Washington and Washington State renew their Apple Cup rivalry on Sunday in Week 1 of the 2026 college football season. The Huskies won 59-24 last year in Pullman and are a heavy favorite once again.
Coach Jedd Fisch’s team has high expectations for ‘26 after a 9-4 finish last year. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. is among the nation’s most dynamic signal-callers and should be even better in his second season as the team’s starter. Washington has a revamped skill group around Williams Jr., but the offensive line could take a step forward this year with true freshman Kodi Greene joining a group returning four starters. Just four starters are back on defense for coordinator Ryan Walters. However, a solid foundation is still in place on a unit that limited teams to 18.7 points per contest last year.
Change is the biggest storyline for Washington State entering the ‘26 campaign. After a successful ‘25 season, coach Jimmy Rogers departed to Iowa State. Kirby Moore is a first-time head coach, but the former Boise State receiver garnered valuable experience at Missouri as the team’s play-caller over the last three years. The lineup features a ton of new faces for Moore, as just five starters are back. UC Davis transfer quarterback Caden Pinnick was an intriguing addition to lead the offense. The defense is navigating a major transition. However, the Cougars brought in several intriguing transfers to restock this group.
Washington holds a 77-34-6 series edge over Washington State. The Huskies have won three out of the last four against the Cougars.
Washington State at Washington Odds and Info
Kickoff: Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Washington -23.5
Over/Under: 51.5
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Steven Lassan: Rivalry games always bring out the best in the underdog, but Washington State faces an uphill battle here. Williams Jr. is among the nation’s top quarterbacks, and Fisch’s team is just in a better roster spot considering its coaching continuity and experience returning on both sides of the ball. The Cougars will be a factor for a bowl in the Pac-12, but I think this is a tough spot for Moore’s debut.
Prediction: Washington 41, Washington State 16
Kyle Wood: The most recent iteration of the Apple Cup did not go well for Washington State. The Cougars have another new head coach and no starters back on defense. Meanwhile, Washington brought back star quarterback Demond Williams Jr. This season could see more of the same unfold in Seattle.
Prediction: Washington 41, Washington State 17
