Jimmy Rogers Not Backing Off From Challenge of Ole Miss Trip for Washington State

Aug 30, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Jimmy Rogers watches a replay on the video board during a game against the Idaho Vandals in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State Cougars won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

Washington State Cougars head football coach Jimmy Rogers takes his team to SEC country this week against an Ole Miss squad ranked inside the top five and carrying College Football Playoff aspirations. With a record of 3-2 this season, the Cougars are coming off of a bye week and trying to stay focused on their own improvement rather than the mountainous challenge that awaits them on Saturday.

Rogers spoke to local media this week to give insight on how his team spent the bye week and what a rare trip to the Southeast presents for growing the brand of WSU football.

---

MORE: WSU Head Coach Jimmy Rogers Says He Probably Wouldn't Recruit Himself As a Player

---

NOTES

-"Really excited about the opportunity to go down to Oxford and compete. Our guys took the improvement week serious and we had several practices where we felt like we got what we got out of it as far as putting our focus and then going out and really trying to accomplish the things that we need to improve at. So, obviously taking on Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, this is a tall task. They got a lot of really talented players on both sides of the football, in the return game on special teams. So, we'll have our work cut out for us, but it's been fun to see Trinidad [Chambliss] just continue to get better and better. He was a guy that we were able to watch when he was at Ferris State. So, has a bright future ahead of him and their whole team is is clicking on all cylinders right now. So, we're excited for the opportunity and ready to go down there and compete."

-On Isaac Terrell: "He's got a great work ethic. He's extremely explosive and strong and he cares a lot about this place and his teammates and I think he showcases it on game days."

-On if playing at Ole Miss is the kind of matchup he envisioned when he came to WSU: "Yeah, it is. I mean, these environments is kind of what you live for as far as a coach. This is the pinnacle of the sport. You're playing the number four team in the country with a really great program and a great coach that has, you know, lineage of success throughout his career. And yeah, it's going to be a challenge for sure, but we're excited about it."

---