The 2026 college football season kicks off with an exciting matchup as the Washington Huskies host the Washington State Cougars in their annual rivalry game, the Apple Cup. This year, the game will take place at Husky Stadium, marking a fresh chapter in the storied competition between these two Pacific Northwest teams.
Washington State enters the game with a new head coach, Kirby Moore, who is taking the reins after a successful stint as an Offensive Coordinator at both Missouri and Fresno State. Moore's arrival brings a renewed sense of optimism to the Cougars, who will look to build on their previous seasons. The team also welcomes quarterback Caden Pinnick, a transfer from Cal-Davis, who is expected to be a key player in the offensive scheme. However, the Cougars have faced challenges in the offseason, particularly with significant player losses to the transfer portal, including several athletes who moved to Iowa State under former coach Jimmy Rogers.
On the other side, the Washington Huskies have made headlines with their transition to the Big Ten Conference just three years ago. This shift has led to a noticeable divergence in talent levels between the two programs. The Huskies are looking to capitalize on their recruiting advantages and showcase their depth and skill on the field. The Apple Cup rivalry has always been intense, and this matchup promises to be no different, with both teams eager to establish dominance early in the season.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 PM PT and will be broadcast live on NBC. Viewers can expect commentary from Paul Burmeister, Yogi Roth, and Zora Stephenson, providing insights and analysis throughout the game. Additionally, fans can catch the action via the NBC Sports app. This game will also mark the debut of Elise Woodward as the new play-by-play voice for UW Football, alongside Cam Cleeland on KJR 93.3, adding yet another layer of excitement to the broadcast.
As the rivalry continues to evolve, this year's Apple Cup will serve as a critical early-season test for both teams. With new coaching strategies and player dynamics at play, fans are eager to see how the game unfolds. This thread serves as a space for supporters of both teams to discuss the matchup, share insights, and cheer on their respective squads. Go Dawgs!
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