Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

WSU tight end Nathaniel Salmon departs; Cougars gain commitment from CB Gianni Hayes

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 2:01 AM

Last updated Jun 22, 2026

Football

Summary

Washington State tight end Nathaniel Salmon is no longer with the football program after six months. Salmon, who was expected to contribute to the tight end group, missed spring practices due to injury and opted to remain in New Zealand instead of returning for summer workouts. With Salmon's departure, more opportunities arise for returner Trey Leckner and transfer Jack Pedersen. Additionally, WSU secured a commitment from three-star cornerback Gianni Hayes, making him the 18th member of the Cougars' 2027 recruiting class.

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Status Watch

•Nathaniel Salmon leaves WSU football program after short tenure.
•Salmon missed spring practices and opted to stay in New Zealand.
•Trey Leckner and Jack Pedersen likely to see increased roles.
•Gianni Hayes commits to WSU, joining the 2027 recruiting class.
•Hayes turned down offers from several other schools, including Utah and Cal.

Latest Updates

2:01 AMYahoo Sports — WSU football notebook: TE Nathaniel Salmon no longer with team, Cougs score commitment from 3-star CB

What they're saying

"
Jun. 21—PULLMAN — Washington State's tight end room has shrunk by one player. Tight end Nathaniel Salmon is no longer with the program, a source confirmed to the Spokesman-Review on Sunday, ending his roughly six-month stay in Pullman. A native of New Zealand, Salmon participated in spring practices but missed a handful due to injury. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 274 pounds, Salmon was expected to ...
— Yahoo Sports

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