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WSU's Owen Eshelman to start at QB against Oregon State, replacing Caden Pinnick

Washington State has made a significant offensive change ahead of its Pac-12 road game at Oregon State, naming redshirt freshman Owen Eshelman as the starting quarterback in place of Caden Pinnick. The decision comes after a dismal offensive performance this season, with the Cougars managing just four touchdowns in their first five FBS games and ranking among the nation’s least efficient offenses.

Pinnick, a transfer from UC Davis, has struggled with turnovers—seven total—including five interceptions and one fumble, while failing to establish a consistent passing game, with only one touchdown pass in FBS action and no completions beyond nine yards in Friday’s loss to Utah State. Coach Kirby Moore announced the move on Monday, citing Eshelman’s preparation and readiness, despite the 6-foot-3, 204-pound quarterback’s limited collegiate experience: two snaps in a blowout win over FCS Duquesne earlier this season.

Eshelman, a former three-year starter at Norman North High School, boasts an impressive high school resume with 6,666 total yards and 79 touchdowns across his career, including 2,507 passing yards and 29 passing touchdowns as a senior, along with 1,312 rushing yards and 19 rushing scores. Originally committed to FCS South Dakota State before transferring to WSU, Eshelman follows former coach Jimmy Rogers to Pullman and brings a dual-threat skill set, including mobility highlighted during fall camp.

Moore emphasized the need for improved accuracy and efficiency, noting recent turnovers in critical situations, while acknowledging Eshelman’s potential to inject new life into an offense that has shown little progress under Pinnick’s tenure.

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