Washington State University Athletics
Cougars Sign McGee, Bender as Part of 2026 Class
February 04, 2026 | Football
PULLMAN, Wash. (Feb. 4, 2026) – Washington State Football Head Coach Kirby Moore announced Wednesday the signing of Oliver Bender and Lance McGee to financial aid agreements. Both student-athletes plan to enroll at WSU prior to the start of the 2026 season.
Bender, a wide receiver out of Nolensville High School in Nolensville, Tenn., completed his senior season in late 2025 where he totaled 47 receptions for 910 yards and 11 touchdowns. Following the season, he earned 5A All-Region 5 First Team honors as well as being an All-615 Preps Medium Class Second-Team selection. Following his junior year he was named to the Nashville area Region 6 5 Region First Team.
McGee, a linebacker/running back from Yakima, Wash., led Sumner High School to the 2025 Washington State 4A Championship where he rushed 46 times for 368 yards and six touchdowns, all three 4A state championship game records. He finished his senior campaign with 251 carries for 2,489 yards and 42 touchdowns. Following the season, he was named the Washington 4A Player of the Year by MaxPreps and Washington State Football Coaches Association.
Bender, a wide receiver out of Nolensville High School in Nolensville, Tenn., completed his senior season in late 2025 where he totaled 47 receptions for 910 yards and 11 touchdowns. Following the season, he earned 5A All-Region 5 First Team honors as well as being an All-615 Preps Medium Class Second-Team selection. Following his junior year he was named to the Nashville area Region 6 5 Region First Team.
McGee, a linebacker/running back from Yakima, Wash., led Sumner High School to the 2025 Washington State 4A Championship where he rushed 46 times for 368 yards and six touchdowns, all three 4A state championship game records. He finished his senior campaign with 251 carries for 2,489 yards and 42 touchdowns. Following the season, he was named the Washington 4A Player of the Year by MaxPreps and Washington State Football Coaches Association.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
LB/RB
/ FootballWSU Football: Mike Yam and Yogi Roth discuss 2026 Cougar Football Schedule! | 2/11/26
Thursday, February 12
WSU Football | Northern Quest Resort & Casino | Kirby Moore Signing Day Press Conference | 2/4/26
Wednesday, February 04
WSU Football: 16 Minutes with Kirby Moore at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl! | 12/22/25
Tuesday, December 23
WSU Football: "The Cougs draw first Blood!" | Chris King | Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Call of the Game
Tuesday, December 23
