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Washington State football is entering a bold new chapter, and it begins with one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. The Cougars open the 2026 season Sunday, September 6, against No. 17 Washington in the Boeing Apple Cup at Husky Stadium in Seattle.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Pacific time, with NBC carrying the nationally televised matchup. The game marks the first time in the long-running series that the Apple Cup will open the season, adding even more importance to the rivalry contest.
Washington State Football Launches the Kirby Moore Era
The Apple Cup will be the first game for new Washington State head coach Kirby Moore, who was hired in December as the 36th head coach in program history. Moore agreed to a five-year contract after spending the previous three seasons as Missouri’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Moore also has strong ties to the region. The Prosser, Washington, native previously worked as a graduate assistant at Washington from 2015 through 2016. His first game leading the Cougars will therefore come against a familiar program and in one of the most visible settings in the state.
Washington State is coming off a 7-6 season that ended with a victory over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Cougars return 24 letterwinners while welcoming 50 new players, including 29 transfers from four-year schools.
Explosive Roster Turnover Creates Immediate Test
The Cougars return four offensive starters: wide receiver Tony Freeman, offensive linemen Ashton Tripp and Jonny Lester, and running back Kirby Vorhees. Freeman, Tripp and Vorhees were all selected for the Pac-12 Conference Preseason Impact Watch List.
The revamped roster also features 14 players who transferred from Power Five programs. That blend of returning production and new talent will face an immediate challenge against a ranked Washington team competing in the Big Ten.
Redshirt sophomore Caden Pinnick has been named Washington State’s starting quarterback. Pinnick arrives from UC Davis, where he earned FCS Freshman All-America recognition, won Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year honors and became a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award.
In his first season with the Aggies, Pinnick threw for 3,206 yards, 32 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 437 yards and three touchdowns while helping UC Davis reach the FCS quarterfinal round. His performance makes him one of the most intriguing players to watch in the 2026 Apple Cup.
Historic Apple Cup Rivalry Returns to Seattle
Washington leads the all-time Apple Cup series 77-34-6, but the recent history has been competitive. The teams have split their last two meetings at Husky Stadium, with Washington State winning 40-13 in 2021 and Washington responding with a 24-21 victory in 2023.
The Cougars won the 2024 matchup 24-19 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Sunday’s meeting will be the 118th contest between the programs and the first played as the opening game of a season.
Several people connected to Washington State will also be on the opposing sideline. Washington State tight ends coach Derham Cato previously coached tight ends at Washington, while offensive lineman Maximus McCree spent the last two seasons with the Huskies. Washington linebacker Buddah Al-Uqdah played three seasons for the Cougars.
High Stakes for Both Programs
Washington State is seeking its first road victory over a ranked opponent since defeating No. 19 Wisconsin, 17-14, in 2022. The Cougars have won only two season-opening road games against ranked teams, beating No. 21 Illinois in 1994 and No. 15 Nebraska in 1977.
The game also offers an early opportunity for Moore to establish his identity. With a heavily reworked roster, a new starting quarterback and a challenging opponent, Washington State will have little time to ease into the season.
The 2026 campaign is also significant for the Pac-12. Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State have joined the conference as full-time members. The renewed league begins competition during the 2026-27 academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Apple Cup?
The Apple Cup is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 1:05 p.m. Pacific time.
Where will Washington State play Washington?
The game will be played at Husky Stadium in Seattle, which has a listed capacity of 72,132.
Who is Washington State’s starting quarterback?
Caden Pinnick will start for the Cougars. He transferred from UC Davis after earning FCS Freshman All-America honors.
Who is Washington State’s new head coach?
Kirby Moore is beginning his first season as Washington State’s head football coach after serving as Missouri’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
What is the all-time Apple Cup record?
Washington leads the historic series 77-34-6 entering the 118th meeting.
