If WSU thought the hiring of Jimmy Rogers as their new football coach would stop the bleeding, they were wrong today. Zevi Eckhaus, after starting just one game in a crimson uniform, and receiver Carlos Hernandez are entering the transfer portal.
Eckhaus transferred to WSU from Bryant (FCS) and lost the starting job to John Mateer. However, he was able to utilize a redshirt to preserve a final season of eligibility in 2025.
It was thought Eckhaus would stay at WSU to compete for the starting job once Mateer announced his decision to transfer. That now appears to not be the case.
Eckhaus played well in the Holiday Bowl despite missing his starting running back, tight end and multiple receivers. He threw theee touchdown passes and rushed for one, while completing 72% of throws and putting up 391 total yards.
Perhaps that performance, against a Power 4 team in a top bowl game, was enough to secure Eckhaus an NIL offer from a top school.
There is speculation that Wake Forest could be interested. Jake Dickert recruited Eckhaus to WSU and with Dickert now at Wake Forest, it could make sense for Eckhaus to land there and potentially start for the Demon Deacons.
There is also a chance Eckhaus does not expect to start at WSU for coach Rogers. Perhaps Rogers is intent on bringing his QB from South Dakota State, Mark Gronowski, or perhaps Rogers has other ideas.
It could also be Eckhaus simply wants to explore his options and could return to Pullman for the right price. Committing serious money to Eckhaus after just one bowl game performance might seem like a reactionary decision, but considering he only has one year left, it might be in the Cougs’ best interest to put together an NIL package for Eckhaus to return.
Having a veteran quarterback on the team who knows Pullman and has spent a year with the younger receivers would be helpful for a first-year head coach.
Receiver Carlos Hernandez, who went for 80 yards in the Holiday Bowl, is also entering the transfer portal. It was previously reported that Dickert was trying to recruit Hernandez to Wake Forest, but at the time it appeared Hernandez was not interested.
Perhaps Hernandez has changed his mind, or perhaps he too wants to explore his options.
It would make sense for both Eckhaus and Hernandez to land at Wake Forest together, but it would also be in WSU’s best interest to keep them in Pullman for one more year.
At the moment, freshman Jaxon Potter would be in line to start for the Cougs next season, and junior Tre Shackelford would be their most experienced receiver.
