In the last three years Washington State University has had an underwhelming draftee experience. In 2024 the Cougs had more than three players drafted, two who are impact players for their current teams Chau Smith-Wade and Jaden Hicks.
However, in this WSU draft class there are no players who stand out. Joshua Meredith is the most likely to be a late round draft pick but with lower production in 2025 his draft stock took a hit.
Kyle Williams was the only Coug drafted in 2025 and his production in his last season with WSU was significant. He raked in 70 catches, 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. The bad news for Meredith is that he finished with 13 fewer catches, half the yards and 11 fewer touchdowns.
WSU held its pro day March 31 and a couple players showed out. Running back Angel Johnson turned some heads with a 4.33 40-yard dash. Quarterback Zevi Eckhaus had a decent showing. Unfortunately for Eckhaus he did miss a couple deep shots, something you cannot do when you are already an undersized quarterback that has turnover issues and is throwing to unguarded receivers.
“I think most of the Wazzu players from last year are being viewed as undrafted free agents \[UDFAs\],” an NFL scout said.
To put into perspective how unlikely it is that a Coug will be drafted compared to previous years is the decrease in scout attendance. In 2025 there were 25 scouts, this year only six teams and two Canadian Football League representatives.
You could connect the dissolvement of the Pac-12 being a reason, WSU played mediocre competition aside from Ole Miss. When WSU was playing Oregon, USC and Arizona State, the sample size of good competition compared to previous year was down heavily.
Last season WSU tackle Esa Pole was an undrafted free agent, he got his chance with the Chiefs in the last quarter of the season and shined. All more than 30 Cougars entering the draft this year will need to do the same for themselves, as being drafted seems like a prayer more so than a reality.
Unfortunately for WSU that is just the reality of college football currently if you are not in a power conference. The University of South Florida had 22 NFL scouts in attendance at their pro day. They finished with a record of 9-4 in 2025. If WSU wants to become a power school again they will need to find their way back to 9-to-11-win seasons.