The Tragic Death of Washington State QB Tyler Hilinski Shook College Football
Sportscasting
Tyler Hilinski appeared to be the next college quarterback who Mike Leach would mold into an NFL-caliber arm.
Hilinski impressed in 2017 at Washington State and had a bright future ahead of him, both on and off the field.
Unfortunately, the college football world had to mourn Hilinski instead of celebrating everything that was to come. Hilinski’s tragic death in January 2018 shook the sports landscape.
Originally from Claremont, Calif., Tyler Hilinski signed with Mike Leach and the Washington State Cougars out of high school.
After redshirting in 2015, Hilinski completed 24 of his 30 passes in backup duty for two touchdowns and an interception in 2016. Hilinski saw increased action in 2017 when he often replaced starting quarterback Luke Falk.
Hilinski completed 72.6% of his passes for 1,176 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions in eight games. In his first start, a 2017 Holiday Bowl showdown with Michigan State, Hilinski completed 39 of his 50 passes for two touchdowns and an interception.
Washington State lost 42-17.
