This week’s Unsung Coug of the Week is Ansel Din-Mbuh. The sophomore defensive lineman has broken out for 4.5 sacks in the past two games.

In 2023, Din-Mbuh did not play much, totaling two tackles and two assists. He’s earned a much larger spot on the team in 2024, playing in five games and showing consistent improvement. He has nine solo tackles and seven assists and recorded his first sack against Hawaii. But his big breakout came at San Diego State, where he came away with three sacks.

Din-Mbuh comes from Aledo, Texas, where he attended Aledo High School. He was a three-star prospect who helped lead his team to a 5A Division 1 State Championship as a senior.

He also competed in track in high school, where he was a state-level discus thrower.

The six-foot three-inch lineman chose WSU in part because it was his only Power 5 offer. His latest success proves the Cougars’ success in finding prospects and developing them. He was named BECU Cougar Player of the Week by 247sports.com, and has been consistently progressing throughout the season.

“Just playing fast,” Din-Mbuh said on his performance at SDSU.”These past couple weeks, the game has really slowed down a lot.”

He spoke about the defense continuing to improve their communication.

“We’re working on a lot of our base calls right now,” he said.  “All the new plays we’ve been installing and stuff, we’ll be abe to do it to a tee.”

He also talked about the pressure the Cougars face with their 7-1 record, but Din-Mbuh does not believe the Cougs need a statement win to show their strength.

“I feel like as long as you take care of business and you get the win, it don’t really matter how you get the win,” he said. “Things will work out how they’re gonna work, you just gotta stay patient, keep trusting God and he’ll work things out how it’s supposed to be.”