Washington State vs. Utah State Opt-Out Tracker, Transfers, Injuries, Starting Lineups, Best Bet for Potato Bowl
Washington State and Utah State are set to battle at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday afternoon, in a battle of who has more roster stability. Peter Alexis takes a look at the opt-outs and injuries ahead of this Washington State vs. Utah State early showdown on Monday, December 22nd in the Idaho Potato Bowl.
Peter Alexis - December 22, 2025, 12:15 PM EST
5 Minute ReadWashington State vs. Utah State Preview: Who Is Opting-Out, Injured for Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday, December 22nd
Washington State and Utah State meet in an early bowl season matchup at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl featuring two 6-6 teams looking to end turbulent seasons on a positive note. Utah State enters as a 1.5-point favorite, and the line has held steady since opening, suggesting the market is waiting to see how Washington State responds to major roster and coaching upheaval. The game will be played on a neutral field with postseason motivation very much in question on one sideline.
The biggest storyline surrounds Washington State, where head coach Jimmy Rogers departed for the Iowa State job shortly after the regular season. Missouri offensive coordinator Kirby Moore was named the next head coach but will not coach this game, leaving defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit as the interim. Utah State, meanwhile, arrives with far more continuity, fewer opt-outs, and a clearer offensive identity built around a dangerous dual-threat backfield.
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Washington State vs. Utah State Date, Time, and Where to Watch Idaho Potato Bowl
- Date: Monday, December 22, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Washington State vs. Utah State Odds
Idaho Potato Bowl | Odds |
|---|---|
Washington State +1.5 (-110) | Utah State -1.5 (-110) |
Washington State ML (+145) | Utah State ML (-170) |
Over 49.5 Total Points | Under 49.5 Total Points |
Click here for the latest Washington State vs. Utah State Odds
Washington State vs. Utah State Opt-Outs Tracker & Injuries
Washington State Transfer Portal
- Starting RB Kirby Vorhees (won't play in bowl)
- CB Kenny Worthy (384 snaps)
- LB Anthony Palano (382 snaps)
- EDGE Malaki Ta'ase (255 snaps)
- Backup QB Jaxson Potter (164 snaps)
- WR Tony Freeman (557 yards, 3 TDs)
- DL Mike Sandjo (105 snaps)
- DL Max Baloun (100 snaps)
Washington State Injuries
- C Brock Dieu (missed finale)
- WR Carter Pabst (last played in Week 13)
Washington State Coaching Changes
Jimmy Rogers left to take the head coach position at Iowa State. He will not stay with the team for the bowl. DC Jesse Bobbit will serve as the interim head coach. Former Missouri OC Kirby Moore is the new head coach in waiting.
Utah State Transfer Portal
- Starting WR Braden Pegan (767 snaps; will not play)
Utah State Injuries
- TE Broc Lane (missed finale)
Washington State vs. Utah State Odds Breakdown - Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
This game largely comes down to stability and availability, and Utah State has a significant edge in both areas. Washington State has been hit hard by transfer portal movement, losing its leading rusher Kirby Vorhees, a top receiver, multiple defensive contributors, and depth at key positions. Even with the school reversing course and allowing some portal players to participate, the damage is already done. Several high-snap defenders and offensive playmakers will not suit up, leaving Washington State thin and inexperienced in critical spots.
Utah State is not without its own loss, as leading receiver Braden Pegan will not play, but the impact is far less severe compared to Washington State’s situation. The Aggies still bring their core offensive weapons to the field, including quarterback Zevi Eckhaus and running back Miles Davis. Eckhaus has been excellent as a dual threat this season, consistently extending plays with his legs and stressing defenses horizontally. Davis complements him perfectly in the backfield, giving Utah State one of the more effective rushing attacks among bowl-eligible Group of Five teams.
Washington State’s defensive absences loom especially large here. With multiple linebackers, edge defenders, and defensive backs unavailable, slowing down Utah State’s run-heavy offense becomes a major challenge. That problem is compounded by uncertainty around Washington State’s offensive approach without Vorhees, who was the engine of their ground game. Asking backups to step in during a bowl game with an interim staff is rarely a recipe for success.
From a motivation standpoint, Utah State also appears to be in the better position. They are playing with a mostly intact roster and a clear game plan, while Washington State is navigating a coaching transition, portal chaos, and lineup instability. Historically, Washington State holds a 3-2 edge in the series, including a dominant win last season, but this is a very different Cougars team. Utah State pulled a road upset in 2021, and the current version of Washington State looks far more vulnerable than in previous meetings.
Washington State vs. Utah State Best Bet
- Pick: Utah State ML (-115) Check out these best odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
Utah State has the more complete roster, greater continuity, and the clearer offensive identity heading into this game. With Washington State missing its leading rusher, multiple defensive starters, and its head coach, this sets up as a tough spot for the Cougars to rally. The Aggies’ dual-threat pairing of Zevi Eckhaus and Miles Davis should find consistent success against a depleted defense, making the moneyline the preferred way to back Utah State in this matchup.
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