The 2025 regular season is in the books for all but four Pro Cougs in the NFL. Abraham Lucas, Daiyan Henley, Chau Smith-Wade and Kyle Williams will be playing for a Super Bowl starting Sat. 10, 2026.
Week 18 was packed with action. Here is a recap:
Abraham Lucas (Seahawks) – Lucas struggled in Week 1 against the 49ers’ defensive line, specifically on the last play of offense for the Seahawks, when Nick Bosa bull-rushed him into Sam Darnold’s pocket, causing a fumble. This time around, with no Bosa, Lucas played fairly well, though ultimately being beaten on certain outside zone runs to the right, Lucas has seen an overall big improvement from week one. With a first round bye week, Lucas and the o-line will get some much needed rest before potentially facing either the Rams or Packers.
Jaylen Watson and Jaden Hicks (Chiefs) – Watson posted a message addressing “Chiefs Kingdom” after being shut down for the season by the Chiefs a couple weeks ago. The message hinted towards a potential parting of ways this off-season as a free agent. For Hicks, he only played 36 snaps and finished with three tackles and one pass deflection. Hicks also gave up one completion for 21 yards. Hicks has a big off-season coming for him as he went from week one starter to a special team/backup safety for the Chiefs defense. He will need to show why he deserved the top spot back and why the Chiefs should not look for outside help.
University of Southern California wide reciever Drake London (15) catches a pass while Washington State University defensive back Jaylen Watson (0) attempts to tackle him during the second half of a college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, WA.
Esa Pole (Chiefs) – Pole may have played himself into a lucrative deal this off-season after his impressive play in the back end of the Chiefs season. Coming in as an undrafted free agent, not much was expected of him, but he came in hot and played like a vet. With the Chiefs potentially being without Patrick Mahomes next season, due to an ACL tear, it is unlikely they will want to pay their expensive o-line. Their starting left tackle has been injury prone, costing them a lot of money. Moving him to Pole will save them substantially, even if they have to give Pole a pay upgrade.
WSU offensive lineman Esa Pole blocks a defensive player during the WSU football spring game, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
Chau Smith-Wade (Panthers) – Week 18 was simple for the Panthers win. Smith-Wade has been serviceable for the Panthers all season, but in the biggest game all year, he played like a double agent, finishing with four total tackles and giving up four catches for 59 yards. With the Rams on the docket for the wild card round, it will be interesting to see his bounce back performance.
WSU defensive back Chau Smith-Wade lines up during practice, Aug. 17, at GESA Field.
Jalen Thompson (Cardinals) – Thompson had 10 tackles and gave up six catches on seven targets for 54 yards against the Rams in week 18. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon was fired from the Cardinals, but hopefully, the new regime can utilize the safety duo of Thompson and Budda Baker next season.
Then-sophomore safety Jalen Thompson heads onto the field before kickoff during a game against Oregon State University on Sept. 16, 2017.
Daiyan Henley (Chargers) – Henley did not play due to rest for playoffs since nothing was on the line for the Chargers.
WSU linebacker Daiyan Henley celebrates after making a play during an NCAA football game against Colorado State, Sep. 17.
Frankie Luvu (Commanders) – Luvu had a game resembling his entire season, finishing with one tackle, one QB hit and giving up one catch for 12 yards. Commanders fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. With Luvu regressing this season, the hope is the next DC will be able to help him get back to 2024 shape and be an All-Pro once again.
Senior and former linebacker Frankie Luvu, right, celebrates with then-redshirt senior linebacker Peyton Pelluer after Luvu sacked Boise State junior quarterback Brett Rypien during a game September 9 at Martin Stadium.
Kyle Williams (Patriots) – The standout Coug wide-out was not used as a receiver in his rookie regular season finale. Williams had one rush for five yards against the Dolphins. The Pats have used Williams as their deep threat for a majority of the season and have not used him in the backfield until week 18. In the playoffs, we could see an increase in packages for Williams on the perimeter and in the backfield.
Kyle Williams and Lincoln Victor celebrate after a TD on the second play from scrimmage for WSU, Sept. 23, in Pullman, Wash.
Overall, there was tons of good and little bad from the Pro Cougs. Smith-Wade and Thompson struggled in pass coverage, but Lucas and Pole looked dominant from the offensive tackle position.
