Tripp Anchors Struggling Washington State Line

Redshirt junior left tackle Ashton Tripp is leading a Washington State offensive line that has allowed 31 sacks this season.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football

Tripp Anchors Struggling Washington State Line

Live Poll

Would you attend a Washington State football game this season?

Washington State's offensive line has struggled, with quarterbacks sacked 31 times this season, fourth-most in the nation. Redshirt junior left tackle and co-captain Ashton Tripp has played a central role as the unit searches for consistency.

Why it matters

The protection problems have coincided with play-caller and quarterback changes, raising questions about whether the offense can stabilize. The line's struggles also shape how the Cougars' passing and running games can develop.

Washington State quarterbacks have been sacked 31 times this season, the fourth-most in the country. The offensive line's run game has also lacked effectiveness apart from one dominant rushing performance against Duquesne.

The players

Ashton Tripp

Ashton Tripp is a redshirt junior left tackle and co-captain for Washington State University football, who grew up in Kennewick.

Kirby Moore

Kirby Moore is the head football coach at Washington State University who appointed himself offensive play-caller this season.

Jack Abercrombie

Jack Abercrombie is the offensive line coach hired by Kirby Moore, and he praised Tripp on The Cougar Football Hour.

The details

Ashton Tripp, a 6-foot-7, 307-pound redshirt junior, is one of six co-captains and has played under three head coaches and a different offensive line coach in each of his four seasons. Head coach Kirby Moore appointed himself offensive play-caller, replacing Matt Miller, and switched starting quarterback from Caden Pinnick to Owen Eshelman.

Tripp first visited Martin Stadium at age 10 with a youth baseball team.
During high school, Tripp decided he wanted to play for Washington State.
A few weeks before publication, Tripp spoke at a press conference about offensive frustrations.

Season Trajectory

Washington State's offensive line problems come as the Cougars search for consistency under a new play-caller and quarterback. The line's sack total ranks among the highest in the country, shaping the team's competitive outlook this season.

The sack total affects how fantasy managers and bettors evaluate Washington State's quarterbacks and passing game. Changes to the starting quarterback and play-calling could shift those projections in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Offensive line play often determines whether a team's passing and running games can function, and Washington State's recent changes will test whether protection can improve. Readers following the Cougars should watch sack totals as the new coaching setup takes shape.