In 2025, the WSU defensive line had a menacing shadow clinging to them in the backfield. Wearing number nine and clocking in at a seemingly innocuous 190 pounds, Caleb Francl terrorized opposing offenses as a linebacker.
With 82 total tackles, five QB hits, two sacks and five passes defended, Francl stunted offensive drive after offensive drive. Despite the impressive season to close his career, Francl did not receive an invite to the 2026 NFL Combine.
While he may not have gone to Indiana this year for the combine, Francl has not stopped putting in work to get to the NFL.
This offseason, he is spending his time in Cool Springs, Tennessee getting to work with D1 Training. The company provides coach-led athletic training meant to simulate a D1 program. Specifically, Francl is working with coach Clif Marshall, a former NFL and college football coach who specializes in strength and conditioning.
Since arriving, Francl has done nothing but eat, sleep and breathe football.
“It’s pretty much a 9-5,” he said. “You wake up, you get there, you lift, get lunch and you run. You get there at 9 o’clock and then you’re there until three and then you have recovery until five. So, it’s a full time job.”
Even before this past season ended, Francl had plans to work with D1 Training and coach Marshall.
“It was through mutual connections [that] we kind of got hooked up together,” he said. “This was early October I believe.”
Marshall has made quite a few stops in his coaching career before arriving at D1 Training. Most notably he was a strength coach with the Cincinnati Bengals for 12 years starting back in 2007. More recently, he was the director of athletic performance for the Indiana University basketball program. With almost 20 years in the industry, Francl picked a solid horse to hitch his wagon to.
After trading the Palouse for Tennessee, Francl admits there are some things he does not miss from Pullman.
“I don’t miss the snow that Pullman has,” he said. “We got that one ice storm so that was kind of a taste of the midwest and Pullman. But, I’m enjoying it out here.”
During his time in Pullman, the Coug defense was deadly, in large part because of Francl’s contributions in the backfield. The No. 27 ranked defense kept the Cougs competitive in multiple games. However, Francl refuses to take too much of the credit.
“It was just the unity within the unit,” he said. “Everyone did their job to the fullest of their abilities. Everyone on the field trusted in each other to do their job. That goes a long way when you have all these moving parts.”
Although he only played one year in the crimson and gray, Francl still learned a lot from his single season at WSU. Specifically, what the transition from FCS to FBS revealed about his abilities.
“I can play with anyone,” he said. “I proved that this year I think. Just having confidence in my abilities is a big part of that.”
With no combine invite, Francl intends to turn heads a different way.
“My biggest focus right now is WSU’s pro day,” Francl said. “Trying to press that one scout who will give me a shot on a team and then run with that shot.”
Francl has experience running with shots. His early career was plagued with injuries, backup roles and special team snaps. However, he muscled past it all, culminating in his dominant showing with the Cougs as one of their top defensive starters.
What lies in Francl’s future is unknown. But, his single season as a Coug speaks volumes to the talent level that he brings to the table.
With WSU Pro-Day approaching and his work with D1 Training keeping him in shape, Francl may be in a good spot to catch someone’s eye. Should he get drafted to an NFL roster, there is no doubt that he will continue to work his way to the gridiron under Sunday night lights.
