Washington State Football Players Focus on Finishing Strong
Despite a difficult 1-7 season, Cougars players remain committed to their teammates and upcoming goals.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should players remain motivated to win games after their team's season is essentially over?
Washington State football players are maintaining their team morale and preparation efforts following a difficult 1-7 start to the season. The team has lost five consecutive games as they look toward their upcoming matchup against San Diego State.
Why it matters
The team aims to win for their 14 seniors and establish momentum for the future. Players are prioritizing their internal support systems to block out external criticism and focus on weekly improvements.
Linebacker Keith Brown has logged 482 snaps this season, ranking 12th nationally among all linebackers. Teammate Trey Leckner has recorded 12 catches for 98 yards over the past four games.
The players
Keith Brown
He is a central figure on the Washington State defense who has recorded significant tackle numbers throughout the season.
Trey Leckner
He is a receiving threat for Washington State who has contributed 12 catches over his last four appearances.
Owen Eshelman
He is the current starting quarterback for the Washington State football team who replaced Caden Pinnick.
The details
The Cougars are shifting their focus to the remaining schedule after a 31-10 loss to Boise State in October. Quarterback Owen Eshelman has taken over starting duties, and the team continues to rely on defensive leaders like Keith Brown.
Timeline
Washington State defeated Duquesne in mid-September 2026.
The team lost to Boise State in October 2026.
Washington State is scheduled to play San Diego State in their next game.
Season Trajectory
The Cougars face an uphill battle to reach postseason contention, as they must win every remaining game to achieve a 5-7 record. This season represents a significant challenge for the program as they attempt to balance developing younger players with sending out 14 seniors.
The transition to starting quarterback Owen Eshelman changes the offensive rotation for the remainder of the season. Fans can track progress through the team's ability to maintain high defensive snap counts from leaders like Keith Brown.
The takeaway
Maintaining motivation during a losing streak relies on strong team culture and the desire to honor departing senior athletes. Players looking to improve for next year prioritize the process of weekly preparation over current external criticism.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing progress, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
Live Poll
Should players remain motivated to win games after their team's season is essentially over?
