The 118th Apple Cup between Washington State University and Washington University ended with a 10‑24 defeat for the Cougars, marking the second consecutive year that the trophy has left the Palouse region.
Since the trophy was last returned to Pullman in 2022, its absence this season underscores how the rivalry’s stakes extend beyond a single game, keeping the contest alive in the minds of fans and analysts alike.
Rooted in decades of competition, the Apple Cup is widely regarded as one of college football’s most storied rivalries, drawing massive crowds to its massive stadiums and fueling a passionate fan base that thrives on the electric atmosphere of in‑state matchups.
A rivalry that endures
The Pac‑12’s recent resurgence has highlighted classic matchups like the Apple Cup, which continue to serve as a saving grace for Week 1 schedules, ensuring that even amid evolving media landscapes and commercial pressures, there remains a compelling reason for viewers to tune in.
A new contract between the two schools permits additional Apple Cup meetings, positioning the rivalry as a potential long‑term pillar that could shape the future direction of college football’s scheduling and conference realignment.
While big‑ticket television deals and commercial interests loom larger than ever, the enduring appeal of the Apple Cup demonstrates that the sport’s core attraction—rivalry, tradition, and the roar of packed stadiums—remains undiminished.