Washington State’s fall camp includes a look at possible return candidates through additional NCAA eligibility

Washington State’s fall camp on Tuesday took on a familiar feel, with practice run in two visible groups, offense in crimson jerseys and defense in white. That structure, common in August, also made it easier to notice who was not just a typical body in the mix. Among those standing out was former defensive tackle Soni Finau, listed in coverage as present during work at Pullman.

Finau’s appearance was tied to a broader development being discussed around the Cougars, with Washington State exploring the possibility of bringing back two players who may be granted additional NCAA eligibility. Programs usually handle this kind of situation as they prepare for the grind of the season, but the key detail for fans is that a return of experienced bodies can shift how fall camp rotations are managed, especially along the lines where depth and continuity matter most.

In coverage of the session, the practice format was described in practical terms, with players clearly identifiable by jersey color and veterans and newcomers moving through team drills accordingly. For the coaches, the benefit is clarity in communication and reps allocation. For the program’s offseason decisions, the benefit is also diagnostic, because any player who is a realistic eligibility candidate needs to be evaluated in real football conditions, not just on paper.

The report framed the two-player return scenario as a “grated additional eligibility” matter, implying that eligibility relief, if approved, would be tied to specific NCAA considerations. For Washington State, the timing of that review matters because fall camp is where roles are set quickly, and the earlier the staff knows whether a player can suit up, the easier it is to build a stable rotation around them.

Finau’s presence at practice underscored that the Cougars are not only thinking about eligibility in abstract terms. Having a former defensive tackle involved on-site gives the staff a chance to measure readiness and integration, particularly in the trench work where technique, leverage, and conditioning carry over into the regular season. It also adds a veteran reference point for younger linemen during team periods.

Still, this is not yet a finished transaction in the way a spring roster move would be. Additional eligibility outcomes depend on the NCAA process and on the specific case details for each player, meaning the most important watch items are confirmation and timing. If Washington State finalizes any return decisions, fall camp is likely to reflect it through deeper involvement in team sessions and clearer depth-chart roles for defensive front players.

What to watch next is straightforward: whether Washington State confirms any addition of these eligibility candidates, and how the defensive rotation changes once the staff has more certainty. If those returns materialize, it could affect practice tempo, position-group depth, and the way Washington State distributes first-team reps early in the season.