The more things change, the more they stay the same.
For the third year in a row, the Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State will be played in September. For the first time ever, it will be played to open the season, on Sept. 6.
Watch Washington-WSU football on Fubo (free trial)
With Washington in the Big Ten and Washington State part of the reanimated Pac-12, the Apple Cup's future is in some jeopardy. But this year, it gives a compelling Week 1 matchup from the The Greatest Setting in College Football. Jedd Fisch is entering Year 3 for the Huskies, and is retaining QB Demond Williams after a tumultuous offseason.
After a difficult first season in the Big Ten, the Huskies righted the ship a bit in 2025, going 9-4 with a 5-4 record in the Big Ten and
ultimately beating Boise State in the now-defunct LA Bowl. They'll be looking to take another step forward in 2026.
For Washington State, questions abound. Kirby Moore is entering his first season in Pullman. It's the third Cougars coach Fisch has faced in as many seasons. UC Davis transfer Caden Pinnick will handle signal-calling after he played against Washington last season in his first start against an FBS opponent.
Washington State is standing as a senior member of the Pac-12, which was resurrected from ashes with a slew of new teams in 2026. It is just two years removed from stunning Washington in one of the decade's biggest revenge stories in the Huskies' first year in the Big Ten. Now it looks to do something similar once again as a big underdog.
Washington vs Washington State prediction, betting odds, moneyline
Odds via BetMGM as of Sept. 5.
- Spread: Washington (-23.5)
- Over/under: 50.5 points
- Moneyline: Washington -3000 | Washington State +1300
USA TODAY prediction: Washington 35, Washington State 17
This game being played so early in the fall still feels a bit odd after three years, but it's starting to feel a bit more rote. While 23.5 point is a dramatic spread for such an established game, Washington should be able to dispatch of its cross-state rival relatively easily behind the veteran leadership of Williams. The Cougs come out with some fight in Moore's debut, but the Huskies get 2026 off on the right foot with an easy(ish) win.
What TV channel is Washington vs Washington State on today?
- TV channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock | Fubo (free trial)
Washington and Washington State will be on the NBC Sports Network and streaming on Peacock, as the two teams look to open their seasons with a win.
Streaming options for the game include Peacock and Fubo, which includes a free trial.
Washington vs Washington State time today
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 6
- Start time: 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT)
- Location: Husky Stadium (Seattle)
Washington and Washington State are scheduled for a 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT) kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 6 from Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Washington vs Washington State prediction: Huskies take Apple Cup in Week 1
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