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Football’s Jorden Cunningham Commits to the Washington State University

2/5/2025

Senior offensive lineman Jorden Cunningham has decided to sign with Washington State after initially signing with the University of New Mexico in the fall.

“I am happier and excited,” said Cunningham of his commitment. “I believe they will treat me like family there, and I will have a great experience.”

The head coach at New Mexico changed schools after the first signing date, giving Cunningham a new opportunity to evaluate his situation. The Cougar staff, which also changed after the season, took advantage of this, and Cunningham switched his commitment despite being reoffered by the new UNM staff.

“I was scared and did not know if I would have a home I would be happy at,” said Cunningham. “I trusted in God that he would guide my path regardless. He brought me to Washington State.”

Cunningham will play for the new WSU head coach, Jimmy Rogers, who arrives at WSU after spending the last 12 years at South Dakota State University, the past two as head coach. In those two years, he guided SDSU to a 27-3 record, led the Jackrabbits to the 2023 FCS Championship, and reached the FCS semifinals this past season.

“They are a young staff, are relatable, and are family-oriented,” said Cunningham. “The recruits and teammates I met were people I got along with, and I could see myself there.”

Washington State is one of the remaining Pac-12 schools that have joined the West Coast Conference as affiliates after realignment. Boise State University, Colorado State University, Fresno State University, and San Diego State University will join them in the reimagined Pac 12 in 2026.

Cunningham helped the Broncos reach the AIA 6A Conference Semifinals in 2024. He started at right tackle. The Arizona Republic ranked him the No. 34 prospect in the state in the Class of 2025 Top 150 (August 2024).

“It is a blessing to play in college,” said Cunningham, whose father Rick played at Texas A&M and in the NFL. “Last year, I just wanted to start on the varsity team, and now I am attending a Division I school. I am excited.”

He originally had offers from NAU, New Mexico State, and Utah State

“I told Jorden this week that he is one of one,” said Head Coach Jason Jewell. “It is not often I encounter a situation in recruiting that I have not seen before. But in this new age of college football, Jorden presented me with one. Jorden signed with New Mexico in December. However, a coaching change led to Jorden being released by UNM and signing with Washington State. The progress Jorden has made and continues to make is remarkable. Head down, remain humble, and keep working; Jorden will do this and inevitably make his mark in Pullman. I am incredibly proud of Jorden for the work he has put in over the last two years at Brophy.”

Before his junior season, Cunningham transferred to Brophy from LaurenHill Academy in Quebec, Canada.

“I will always remember everyone who pushed me and how hard I worked,” said Cunningham. “Brophy helped make me what I am today. I want to continue having that work ethic and mindset.”

Cunningham was part of a senior-laden offensive line led by Wisconsin commit Logan Powell and Kansas commit Anderson Kopp. All five starters, including Christian Parenza (Lake Forest College) and Brayden Michael (Black Hills State University), earned college scholarships.