Washington State tight end Trey Leckner finds stability amid 1-7 season

Trey Leckner has established himself as the most consistent offensive weapon for Washington State this season. After missing the first four games of his redshirt junior year, the tight end returned to the lineup and has maintained a steady production level that contrasts sharply with the team's overall record. He has recorded 12 receptions for 98 yards, including an 18-yard catch, in four appearances. His performance includes a critical fourth-down conversion during a 31-10 loss to Boise State over the weekend.

The Cougars currently sit at 1-7 in conference and non-conference play. They have lost five consecutive games since a mid-September victory over FCS Duquesne. Head coach Kirby Moore has attempted to stabilize the offense by replacing quarterback Caden Pinnick with Owen Eshelman. While the change has brought some statistical improvement, it has not yet produced a win against an FBS opponent.

Leckner attributes his composure to his four years in the program. He redshirted in 2023, began playing in 2024, and started in 2025. He said the experience of being in the locker room with veteran players and coaches helped him filter out the external criticism that bothered him during his high school career at Glacier Peak. "I think just getting older and being in the locker room," Leckner said, "being around a lot of really good players, obviously through 2023 and on. Just picking their brain and having good mentors, whether it’s players or coaches. Just being around it for so long."

The team rosters 14 seniors who are playing in their final collegiate seasons. Key contributors include linebacker Keith Brown, offensive linemen Jonny Lester and Jaylin Caldwell, receivers Daniel Blood and Darrius Clemons, defensive end Linus Zunk, defensive tackles Paul Hutson III and Damarjhe Lewis, tight end Jack Pedersen, and cornerbacks Khamari Terrell and Jalil Tucker. Brown, in his sixth year of eligibility, has played 482 snaps, the 12th most nationally among linebackers. He recorded 15 tackles against Oregon State and nine against Boise State.

Players cite the senior group as a primary source of motivation. Defensive end Matyus McLain noted that the remaining four games are their final opportunity to finish their careers on a high note. "Playing for the guys, playing for the seniors," McLain said. "This is their last four games ever, could be ever. Playing for guys like Linus, Keith Brown. Gotta keep playing for those guys, and then just the guys in the locker room. You just gotta keep playing for everybody around you."

Washington State faces San Diego State on the road next. The Aztecs are favored to win. While the Cougars are not mathematically eliminated from bowl consideration, they would need to win out and finish 5-7, meet Academic Progress Rate standards, and hope for a lack of six-win teams. For now, the focus remains on securing the first FBS win of the season. Nickelback Jamarey Smith said the team is preparing week by week to dominate the upcoming matchup.