Washington State has named redshirt sophomore Jaxon Potter as the starter at quarterback, edging out redshirt senior Zevi Eckhaus for the Battle of the Palouse.
Potter will lead the Cougars in the rivalry game after a period of mystery around the QB1 spot. He appeared in two games last season as a redshirt freshman, including his college debut against Hawaii, where he went 2-for-2 for 26 yards.
In high school, Potter posted a prolific stat line: 207 of 306 passing for 2,640 yards with 27 touchdown passes and just two interceptions, adding four rushing touchdowns as a senior.
Assessment and outlook:
– The decision signals Washington State’s confidence in Potter’s development and his ability to run the offense, leveraging his accuracy and readiness to take on a high-pressure rivalry game.
– Eckhaus, a veteran option, provides experience and a different skill set the staff evaluated during late-summer prep. The switch suggests the Cougars want to gauge Potter’s ceiling early in the season.
– The Battle of the Palouse is a key early test for WSU’s offense. Potter’s performance will be watched closely to gauge how quickly he can build chemistry with receivers and manage the game plan against a familiar rival.
Summary note:
Potter’s first start as the QB1 could shape Washington State’s offensive approach for the season, offering a hopeful sign for fans seeking a clearer, more dynamic passing attack. Expect a measured, competitive game plan that tests Potter’s decision-making and accuracy under real game conditions.
Additional commentary:
– If Potter settles into a rhythm, the Cougars could see improved tempo and more balanced play-calling, with potential benefits for the run game and play-action looks.
– For Eckhaus, this development adds a storyline about competition and growth at the position, which could energize the quarterback room and push both players to elevate their performance.