Washington State Coach Jake Dickert After Upset of Wisconsin: ‘We Belong in the Power Five’

Left behind in realignment, the Cougars made a stirring case for their continued relevance.

It's hard to argue against Washington State as a contributor to college football's rich tapestry. This is the school, after all, of Drew Bledsoe, Mike Leach, Keith Jackson and others, with success traceable all the way back to a 4-0-2 campaign in 1908.

The Cougars' current situation, however, has ramped up appreciation for what they've given to the game over the years. Washington State and Oregon State currently stand to be the Pac-12's only two members on July 1, 2024, as 10 of their conference mates have defected to the ACC, Big Ten or Big 12.

On Saturday, Cougars coach Jake Dickert seized on this intrigue after Washington State shocked No. 19 Wisconsin 31-22 in Pullman.

"This moment, it's everything. We belong in the Power Five," a hoarse, emotional Dickert told ESPN's Quint Kessenich as Cougars fans swarmed the Martin Stadium field.

Washington State head coach Jake Dickert after defeating No. 19 Wisconsin:

“We belong in the Power 5‼️” pic.twitter.com/oTg0yaAaLR

— On3 (@On3sports) September 10, 2023

The Cougars went up 24–6 and withstood a late charge from the Badgers to follow up on their 17–14 win over Wisconsin last season—a game in which the Badgers were also ranked No. 19.

More than a feel-good win, it sent signal that come what may, big-time football on the Palouse will endure.

"These kids have worked their [a----] off. I'm so damn proud of them," Dickert said. "We're all we got. We're all we need."