Rogers flips several commits from SDSU, expanding upon a weaker than expected class
Following the departure of several recruits who chose to join former head coach Jake Dickert at Wake Forest, WSU football has had to invest extra effort into high school recruiting this offseason. New head coach Jimmy Rogers has successfully assembled a promising group of recruits for the 2025 class.
Currently, WSU has secured 26 commitments, including 14 three-star athletes. According to rivals.com, they are ranked as the No. 74 recruiting class, while 247 Sports places them at No. 83.
Being outside the top 80 is unfamiliar territory for the Cougars. Since the ranking of recruiting classes began, they have never fallen below No. 76, often being listed among the top 50 recruiting classes in the nation. However, with the evolving landscape of college football and a new coaching staff and conference, it has become more challenging to attract players to Pullman.
Nonetheless, as the new Pac-12 stabilizes and Rogers establishes his staff and reputation, there is no reason WSU shouldn’t be able to consistently rank among the top 60 schools in the country.
This year’s recruiting class features standout three-star wide receiver Noah Westbrook. Last season, Westbrook caught 30 passes for five touchdowns as a senior at Centennial High School, and during his junior year in 2023, he had an impressive nine touchdown receptions.
Another interesting prospect is quarterback Owen Eshelman from Norman, Oklahoma, a city that hasn’t brought much success to WSU this year. Though initially a 0-star recruit who committed to South Dakota State to play for Rogers, Eshelman has joined him at WSU after a strong senior season.
He threw for 2,691 yards and 29 touchdowns (with 13 interceptions) while also rushing for 1,383 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading his team to the state quarterfinals. While his 53% completion rate could be seen as a downside, Eshelman has demonstrated his capability as a dual-threat passer. He could draw comparisons to John Mateer, who coincidentally left Pullman for Norman last month. At 6-foot-2 and 176 pounds, Eshelman may not be particularly imposing physically, but he possesses talent and potential for the future at WSU.
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