WSU Spring Ball Primer: Can Young Linebackers Step Up?
Washington State is counting on its young linebacker crew to develop fast. After graduation and departures hit the unit hard following the 2025 season, the Cougars added a couple of veterans to the mix. But defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Trent Bray is clearly confident in the talent already on the roster. Spring ball kicks off March 26, and the linebacker room is ready to prove it.
The Youth Movement at Linebacker
The Cougs are rolling with one veteran returner and a handful of young players with real upside. Bray designed the roster with this exact mix in mind, and he's trusting that these younger guys can grow fast. The incoming vets will work alongside the returnees this spring, but make no mistake: this is about developing the kids for the future. It's a calculated gamble, but Bray clearly believes in what he's got.
A Defensive Shift Changes Everything
WSU is expected to lean harder into a 4-2-5 base defense this season, which completely changes how the linebacker unit operates. Different packages will emphasize different skillsets, so the Cougars need versatility and range. The good news? The roster has exactly that through both the new additions and the returning players. The depth chart might look young, but the toolbox is there.
Special Teams Success to Build On
One thing people slept on last year was how elite Washington State's kick and punt coverage really was. The Cougs finished 35th nationally in kickoff return defense, holding opponents to just 18.8 yards per return. Even better, they ranked 14th in the country in punt return defense at only 3.9 yards allowed per punt. Derek Sage is taking over special teams this season with help from Peyton Yanagi, and keeping that coverage unit humming is absolutely on the agenda. That kind of performance doesn't happen by accident, and the new staff knows it.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.