The experimental season has concluded, leading into what could be considered the exhibition phase before the actual competition begins.
Are Washington State and Oregon State prepared for their new reality? Are they positioned to thrive once the Pac-12’s rebuild is finalized with five Mountain West schools joining the conference?
What did the fall of 2024 reveal about the prospects for the Cougars and Beavers in the fall of 2026?
“This year was particularly significant for Washington State and the Pac-12—it was a major win for the conference since they managed to have a season,” said Ryan Leaf, The CW network analyst and former WSU quarterback.
Considering the turmoil just 15 months ago, when ten schools departed the Pac-12, leaving the Cougars and Beavers behind, the past few months have been a notable success.
The two-team conference managed to deliver a season that met the operational and competitive standards of major college sports. The game broadcasts on the CW were of high quality, and the Cougars and Beavers secured three victories against power conference opponents. WSU triumphed in the Apple Cup and became bowl-eligible.
However, both teams ended their seasons on disappointing notes, highlighting the hurdles they face.
The Beavers (5-7) fell one game short of bowl eligibility after struggling through a midseason losing streak, compounded by a series of injuries, particularly on defense, and inconsistent quarterback play.
Gevani McCoy, Ben Gulbranson, and Gabarri Johnson collectively completed only 60% of their passes, throwing more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (7).
Questions have arisen about whether they were utilized effectively by first-year coach Trent Bray and his staff. While Gulbranson had the best efficiency rating and averaged the highest yards per attempt, he frequently played behind McCoy.
“Since Jake Luton in 2019, they haven’t had a quarterback who was ‘the guy,'” remarked Nigel Burton from The CW, a former Oregon State assistant coach. “They hoped DJ Uiagalelei would fill that role, but he clearly didn’t. They need to find a quarterback capable of both throwing and running at this level.”
In Pullman, however, the situation was different as sophomore quarterback John Mateer emerged as a standout playmaker, leading the nation with 44 total touchdowns—three more than his former teammate, Cam Ward, who transferred to Miami last winter.
The Cougars (8-4) achieved victories over Washington and Texas Tech, winning eight of their first nine games and reaching as high as No. 19 in the AP poll, remaining in the College Football Playoff conversation in mid-November.
Yet, a second-half defensive collapse against New Mexico derailed their playoff hopes and seemed to dampen their urgency. WSU subsequently lost to Oregon State and squandered a fourth-quarter lead against a struggling Wyoming team in their season finale—all three losses occurred while WSU was favored by double digits.
“The only real goal when they were 8-1 was the playoffs,” Leaf noted. “When that vanished, I think there was a disconnect.”
In his opinion, “people checked out.”
Looking ahead for the Pac-12, significant issues need addressing. The conference must secure a media rights deal for the 2025 season and beyond, add at least one more football-playing school, and prepare to welcome the five incoming members (Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State) by July 1, 2026.
Media companies’ feedback will influence which additional school or schools the conference pursues, as well as how it aims to enhance its basketball program, which will include Gonzaga starting in fall 2026.
On the ground level, the Beavers and Cougars need to strengthen their rosters and coaching staffs for the next iteration of the Pac-12.
If this season serves as an indicator, the reformed conference will be challenging. Neither Washington State nor Oregon State dominated their Mountain West foes, having lost more matchups head-to-head (eight) than they won (seven).
Clearly, neither program is on par with Boise State. However, several losses were to teams that finished in the bottom half of the Mountain West standings.
Immediate concerns also loom.
Oregon State needs to find a reliable quarterback, whether from returning players or a transfer, along with targets in the passing game.
“They need speed,” Burton said of the receivers. “They lack players who can stretch the defense, allowing Trent Walker and Darrius Clemons to work underneath.”
While the offensive line is described as “good enough,” Burton noted that the defensive line is lagging significantly.
“They’re severely lacking on the defensive line,” he said, noting the unit allowed an average of 186 rushing yards per game. “That’s the primary issue—there’s no push in the middle and no intimidating presence on the edge.”
As for Washington State, their list of priorities is shorter, but one major item looms: they need to keep Mateer from entering the transfer portal, a challenge that has become more formidable this week.
On Monday, WSU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle transitioned to the same position at Oklahoma. On Wednesday, Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold entered the portal, potentially opening a starting position for Mateer, who is from Texas.
Additionally, freshman tailback Wayshawn Parker announced he would also enter the transfer portal on Thursday.
“They need to hold on to Mateer at all costs,” Burton said. “If they keep the team intact, they have all the pieces they need.”
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