Palouse Playbook - A Washington State Cougars Podcast

Up West Sports
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  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Palouse Playbook, the home for Washington State Cougars fans who want more than just headlines. We cover WSU football, basketball, and beyond with game breakdowns, recruiting talk, player development, and honest conversations about where the program is headed. Whether it’s a big win, a tough loss, or a story flying under the radar, we’re talking about it. Built for Cougs. Powered by passion. Join Joel, Gavin, Chad, Christian and Kyle on the Palouse!

  1. May 21

    SPRING COLLAB w/ FieldHouse Report

    We have Cougar Carlson of the FieldHouse Report joining us to talk through the WSU football Spring and what he saw.

    28 min

  2. May 20

    SPRING COLLAB! WSU Football w/ Lucas Win Or Lose Podcast

    We have special guest Lucas Ingham with Win Or Lose Podcast on the show to talk about the Spring and what takeaways he say along with how this Coug team stacks up in the new PAC 12.

    30 min

  3. May 18

    NEW: How Will WSU Compete In New PAC 12!? | Ep. 41

    🚨 Is Washington State building the BEST defense in the new Pac-12? 🚨In this episode, we break down why WSU Football could field one of the most dangerous defenses in the conference heading into the 2026 season. From transfer portal additions and returning production to defensive line depth, tackling improvements, and Pac-12 rankings — the Cougs are loading up. 👀🏈 Topics Covered:• Why Wazzu’s defense may rank Top 2 in the Pac-12• Comparing WSU vs Boise State, Fresno State & SDSU• Transfer portal impact on the Cougars defense• Biggest improvements from spring football• Why the Cougs’ defensive line could dominate in 2026• Trent Bray, Coach Moore & the future of WSU Football• Running game improvements and offensive balance• Quarterback competition & offensive outlook• Realignment talk: UNLV, Tulane, Cal, Stanford & future Pac-12 expansion• Rivalry talk and Washington Huskies reactions 👀The guys also debate which schools should join the rebuilt Pac-12 and discuss how conference expansion could shape the future of college football.If you’re a die-hard Coug fan, this is the WSU football podcast for you.🌟 Subscribe for:✔ WSU Football News✔ Washington State Cougars Analysis✔ Pac-12 Expansion Updates✔ College Football Takes✔ Spring Ball Reactions✔ Transfer Portal Coverage✔ Game Predictions & Recruiting Talk⬇️ COMMENT BELOW:Do YOU think Washington State will have the best defense in the Pac-12 this season?Who should the Pac-12 add next?#WSUFootball #GoCougs #WashingtonStateFootball #Pac12 #Pac12Football #CollegeFootball #Wazzu #Cougs #WashingtonStateCougars #TransferPortal #CFB #Pac12Expansion #BoiseState #FresnoState #SDSU #WSU #GoCougsBaby

    29 min

  4. May 14

    SHOCKING: Washington State Could Be an 8+ Win Team in 2026 | Kirby Moore Era READY to Explode

    The 2026 Washington State Cougars may be one of the most overlooked teams in college football. With Kirby Moore entering his first season as head coach, Washington State football is generating major buzz thanks to an elite defensive unit, a deep roster, and a schedule that could immediately launch the Cougars into the national conversation. On this episode of the Palouse Playbook Podcast powered by Up West Sports, the crew breaks down why WSU could realistically win 8+ games in 2026 and potentially compete near the top of the new Pac-12. The discussion centers around a defense many believe could become one of the best in the conference — and maybe even nationally ranked. The show also dives into Washington State’s brutal non-conference schedule featuring Arizona, Kansas State, and Washington, and explains why winning two of those games could completely change the perception of the Cougars across college football. Players discussed include Paul Hutson III (P3), Jeremiah Bernard, Keith Brown, Nyland Brown, Jack Peterson, Isaiah Hung, and others expected to make major impacts for WSU football this season. The crew also compares this year’s roster build and defensive identity to recent successful Group of Five and Pac-12 contenders. Topics include: Washington State football 2026 expectationsKirby Moore’s first season at WSUCan the Cougars reach 8 wins?Elite WSU defense discussionPac-12 football expansion and futureWashington State vs Washington rivalryWSU quarterback battlePaul Hutson III breakout expectationsCollege Football Playoff path for Washington StateWhy the Cougars are being underestimated nationallyIf you believe the Cougars are ready to shock college football in 2026, this episode is for you.

    20 min

  5. May 8

    DEPTH CHART: Post Spring Sneak Peak At The Depth Chart | Ep. 39

    Washington State football is entering a NEW ERA in 2026, and the guys at the Palouse Playbook break down exactly what Cougar fans should expect from Kirby Moore, Matt Miller, and this loaded WSU roster heading into fall camp. 🏈 Is WSU still running the Air Raid?🏈 Why this offense looks more like a modern West Coast attack🏈 Can Caden Pinnick lock down QB1?🏈 Why the Cougars’ defense could become the BEST in the Pac-12🏈 Impact players, breakout stars, spring standouts, and depth chart battles In this episode, we dive deep into the Washington State Cougars offense, defense, special teams, and roster outlook after spring ball. The crew discusses the evolution away from the Mike Leach Air Raid system, the emergence of a three-headed running back monster, elite tight end depth, and why WSU’s defensive line and secondary could terrorize opponents in 2026. 🔥 Topics Covered: Kirby Moore’s offensive philosophy at WSUWhy this is NOT the classic Air Raid offenseCaden Pinnick vs Julian Dugger vs Owen EshelmanTony Freeman, Darrius Clemons, Tank Hawkins & Daniel Blood impactJeremiah Bernard & Jaylen Thomas defensive hypeDJ Warner’s role in Trent Bray’s defenseWSU defensive depth and “violence” mentalityOffensive line battles featuring Max McCree & Jalen CaldwellSpecial teams discussion and return game weaponsBreakout candidates for Washington State footballThe Cougs may have one of the deepest rosters they’ve had in years, and this episode breaks down why Washington State fans should be VERY excited heading into the season opener against UW. ⬇️ COMMENT BELOW:Who will be WSU’s starting QB in 2026?Which Cougar player breaks out this fall?Can this defense lead the Pac-12? 🔔 Subscribe for more Washington State football coverage, WSU recruiting, Cougar football analysis, Pac-12 news, and Palouse Playbook podcasts all season long. #WSUFootball #GoCougs #WashingtonStateFootball #Pac12 #CollegeFootball #KirbyMoore #TrentBray #CadenPinnick #PalousePlaybook #CougarFootball #Wazzu #WSUCougars #CollegeFootballPodcast

    33 min

  6. Apr 27

    Washington State Leaves Spring With Swagger | Defense DOMINATES, QB Battle Still OPEN

    Washington State football wrapped up spring ball, and the Cougs leave camp with real momentum. In this episode of Palouse Playbook, we break down the Crimson and Gray Game, why the defense continues to set the tone, and what Kirby Moore’s latest comments tell us about the still-open quarterback battle between Caden Pinnick, Julian Dugger, and Owen Eshelman. We also dive into: Why WSU’s defense may be ahead of scheduleSpring risers like Isaiah Hung and Malachi WriceNew commitments Gabe Miller and Josiah RandFormer Cougs getting NFL rookie minicamp and UDFA opportunitiesWhy Washington State may already have a team identity entering 2026If you’re a Washington State Cougars fan, this is a must-watch offseason update. Subscribe for more Washington State football coverage, recruiting news, Pac-12 talk, and Cougs analysis. #WashingtonState #WSUFootball #GoCougs #Pac12 #CollegeFootball

    31 min

  7. Apr 24

    Washington State’s New Identity Is CLEAR… Defense Wins Here | Pac 12 BEWARE!

    Washington State’s Defense Looks REAL… Cougs Building Something Dangerous in 2026 Description:Washington State football is one day away from the Crimson & Gray Game, and all signs point to one thing: this Cougars defense could be the identity of the team in 2026. From Isaiah Hung generating buzz at linebacker, to the defensive line making noise all spring, to coaches preaching consistency and fundamentals, Washington State looks like a team buying fully into Trent Bray’s vision. We also break down:• What to watch in the Crimson & Gray Game• Why the defense keeps winning spring practices• How the QB room can respond under pressure• Tight end group getting major hype• Wide receiver chemistry questions entering fall• Special teams becoming a real priority Could Washington State have one of the best defenses in the new Pac-12? This spring game may give us our first clue. Subscribe for more Washington State Cougars football, Pac-12 coverage, recruiting news, and offseason analysis.

    26 min

  8. Apr 22

    WOW: Washington State LB Room is SCARY Good… Defense Owning Spring Ball

    Washington State football’s defense is setting the tone this spring—and it starts with the linebacker room.In the latest spring practice updates under head coach Kirby Moore, one position group is jumping off the page: the linebackers. From veteran leadership to emerging playmakers, this unit is creating turnovers, disrupting plays, and making life difficult for the offense on a daily basis.We break down why this linebacker core—led by names like Keith Brown and rising talents like Isaiah Hung—could be one of the most impactful units in the new Pac-12. The balance of experience, speed, and versatility is showing up early, and it’s fueling a defense that looks ahead of the offense during spring ball.Is this just a typical spring trend where defenses have the edge? Or is this a sign that Washington State’s defense could be one of the best in the conference in 2026?Plus:Why the defense is consistently winning in practiceWhat the coaching staff is emphasizing (fundamentals, alignment, execution)How the linebacker room fits into the bigger defensive identityEarly signs this team could lead the conference in takeawaysIf this carries into fall camp, Washington State might not just be competitive—they could be one of the most disruptive defenses in the Pac-12.Subscribe for daily Washington State football coverage, spring updates, and full breakdowns as the Cougs build toward the 2026 season.#WashingtonState #WSUFootball #Pac12Football #CollegeFootball

    29 min
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About

Welcome to Palouse Playbook, the home for Washington State Cougars fans who want more than just headlines. We cover WSU football, basketball, and beyond with game breakdowns, recruiting talk, player development, and honest conversations about where the program is headed. Whether it’s a big win, a tough loss, or a story flying under the radar, we’re talking about it. Built for Cougs. Powered by passion. Join Joel, Gavin, Chad, Christian and Kyle on the Palouse!

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