Branden Ganashamoorthy Leads Washington State Offense
The former track athlete chose football over a track scholarship to become a key playmaker in Pullman.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Track & Field
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Branden Ganashamoorthy, a 6-foot-3 wide receiver for Washington State, transitioned from a track scholarship athlete to a central figure in the Cougars' offense. After arriving as a scout-team member in 2023, he solidified his role following a standout performance against Oregon State in October 2026.
Why it matters
Ganashamoorthy chose to relinquish his track and field scholarship because the dual training demands were not sustainable for his body. His shift allowed him to focus entirely on football, leading to a breakout season where he became a primary target for his team.
In his standout game against Oregon State, Ganashamoorthy recorded 11 catches for 147 yards on 18 targets. Standing 6-foot-3, he previously appeared in 13 games during the 2025 season as a redshirt sophomore.
The players
Branden Ganashamoorthy
A 6-foot-3 wide receiver who transitioned from a track athlete to a key offensive contributor at Washington State.
Kirby Moore
The first-year head coach of the Washington State football program who oversees the team's offensive strategies.
The details
Ganashamoorthy steadily climbed the depth chart through rigorous daily practice and workouts after joining the program. His decision to prioritize football over track and field proved pivotal for his development under first-year head coach Kirby Moore.
Timeline
Ganashamoorthy arrived at Washington State for fall camp in 2023.
He played in 13 games during the 2025 season as a redshirt sophomore.
In October 2026, he recorded 11 catches against Oregon State.
Season Trajectory
This transition positions Ganashamoorthy as a cornerstone of the Washington State offense, fundamentally shifting the team's aerial capabilities compared to previous seasons. His evolution impacts the Cougars' broader offensive identity and success rates in high-leverage games against conference rivals.
Ganashamoorthy's heavy target volume of 18 passes in a single game highlights his status as a high-floor option for fantasy production and offensive efficiency. His established role in the rotation confirms his continued utility as a primary pass-catching threat for Washington State.
The takeaway
Athletes often face difficult choices when the physical toll of competing in two distinct sports becomes unsustainable for elite performance. By choosing to specialize, Ganashamoorthy serves as an example of how focusing on one discipline can unlock significant career growth.
Further reading
For more on the developments in college athletics, see the Track & Field section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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