You are currently viewing JUST IN: A prominent college football program lost 36 FBS-leading players via transfer portal.

JUST IN: A prominent college football program lost 36 FBS-leading players via transfer portal.

College football is experiencing significant changes, with the rise of the NCAA transfer portal and NIL deals shifting the dynamics of the sport. While the game is more popular than ever, these changes have created both opportunities and challenges for programs across the country. Many teams have leveraged the portal to strengthen their rosters for the 2025 season, but not all have benefited equally.

The Washington State Cougars have been particularly affected, losing a staggering 36 players to the transfer portal this offseason — the most of any FBS program, according to On3. This has put them in a difficult position as they try to navigate the rapidly changing landscape. Washington State remains in the Pac-12, a conference that is in the process of rebuilding, with several teams already making significant moves to retool their rosters. As the Cougars face these challenges, they find themselves in an uphill battle to stay competitive.

The Washington State Cougars have faced a difficult offseason, highlighted by the departure of star quarterback John Mateer, who transferred to Oklahoma. This loss is particularly significant, but it’s part of a larger exodus, with several players following former head coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest after he took the Deacons’ head coaching job.

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In the midst of these changes, new head coach Jimmy Rogers, who signed a five-year deal to become the 35th head coach in the program’s history, faces a major rebuilding task. His challenge is to stabilize a program in flux and rebuild the Cougars’ roster, all while navigating an uncertain future within a rapidly shifting conference landscape.

Despite the numerous departures, a significant number of players, including some from Washington State, remain undecided in the transfer portal, which leaves the door open for potential returns. As the Cougars prepare for the 2025 season, it will be intriguing to see how the team takes shape under Rogers’ leadership.

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