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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The new PAC-12 officially launches in less than two weeks, but can the conference compete with programs like Oregon, USC, UCLA and Arizona State on the recruiting trail? On this special Locked On College Crossover, Christian Rauh is joined by recruiting expert Brian Smith of Locked On The Portal to break down the future of PAC-12 recruiting, why San Diego State is emerging as an early recruiting winner, and what Washington State may have found in quarterback Kaden Pittick. The conversation dives into Sean Lewis' recruiting strategy at San Diego State, the importance of keeping California talent home, why JUCO recruiting could become a major advantage for PAC-12 programs, and what schools like Washington State, Oregon State, Boise State and Fresno State must do to raise the overall talent level of the conference. Plus, Brian explains why Caden Pinnick could become one of the most important players in the PAC-12 rebuild after posting over 3,000 passing yards and 32 touchdowns at UC Davis before transferring to Washington State. Most importantly, the guys discuss the uncomfortable reality facing the new PAC-12: what will it actually take to compete against the recruiting powerhouses of the West? NIL, social media, television exposure, facilities, development, and relationships all play a major role in determining whether the conference can thrive or simply survive. Topics Include: PAC-12 recruiting rankings update San Diego State's 2027 recruiting class Sean Lewis recruiting strategy Washington State QB Caden Pinnick PAC-12 recruiting vs Oregon and USC California recruiting battles NIL and media exposure impact How the PAC-12 can become a national player again Brian Smith recruiting insights Future of the new PAC-12 conference Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita - 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is Fresno State becoming the sleeping giant of the new Pac-12? On this episode of Locked On Pac-12, Christian Rauh is joined by Al Scott of Fresno Sports Magazine to break down why Matt Entz and the Bulldogs are generating serious momentum heading into the 2026 college football season. The conversation starts with Fresno State winning key recruiting battles over conference rivals Boise State and San Diego State, including the commitment of linebacker Jeremy Davis. The Bulldogs continue to establish strong recruiting pipelines in California's Central Valley and Nebraska while building a roster with size, physicality, and long-term development in mind. Christian and Al discuss: Why Matt Entz's recruiting success is changing Fresno State's trajectory The importance of culture, relationships, and roster retention Fresno State's biggest strengths entering 2026 Khristian Martin and the Bulldogs' quarterback outlook Why the trenches will determine Fresno State's ceiling How Fresno State stacks up in the new Pac-12 race The Week 1 showdown against USC Whether Fresno State can emerge as a legitimate conference title contender Why the Bulldogs may be one of the most dangerous programs in the Group of Six era With no clear favorite in the new Pac-12, Fresno State has a real opportunity to establish itself as one of the conference's flagship football programs. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas - 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.