes implemented by coordinator Trent Bray and Matt Miller. Head coach Kirby Moore emphasized the importance of not overwhelming the players with too much information, allowing them to play fast and react instinctively.

  • The Cougars held the practice session on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Washington State's annual spring game is scheduled for April 25, 2026 at Gesa Field.

The players

Kirby Moore

Head coach of the Washington State Cougars football team.

Trent Bray

Defensive coordinator for the Washington State Cougars football team.

Matt Miller

Offensive coordinator for the Washington State Cougars football team.

Caden Pinnick

Quarterback for the Washington State Cougars football team.

Jirah Leaupepetele

Defensive tackle for the Washington State Cougars football team.

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What they’re saying

“There's going to be some highs and lows and in terms of volume, I think we peeled it back a little bit today, which is a good thing, helping the guys play fast, and then we'll get into some more situations.”

— Kirby Moore, Head Coach

“It's the little things every day. Whether that's walking by in class, sitting down with them during lunch, getting extra meetings, that's what really counts. All of the on-field stuff, everyone thinks that's what it is, but it's outside. Like 'hey, on that drag route, I thought you were a little short', or 'I thought that was perfect'. Those kind of things are what sets it apart.”

— Caden Pinnick, Quarterback

“Very welcoming. A lot of support from the Coug fans in Pasco, and especially Spokane. Ever since I've been here, everyone's been welcoming. You go to the store, 'Go Cougs. Go get something to eat, 'Go Cougs'. Driving down the street, it's 'Go Cougs'. A very welcoming atmosphere and fanbase.”

— Jirah Leaupepetele, Defensive Tackle

What’s next

The Cougars will hold their annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Gesa Field, where fans will get their first look at the team's progress under the new coaching staff.

The takeaway

Washington State's spring practice session in Spokane highlights the program's commitment to engaging with its fanbase across the state, as they work to install new offensive and defensive systems and prepare for the upcoming season. The Cougars' focus on fundamentals and building player chemistry off the field suggests a team-first mentality that could pay dividends in the fall.