Ahead of the 2024 college football season, the Washington State football program has announced the team’s player captains for the upcoming campaign.
The Cougars’ captains are quarterback John Mateer, edge rusher Nusi Malani, tackle Fa’alili Fa’amoe, center Devin Kylany, defensive back Stephen Hall and linebacker Kyle Thornton.
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Redshirt sophomore John Mateer won the starting quarterback job during fall camp after playing in 12 games for the Cougars.
Malani, a senior, appeared in all 12 games last season, including six as a starter, where he made 24 tackles with four losses, 1.5 sacks, one pass defense and three quarterback hurries.
Fa’amoe has started the last 19 games for the Cougars and was named to the Lombardi and Outland Trophy watch lists. Devin Kylany is expected to play a larger role on the offensive line after working primarily as a backup the last few years.
Hall, a redshirt junior who transferred to WSU from Northwest Mississippi Community College before last season, made 20 tackles in 11 games in 2023, including three tackles for loss and a pass breakup.
Thornton, a redshirt senior, played his first season as a full-time starter last year and led the team with 87 tackles. He also added 4.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack, a pass break-up and a forced fumble in 2023.
The Cougars will play their first game of the season this Saturday, August 31st, hosting the Portland State Vikings of the Big Sky Conference.