WSU finds a QB, signs a receiver from SEC

Jan. 7—First-year Washington State coach Kirby Moore may have found his quarterback to continue the Cougars' coveted QB tradition.

WSU added former UC Davis QB Caden Pinnick, the 2025 Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year, through the transfer portal, the program announced Tuesday.

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WSU also signed wide receiver Tank Hawkins from Florida and safety Jack Bal from Arizona State, and officially announced six additions to Moore's coaching staff.

As a redshirt freshman this past season, Pinnick completed 70% of his passes for 3,206 yards with 32 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He also showed a knack for creating plays with his legs, racking up 437 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 125 attempts.

The Loomis, Calif., native earned All-American honors in addition to his freshman of the year recognition.

Hawkins played sparingly through two seasons with the Gators of the SEC.

He made 10 catches for 100 yards, with a long of 36, during his true freshman season before reeling in just two catches for 16 yards last year.

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However, Hawkins posted a 4.25 40-yard dash time out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Bal played in just three games over the past three years for the Sun Devils and is the fifth defensive transfer WSU has signed this offseason.

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Altogether, the Cougars have signed more than 20 returners to revenue-sharing agreements and added seven players through the transfer portal.

WSU also announced the following hires to pair with its 11 lead assistants and staff members:

Andrew Seumalo — Assistant defensive line coach

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Joshua Taufalele — Assistant offensive line coach

Peyton Yanagi — Assistant special teams coach

Alton Julian — Defensive graduate assistant

Braden Swank — Defensive graduate assistant

Kainon Clark — Associate director of football athletic performance

Taylor can be reached at 208-848-2268, staylor@lmtribune.com, or on X or Instagram @Sam_C_Taylor.