Leckner leads WSU offense as seniors push for win
Trey Leckner has caught 12 passes for 98 yards in four games while his veteran teammates prepare for a final season in college.
By Rahul Sato ·
Trey Leckner has caught 12 passes for 98 yards in four games, a statistical output that includes an 18-yard reception and a key fourth-down conversion against Boise State.
The tight end, who played high school football at Glacier Peak in Washington, arrived at Washington State in 2023. He redshirted his true freshman year before beginning to play in the latter half of 2024. He earned a starting role in 2025 and missed the first four games of the current 2026 season due to injury.
The Cougars stand at 1-7 with five consecutive losses. Head coach Kirby Moore changed the starting quarterback, replacing Caden Pinnick with Owen Eshelman. The offensive line has shown improvement since that change, but the team has not won in the two games since the switch. WSU is currently seeking its first win against an FBS opponent this season.
The roster features 14 seniors, including 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 has played 482 snaps this season, ranking 12th among linebackers nationally and third in the Pac-12. He recorded 15 tackles against Oregon State and nine against Boise State.
Leckner attributes his development to the mentorship of veteran players and coaches. He stated that being in the locker room since 2023 allowed him to learn from those around him. Defensive end Matyus McLain and nickelback Jamarey Smith agreed that the team is motivated to finish the season strongly for the senior class. Brown is in his sixth and final year of eligibility.
The team will play San Diego State on the road next. The Aztecs are favored in the matchup. WSU is technically still eligible for a bowl game if it wins its remaining contests to finish 5-7 and meets Academic Progress Rate standards. The team must win its next game to keep that mathematical possibility alive.
Source: Everett Herald
