The Apple Cup, the storied college football rivalry between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars, will resume in Week 1 of the 2026 season on Sunday, September 6, at 4 p.m. ET. The matchup takes place at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, and will be televised live on NBC with streaming available on Peacock.
Since its inception in 1900, the series has produced 118 editions, with Washington holding a cumulative edge of 77 wins to Washington State’s 34, complemented by six ties that dot the historical ledger.
While the Huskies enter the game as clear favorites, the early‑season timing injects a dose of uncertainty, a factor that has historically produced surprising outcomes in the rivalry’s opening weeks.
Washington State’s quarterback Demond Williams Jr. and head coach Jedd Fisch have been pivotal in the Cougars’ recent uptick, yet the program is also being reshaped by first‑year head coach Kirby Moore, whose new approach could catch opponents off guard.
NBC Sports continues its comprehensive coverage of Big Ten football throughout the season, adding the Apple Cup to its lineup of marquee matchups that also includes Notre Dame contests.
Historic Rivalry and Modern Expectations
The anticipation surrounding this year’s Apple Cup is palpable, as fans and analysts alike wonder whether Washington’s traditional dominance will be challenged by a revitalized Cougars squad eager to rewrite the narrative.