Washington State University’s football program has started the new season with a wave of preseason accolades, as Athlon Sports recently unveiled its All‑Pac‑12 Conference teams.
The selections highlight a roster that blends returning standouts with impactful transfers, underscoring the Cougars’ depth and potential across both offense and special teams.
Preseason Recognition
Athon Tripp earned first‑team honors as an offensive lineman, while veteran return specialist Tony Freeman secured a spot on the first team as a punt returner and a second‑team nod as a wide receiver.
The conference also placed Khamari Terrell and Jaylen Thomas on the second team, acknowledging their defensive contributions after recent transfers.
Five additional players made the third team, including Caden Pinnick, Linus Zunk, Matyus McLain, Keith Brown, Jeremiah Bernard and Jack Stevens, each bringing distinct skill sets to the squad.
A seventh group of seven athletes appeared on the fourth team, featuring Kirby Vorhees, Darris Clemons, Trey Leckner, Kyle Martin, Jonny Lester, Jirah Leaupepetele and DJ Warner, rounding out a comprehensive list of talent recognized by the outlet.
Tripp’s performance last season was particularly noteworthy; he started all 13 games at left tackle, logging 887 snaps while allowing just one sack on 490 pass attempts, a testament to his durability and pass‑protection skill.
Freeman’s special‑teams prowess earned him the Pac‑12 Top Special Teams Performer award, posting a 17.3‑yard punt return average that set a WSU single‑season record, and he also contributed 54 receptions for 590 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.
Other newcomers such as Caden Pinnick, who transferred from UC Davis, have already begun to make an impact, completing 240 of 345 passes for 3,206 yards and 32 touchdowns with only ten interceptions.
Defensive standouts like Jeremiah Bernard, a transfer from Cal Poly, recorded 57 tackles, four interceptions and 12 pass breakups, while DJ Warner, who arrived from SMU, contributed six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.
The breadth of recognition extends beyond the field, with several universities and partners — including Washington State University, Athlon Sports, the Pac‑12 Conference, and several member institutions — celebrating the achievements.
The upcoming season promises to showcase these players as they translate preseason praise into on‑field performance, aiming to elevate the Cougars’ competitiveness in the Pac‑12.