The Apple Cup Washington vs Washington State rivalry opens the 2026 season in historic fashion.
For the first time ever, the 118th meeting serves as a season opener. Washington hosts the Cougars at Husky Stadium on Sunday, September 6, in a high-stakes non-conference showdown following Pac-12 realignment. The No. 17 Huskies enter under third-year coach Jedd Fisch while Washington State debuts Kirby Moore.
This earliest Apple Cup adds extra intrigue to an already intense cross-state battle. Washington looks to assert early dominance at home. Washington State aims to avenge a lopsided 2025 loss and build on recent road success in Seattle.
Here is everything fans need for Apple Cup 2026.
Washington vs Washington State 2026 Game Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, September 6, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. PT |
| Time Zones | 2:00 p.m. MT / 3:00 p.m. CT / 4:00 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington |
| TV | NBC |
| Streaming | Peacock, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling |
How to Watch Apple Cup
The game airs nationally on NBC.
Stream options include Peacock (NBC’s streaming service) plus YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and Sling. Local Pacific Northwest viewers can also find coverage on NBC affiliates, including pregame programming in some markets.
Apple Cup Odds
Current lines:
- Spread: Washington -23.5
- Moneyline: Washington -2500 | Washington State +1200
- Total: 50.5 points
Washington is a heavy favorite, reflecting the talent gap and home-field advantage. The large spread creates the main betting question of whether the Huskies cover in a heated rivalry environment that often produces tighter results than expected.
Apple Cup 2026 Prediction and Storylines
Most projections heavily favor Washington.
The Huskies return dual-threat quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025 while adding significant rushing production. Jedd Fisch’s third season begins with clear expectations of home dominance and an early statement win.
Washington State opens the Kirby Moore era with UC Davis transfer Caden Pinnick at quarterback. Pinnick threw for more than 3,200 yards and 32 touchdowns at the FCS level last season and won the starting job in camp. The Cougars look to avenge a 59-24 home loss in 2025 and build on recent success in Seattle, where they have won two of their last three visits.
Rivalry games frequently stay closer than the market anticipates, but Washington’s overall roster edge, returning production and home environment point to a comfortable result.
Prediction: Washington 38, Washington State 17
Best lean: Washington to win
Spread lean: Washington -23.5 (or Washington State +23.5 for value hunters)
Key Players to Watch
Washington centers its offense around Demond Williams Jr., a dual-threat junior already appearing on multiple national award watch lists. The linebacker group featuring Jacob Manu, Zaydrius Rainey-Sale and Xe’ree Alexander provides athleticism and depth on defense. Young players on both the offensive and defensive lines will face early tests against a motivated rival.
Washington State counters with Caden Pinnick, whose dual-threat ability fits Moore’s offensive vision. A committee of running backs including Kirby Vorhees, Maxwell Woods and Leo Pulalasi will try to establish the ground game. Defensive transfers and returning edge players such as Kaden Beatty must generate pressure to keep the Cougars in the game.
Rivalry and Scheduling Context
Washington leads the all-time series 77-34-6. Under the current agreement that runs through 2028, Seattle hosts in even years. This earliest-ever Apple Cup adds fresh stakes as both programs navigate life after the Pac-12 and look to set the tone for their respective seasons.
The Apple Cup Washington vs Washington State game delivers a rare season-opening rivalry clash with national implications. NBC has the broadcast, the odds heavily favor the Huskies, and the prediction points to a solid Washington victory that establishes early momentum for Fisch’s group while testing Moore’s new-look Cougars on the road.
FAQ
When is the Apple Cup 2026?
Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. PT.
How to watch Apple Cup?
The game airs on NBC and streams on Peacock plus other major live-TV platforms.
What are the Apple Cup odds?
Washington is favored by 23.5 points. The total is 50.5.
What is the prediction for Washington vs Washington State 2026?
Washington is projected to win 38-17.
Where is the game being played?
Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
