Washington State Defense Preview 2025: New Transfers, New Look for the Cougar D

Miami Herald

01-07-2025

Former South Dakota State defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit comes back to Washington State after serving as an assistant for a few seasons.His Jackrabbit defense was dominant last season. It led the FCS, allowing just under 14 points and fewer than 300 yards per game, was great on third downs, and unstoppable at times at getting into the backfield.And if it seems like just about everyone from that defense made the trip from Brookings to Pullman, it's because a whole slew of them did.
X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN2025 Washington State PreviewWashington State Offense Breakdown Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season - So who's back from last year's Washington State defense? They're mostly in the linebacking corps, with Keith Brown about to become a top tackler in the middle after making 26 tackles as a backup in a few spots. Parker McKenna is a solid veteran who made 39 tackles on the outside, and then it's about the transfers.Caleb Franci (South Dakota State) made 78 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and seven broken up passes. Former Wazzu Cougar Gavin Barthiel (Utah State) returns to join a slew of former Jackrabbits to build up the depth.
- The line is full of 2024 Cougars, too. Raam Stevenson was a decent part of the edge rotation, and now he'll be a main man along with Isaac Terrell, a good-sized junior who needs to rise up and rock in a bigger role.Max Baloun (South Dakota State) is a 6-6, 288-pound interior pass rusher who came up with two sacks and 18 tackles despite missing a huge chunk of last season. He's next to 288-pound Bryson Lamb, a decent part of last year's rotation.
- Jamorri Colson is expected to go from backup to starter at one corner job, and then it's all transfers, starting with senior all-star Colby Humphrey (South Dakota State), a great-tackling option who can get physical.Mathew Durrance (South Dakota State) made 63 stops with three picks at one safety spot for the Jackrabbits, and All-MVC selection Tucker Large (South Dakota State) added 34 tackles and three interceptions alongside him. Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season2025 Washington State PreviewWashington State Offense Breakdown
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