Coming off a 4-8 season in 2024 with a 3-5 mark in the Big Sky, in some ways it’s back to the basics for a Wildcats team looking to put that in the past. That means desires and habits as much as anything.

“I think we had a tremendous offseason. Micah Cloward, our strength coach, did a tremendous job affecting our culture, changing it, getting it back to where we’re accustomed to,” third-year head coach Mickey Mental said. “And I think our kids are really close. We’ve got a good group that works hard, works for each other, loves each other, and that’s the start of a good first quarter for us.”

Jackson Gilkey, a sophomore quarterback who transferred to WSU after two years at UTSA, said he’s felt good about those building blocks.

“These guys are hungry, they want to get better. That’s what I’m here for. I want to make us better, try to bring the team up,” Gilkey said. “Nobody’s complacent with where we’re at. … We’ve just got to keep building.”

Robert Casey, WSU Athletics

The Wildcats have 13 seniors listed on the roster — more than last season, but still on a team with 39 players listed as sophomore and younger. That means every day matters.

“Consistent culture, daily effort and attitude,” Mental said about his spring focus. “Especially as a young team, which we still are, just being consistent and practicing great habits is key.”

The defensive side of the ball has seen the most changes, both with players and coaches. Two assistant coaches moved on to other opportunities and one more stepped away. That’s meant safeties coach Joe Dale taking over as sole defensive coordinator, with the hires of Brady Daigh as defensive tackles coach, Justin Mullgrav leading the linebackers and former Wildcat defender Keilan Benjamin coaching cornerbacks.

Potential returners in cornerback Jalon Rock (Liberty) and defensive end Brayden Wilson (Wyoming) both transferred to FBS programs, while defensive linemen Bronson and Jagger Childs both followed Grant Duff to Idaho State.

“I like what the defense is doing so far. Coach Dale’s got them playing fast, physical, violent, getting to the football and creating turnovers this spring. I think they’ve done a really good job,” Mental said. “He’s harping on (turnovers), him and his staff are doing a tremendous job of getting these guys playing hard and fast, getting to the ball with reckless abandon.”

Robert Casey, WSU Athletics

Also on the defensive side of the ball, sophomore cornerback Tre Parks-Vinson is back in action after missing all of the 2024 season over a medical concern. Coaches have been consistently high on Parks-Vinson since he switched from receiver to cornerback during 2023 fall camp.

“Tre’s having a tremendous spring,” Mental said.

One of the one-two Sione linebacker punch is already gone. While Boston College junior Sione Hala is in camp, BYU transfer and Weber High alum Sione Moa is no longer with the team.

Weber State running back Davion Godley (27) tries to escape a tackle from Mayson Hitchens, right, as Trevian Tribble (9) pursues during a spring practice Friday, March 21, 2025, at Stewart Stadium in Ogden.

Weber State quarterback Dijon Jennings, center, runs the football during a spring practice Friday, March 21, 2025, at Stewart Stadium in Ogden.

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