We’re still waiting for the Alamo Bowl, but Christmas has come early once again for college football fans, as the Washington State Cougars are looking signing close to a full recruiting class on Wednesday, the start of the early signing period for college football.

The early period — which is now in its second iteration — has been a boon for WSU so far: The Cougars are able keep their prospects from being poached late by bigger programs who are holding out for the five-star types.

This Big Board will be your one-stop shop for WSU recruiting info the next couple of days as things develop. Below you will see that each position is broken down with commitments, targets and notes.

Right now WSU has 23 players (including grayshirting 2018 commits Rocky Katoanga and Gatlin Grisso) committed, and almost all of them are expected to sign on Wednesday. WSU is expecting to take a full class of 25 when all is said and done; whether they save any schollies for the late period remains to be seen, and it’s not exactly clear if some creative scholarship accounting would allow them to take more than 25 in this cycle.

We will keep this updated if new commitments roll in between now and Wednesday.

WSU Recruiting Big Board

Here’s the class as it stands now:

Let’s break down each position. In the parentheses, you’ll see how many are currently committed and how many WSU is expecting to take total at that spot.

Quarterback (1 of 1)

Three-star recruit Gunner Cruz has been committed since May and is probably the closest thing to a “classic” WSU quarterback Mike Leach has landed since he has been here. He has big size and arm along with sneaky mobility. He reminds me a little bit of a certain current broadcaster and WSU alumnus on the Pac-12 network.

Running Back (2 of 2)

The Cougars have a “thunder and lightning” combination coming in similar to the Wicks/Morrow class of a few years ago. Jamir Thomas is the power back with lots of impressive offers to play linebacker from Big Ten country and Jouvensly Bazile is the track star speed back out of Florida a la Keith Harrington.

Wide Receiver (2 of 3)

It seems like WSU won’t sign as many as they usually do with so many pass catchers returning, but you can always expect Mike Leach to sign a few impact receivers. Donovan Ollie is the big outside guy from Texas and former Max Borghi teammate Billy Pospisil is the inside guy in the Renard Bell/Travell Harris mold. No other receiver prospects have scheduled visits at this time.

Offensive Line (5 of 5)

The Cougars have assembled an impressive group of blockers so far headlined by junior college bounce-back Dontae Powell, who was a four-star recruit in high school, and Walla Walla’s Patrick Utchinski, whom 247Sports rates a four-star player. Additionally, 6-foot-7/300-pound Canadian hoss Liam Dick is in town this weekend for an official visit and would be a great way to round out this class, even if that meant taking six in this cycle. WSU is competing against Louisville and Pitt for his services.

Defensive Tackle (1 of 2)

Dejon Benton is the only currently committed interior defender as previous committ Nassir Sims and WSU went their separate ways. Hopefully the Cougars are able to unearth another big man before the start of fall practice.

Defensive End (1 of 1)

The only true defensive end (although some of the linebackers will function as rush ends) WSU is signing this year is Tyler Garay-Harris. The Oakland native boasts a very promising frame and looks like a potential steal.

Linebacker (4 of 4)

WSU has three super athletic prospects expected to sign in Peni Naulu, Travion Brown and Cosmas Kwete. Brown is rated as four stars by 247Sports, and Kwete seems to be most likely to play inside along with grayshirt Katoanga.

Cornerback (3 of 3)

After struggling at this position in 2018, WSU has hit the JC ranks for 6-foot-3 Derrick Langford and former Northern Illinois starter Daniel Isom. Prep star Armani Archie who turned down Nebraska rounds out the trio expected to ink on Wednesday.

Safety (3 of 3)

Despite returning both starters, WSU is going pretty safety heavy this year as depth is needed at both spots and the Nickel position. Bryce Beekman is one of the best JC safeties in the country and Don Chapman was wooed away from Colorado during the coaching change.

Special Teams (1 of 1)

The Cougars have bucked convention this year and offered a long snapper. Simon Samarzich is considered the top snapper in the country. WSU has also reportedly offered junior college punter Carson Olivas, but i have to think this is a preferred walk-on situation with Oscar Draguicevich only a sophomore.