Former Glacier Peak Standout Steady for Struggling WSU

Washington State tight end Trey Leckner spent his high school years at Glacier Peak absorbing criticism, but he says that noise doesn't reach him anymore. Leckner redshirted at WSU in 2023, worked into the rotation the next year, and claimed a starting role in 2025. He missed the first four games of this season as a redshirt junior but returned to the field in mid-October.

In four games this season, Leckner has 12 catches for 98 yards, including an 18-yard reception and a fourth-down grab in WSU's 31-10 loss to Boise State. He said the change came from time spent around older players. "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."

WSU sits at 1-7 and has not beaten an FBS opponent this season. The Cougars beat FCS Duquesne in mid-September, then lost five straight. Head coach Kirby Moore switched playcallers and moved Owen Eshelman ahead of Caden Pinnick at quarterback, and the offense improved in two games under Eshelman without producing a win. The program has drawn criticism from fans and media during the skid.

Leckner and two teammates met reporters Monday ahead of Saturday's game at San Diego State. Defensive end Matyus McLain said the group plays for the older players on the roster. "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."

Leckner said winning remains the goal regardless of standings. "Regardless (of) what the prize is or whatever that we're playing for, I want to win. I know all the guys in the locker room want to win, and the coaches want to win," he said. Nickelback Jamarey Smith said he focuses only on preparation. "I kinda block it out," Smith said. "I worry about just what we have going on in the building and preparing week-by-week."

WSU carries 14 seniors, among them linebacker Keith Brown, offensive linemen Jonny Lester and Jaylin Caldwell, and defensive end Linus Zunk. Brown, in his sixth year of college football, has played 482 snaps, the 12th-most in the country among linebackers and third-most in the Pac-12. He made 15 tackles against Oregon State and nine against Boise State.

The Cougars travel to San Diego State on Saturday, where San Diego State is favored. WSU could qualify for a bowl at 5-7 only if there aren't enough 6-6 teams to fill available slots and if it meets Academic Progress Rate standards. The team has not beaten an FBS opponent this season.