Led by eighth-year head coach Mike Leach, the Cougars competed in the North Division of the Pac-12 Conference, and played their home games on campus at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington.

They were invited to the Cheez-It Bowl in Phoenix in late December, but lost 31–21 to Air Force.

On January 9, Leach departed for Mississippi State,[1][2] and less than a week later, athletic director Pat Chun hired Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich.

However, turnovers on offense, a collapsing defense, and giving up a touchdown on special teams would prove costly for Washington State as UCLA would come back to win 67–63.

Washington State quarterback Anthony Gordon broke the school record for touchdown passes, throwing for nine in the game; the previous record of seven was set by Gardner Minshew the previous season against Arizona.