Washington State enters the new Pac-12 era with plenty of questions, but there may be more reasons for optimism than many realize. New head coach Kirby Moore has quickly energized the program following a turbulent coaching transition. After spending the past several seasons helping build one of college football's most productive offenses at Missouri, Moore arrives in Pullman with a clear vision, strong Pacific Northwest ties, and a coaching staff that has already generated excitement throughout the program. One of the biggest reasons for optimism is Washington State's running back room. Returning contributors like Kirby Vorhees, Leo Pulalasi, and Max Woods give the Cougars multiple proven options in the backfield. Vorhees, who rushed for 576 yards and five touchdowns last season, appears poised for a potential breakout campaign under Moore's offensive system. The excitement doesn't stop there. Washington State's 2026 recruiting class has already produced plenty of buzz, particularly surrounding versatile athlete Lance McGee. The Washington Gatorade Player of the Year could see opportunities on both sides of the football as a linebacker and running back. Moore himself has acknowledged the possibility of utilizing McGee in multiple roles to maximize his impact. The Cougars are also benefiting from strong regional connections throughout the coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Trent Bray. Those Northwest roots are already paying dividends on the recruiting trail and helping establish a foundation for long-term stability inside the new Pac-12. Can Kirby Moore's leadership, a loaded running back room, and an impressive young recruiting class help Washington State emerge as one of the biggest surprises in the conference? On today's episode of Locked On Pac-12, Christian Rauh and Gavin Hite break down why the Cougars may be positioned to exceed expectations in Year 1 of the new Pac-12 era. Photo Credit: James Snook - IMAGN Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Pac-12 Conference: Boise State Broncos, Colorado State Rams, Fresno State Bulldogs, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Oregon State Beavers, San Diego State Aztecs, Texas State Bobcats, Utah State Aggies, Washington State Cougars

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