Washington State University (WSU) football head coach Kirby Moore is navigating significant roster changes as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season on December 22, Moore has focused on both retaining existing talent and recruiting new players. In just over a month, the program secured 26 transfers and compiled a signing class of 31 players, marking a substantial overhaul of the team.
On National Signing Day, which took place on February 2, 2026, Moore highlighted the whirlwind nature of the past 45 days during a press conference. He expressed gratitude for his coaching staff’s dedication in retaining players and actively engaging in the transfer portal. “It’s been a whirlwind the last … 45 days and … really just super appreciative of our staff, first [for] attacking the retention of our players, and then attacking the portal,” Moore stated.
Recruitment Strategies and Player Retention
The recruiting process demanded a concentrated effort, particularly during a two-week period that included 45 official visits. Moore emphasized the importance of finding the right fits for the team while focusing on local talent. “It starts in-state, in the state of Washington … Oregon, Idaho and embracing the Pac-12 footprint,” he noted. In this context, he managed to retain 16 out of 20 offensive linemen from the previous season, a crucial aspect of his strategy, especially with three of the five starting linemen remaining in the fold.
Moore’s approach to building relationships with his players began immediately upon his arrival in Pullman. He held a team meeting on his first day and spent significant time with the players, reinforcing a sense of community. His efforts to retain key offensive players, including wide receiver Tony Freeman and running backs Kirby Vorhees and Maxwell Woods, proved successful. Originally, both Freeman and Vorhees had considered entering the transfer portal.
Among the new recruits, quarterback Caden Pinnick stands out. The former player from UC Davis made a significant impact during his time there, earning accolades such as the Big Sky Freshman of the Year and being a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award. Moore praised Pinnick’s dual-threat capabilities and his ability to extend plays, indicating that his versatility will be an asset for the Cougars.
Coaching Staff Changes and Team Culture
In addition to player recruitment, Moore also secured new coaching talent. Trent Bray was appointed as the new defensive coordinator. Previously, Bray served as the defensive coordinator at Oregon State and was credited with significantly enhancing the program’s performance during his tenure. Moore recalled a challenging game against Bray’s defense in 2022, which left a lasting impression on him.
Meanwhile, Matt Miller, a former teammate of Moore’s at Boise State, joins as the offensive coordinator. Moore recognized Miller’s extensive experience, having coached at various institutions, making him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.
As the Cougars look forward to the upcoming season, Moore emphasized a collaborative approach to team operations. He intends for the coaching staff to tailor strategies based on player strengths and comfort levels. “This whole thing — offense, defense and special teams — it’s going to be super collaborative,” he stated.
Moore also underscored the importance of fostering a competitive culture among the players. He aims to motivate them towards achieving their personal bests through rigorous competition. “The culture, I mean, we want to make sure guys understand there’s going to be a ton of competition,” he explained.
With the NCAA transfer portal now closed and the Cougars having established a solid recruiting class, Moore and his team are poised to begin building their culture. This foundation will start in the weight room and extend into team meetings, emphasizing teamwork and camaraderie. In a show of unity, the team plans to attend a Spokane Chiefs game on February 14, 2026, further solidifying their bonds off the field.
As WSU prepares for a new chapter in its football program, the leadership of Kirby Moore signals a fresh direction and renewed energy aimed at enhancing the team’s performance on the gridiron.
