The four-quarterback group in 2025 has a total of eight statistically counted college plays (three pass attempts, five rushes), all by junior Dijon Jennings, headed into the season. The rest of the group consists of two players who redshirted and sat without seeing the field at FBS programs (Jackson Gilkey at UTSA, Cash McCollum at North Texas) and one who is a true freshman (Kingston Tisdell).

Not even stats from a junior college season can help inform any expectations. So there are plenty of questions about what to expect for WSU now that Gilkey is officially the starter for Game 1 at James Madison this week.

Gilkey emerged from fall camp’s competition as the seemingly most consistent, reliable option — though coaches are bullish on the group’s overall talent and depth when compared to last season. They’re also consistent in how they talk about Gilkey’s work ethic, praising his study and preparation.

Only time and an opponent can show just how much that translates into on-field success for Gilkey, the passer who once tossed for 5,725 yards and 51 touchdowns in high school — second only at Ennis High to Graham Harrell, the eventual 15,000-yard passer at Texas Tech.

Robert Casey, WSU Athletics

Head coach Mickey Mental said the final determination wasn’t made until the team spent time doing fully “live” reps, which are 11-on-11 sessions where the QB is in play (and, not like many practices, wearing a different-colored jersey that indicates “no touching.”)

“When you’re live rather than being in a purple jersey … the urgency, the calmness in the pocket, the ability to throw under pressure — all that stuff comes into play,” Mental said. “I thought we did enough live reps to engage them. Obviously, Saturday will be the true test.

“You don’t ever really know what you’ve got until you throw them into the fire. I’m excited to see these guys play and let it all hang out against a quality opponent.”

Mental, senior running back Colter May and defensive coordinator Joe Dale all independently used the same word when asked what helped set Gilkey apart: poise.

“What stands out to me is his presence, his confidence in the huddle, which you’ve got to have leading the offense,” May said. “And he’s a fun player to watch; he can throw the ball downfield, do stuff with his legs, make good decisions. He’s been great to play with these last couple months and I’m excited to see how it shakes out this season.”

And Dale: “He’s poised. (Gilkey) never seems rattled, always seems in command,” the ninth-year assistant said. “He makes the right decision the majority of the time. He has a calming presence about him that’s easy to believe in, easy for guys to rally behind.

“It was fun to watch all those guys throughout camp. They all give you something different. But that’s what you can expect from him. He can throw it, run it, and he’ll be poised. He’ll be composed.”

Last year is just that, given how much change occurs between seasons now, but Sun Belt favorite James Madison returns with second-year coach Bob Chesney after holding opponents to 20.5 points per game last season. That includes the 70-50 shootout win over North Carolina, and also includes holding five opponents to single-digit totals.

“(Gilkey) has a cool, calm, collective presence about him. Nothing — knock on wood — that rattles him,” Mental said. “He’s a tremendous competitor who just wants to play and he’ll get to showcase that Week 1 against JMU, a fantastic team.”