A year ago, Zevi Eckhaus was the new guy at Washington State, a transfer from FCS Bryant hoping to seize the starting quarterback job. Fast forward to spring 2025, and while the road hasn’t unfolded exactly as he planned, Eckhaus has found something just as valuable: confidence, connection, and a clear shot at the Cougars’ QB1 role.
Earlier this spring, the California native hosted an impromptu barbecue after a practice, inviting a few teammates over. Word spread. Instead of six or seven players, nearly 30 showed up. There he stood, grilling burgers and wings for a house full of hungry Cougars—his first time on the grill, now immortalized on Instagram.
It was more than a cookout. It was a moment that symbolized his transformation: from outsider to leader, from hopeful backup to the heartbeat of the locker room.
“This place is about relationships, not flash,” Eckhaus said. “You go fishing, play cards, grill out together. You make memories that last.”
Eckhaus’ perspective has shifted. When he transferred from Bryant in January 2024, his plan was to win the starting job, shine for a season, and enter the NFL Draft. Instead, he spent last year backing up John Mateer, who has since transferred to Oklahoma along with former offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
But rather than jump ship, Eckhaus stayed. He briefly entered the transfer portal in December, only to withdraw two days later. The decision? It came down to more than football.
“Comfort,” Eckhaus said. “I’m more at ease with the guys, the system, everything. That’s changed how I play and lead.”
That comfort showed in WSU’s Holiday Bowl performance, where Eckhaus made a strong case for himself. He threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns, proving he could handle the moment—even in a loss.
Still, Eckhaus refuses to assume the starting job is his. He talks about walking a “tightrope” between confidence and complacency. His internal motivation, inspired by a documentary on Tom Brady, keeps him sharp. He recalls how Brady always stayed on edge, never getting too comfortable even as a clear-cut starter.
“I’m not comparing myself to Brady,” he said with a smile, “but it’s that mindset. You can’t let yourself slip. You always have to meet the standard.”
Eckhaus’ maturity is as evident in the film room as it is on the practice field. He studies tape with purpose. He lifts with intensity. He talks about adjusting when a receiver slips mid-route—not panicking, but scanning for the next option.
“It’s about adapting,” he said. “Things don’t always go how you planned. That doesn’t mean the result can’t still be great.”
Now entering his redshirt senior year, Eckhaus is poised to lead the Cougars in their final season as a quasi-independent program. He’s embracing that challenge—and everything that comes with it.
Whether he’s throwing darts in the pocket or flipping chicken on the grill, Eckhaus has made one thing clear: this team is his now, and he’s ready to deliver.
From : Washington State Cougars Shirt
⏩ You may also love: Washington Huskies Shirt
