Apple Cup 2026: Washington vs Washington State, Start Time, TV Channel, Live Stream, Odds, Predictions

The 118th edition of the Apple Cup on Sunday in Seattle between Washington State and No. 17 Washington might end up being one of the most-watched of all time.

For the first time in history, this fierce cross-state rivalry is being played as a season opener. Following the Pac-12 realignment, the game functions as a high-stakes, early-season non-conference showdown.

Washington State Cougars: WSU enters the season opener with Caden Pinnick named as the starting quarterback. The Cougars are looking to bounce back from last year's 59-24 defeat against the Huskies.

No. 17 Washington Huskies: Head coach Jedd Fisch begins his third season led by returning

quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who starred in last season's Apple Cup victory.

The Cougars will head to Seattle looking for their second straight road win over UW, and third in the last four trips out west. Washington State beat Washington at Lumen Field in Seattle in 2024, 24-19, and pulled off a decisive 40-13 win at Husky Stadium in 2021, sandwiched between an agonizing 24-21 loss to the No. 4 Huskies in 2023.

WSU is also looking to avenge an ugly 59-24 loss last year in Pullman, where the Huskies scored four unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter to embarrass the home team in the fourth game of the season.

Below is a look at the current point spread, betting odds, game time, and TV information for this year's Apple Cup showdown in Seattle:

When is the Washington vs. Washington State Apple Cup?

Sunday, September 6, 2026.

This marks the earliest Apple Cup ever played and the first time the rivalry has opened the college football season.

Where is the Washington vs. Washington State game?

Husky Stadium (Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium) in Seattle, Washington.

Washington hosts the Cougars on Montlake. Under the current scheduling agreement (which runs through 2028), Seattle hosts in even years.

What time does Washington vs. Washington State start?

1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Here are the kickoff times across major U.S. time zones:

Pacific Time (PT): 1:00 p.m.
Mountain Time (MT): 2:00 p.m.
Central Time (CT): 3:00 p.m.
Eastern Time (ET): 4:00 p.m.

What channel is the Washington vs. Washington State game on?

NBC.

The game airs nationally on NBC. Local viewers in the Pacific Northwest can also find coverage on NBC affiliates (including NonStop Local KHQ in the Spokane market, which plans pregame programming).

Where to stream the 2026 Apple Cup?

Stream the game live on Peacock (NBC’s streaming service). Additional options that carry NBC feeds include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, and other live TV streaming platforms with NBC in their channel packages. Check local blackout or package restrictions.

Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026

Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM ET

TV Channel: NBC

Live Streaming: Fubo, NBC Sports App

Location: Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium (Seattle, Washington)

All-Time Series: Washington leads 77-34-6

Point spread, betting odds for Washington State vs. Washington in the 2026 Apple Cup

(Odds courtesy of BetMGM / DraftKings)

Point Spread: Washington -23.5

Over/Under (Total): 50.5 points

Moneyline: Washington -2500 | Washington State +1200

Key Storylines & Team Outlook

The Kirby Moore Era Begins: This marks the official head coaching debut for Kirby Moore at Washington State. He brings in UC Davis transfer quarterback Caden Pinnick to lead the offense.

Year 3 for Fisch: Head coach Jedd Fisch leads the #17 ranked Huskies into their third campaign under his guidance. They are looking to assert heavy dominance at home to start their season.

Recent History: Washington dominated last year’s meeting in Pullman with a 59-24 victory. However, WSU has pulled off upsets in Seattle recently, winning two of their last three trips to Husky Stadium (2021 and 2024).

Apple Cup 2026: Key Players to Watch

Washington

QB Demond Williams Jr. — The dual-threat junior is the centerpiece of the offense. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025 while adding significant rushing production. He appears on multiple national award watch lists.

Linebacker group featuring Jacob Manu, Zaydrius Rainey-Sale, and Xe’ree Alexander — Depth and athleticism in the second level is a strength.

Young defensive linemen and first-time starters on the offensive line will be tested early.

Washington State

QB Caden Pinnick — UC Davis transfer and former Big Sky Freshman of the Year. He threw for 3,200+ yards and 32 touchdowns in 2025 at the FCS level and won the starting job in camp. Dual-threat ability is a key part of Moore’s offense.

Running back trio of Kirby Vorhees, Maxwell Woods, and Leo Pulalasi.

Defensive standouts expected to include edge rushers and interior linemen such as Kaden Beatty, plus transfers adding depth on defense.

Apple Cup 2026: Washington vs. Washington State Picks and Predictions

Most analysts and models heavily favor the Huskies. Sample expert and model outlooks include:

Sporting News-style projections and similar outlets lean Washington by a large margin (e.g., 42–17 range).

Simulation models give Washington roughly an 87–95% win probability.

Some value hunters note that a three-touchdown-plus spread in a heated rivalry can be dangerous, and a few recommend Washington State + the points as a live underdog play.

Consensus lean: Washington covers and wins comfortably, though rivalry games often produce tighter final scores than the market expects.

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