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SEATTLE - The annual college football rivalry game between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars, the Apple Cup, is happening this Sunday.
It marks the 118th meeting between the two schools, but is the first-ever UW-WSU game played in a season opener. The Huskies begin the season ranked as the 17th best team in college football, while the Cougs look to get things rolling under new head coach Kirby Moore.
Keep reading for details on the 2026 Apple Cup, how to watch it, and more.
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 25: The 115 Apple Cup field logo displayed on the college football field before the start of the 115th Apple Cup college football game between the Washington Huskies versus the Washington State Cougars on November 25, 2023, at … (Jesse Beals / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images)
When is the 2026 Apple Cup?
Kickoff for the 2026 Boeing Apple Cup is set for 1 p.m. PT on Sunday, Sep. 6.
Where is the 2026 Apple Cup?
The Washington Huskies will host the Cougars at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium in Seattle.
How to watch the 2026 Apple Cup
On TV, the Apple Cup will air on NBC, with Paul Burmeister, Yogi Roth and Zora Stephenson on the call.
The game can also be watched on the following streaming platforms:
- Fubo
- Hulu + Live TV
- Peacock
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
For radio, the game will air on the Washington Sports Network and Cougar Sports Network. On Sirius XM, it will air on NBC Sports Radio (channel 85), Big 10 Radio (channel 257) and Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82).
History of the Apple Cup
The 2026 Apple Cup marks the first time in history that the in-state rivalry game will be played as a season opener for both the Huskies and the Cougars. It's also the earlier-ever game the two schools have matched up.
Washington leads the all-time series 77-34-6. The first Apple Cup was played on November 29, 1900, ending in a 5-5 tie.
The Huskies are entering their third season under head coach Jedd Fisch, with quarterback Demond Williams Jr. serving as team captain. Meanwhile, the Cougars are debuting under new head coach Kirby Moore, and redshirt sophomore Caden Pinnick will start at quarterback after transferring from UC Davis.
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The Apple Cup: History behind Washington's iconic football rivalry
The Apple Cup is one of college football's longest-running rivalries, and for the first time, Washington and Washington State will match up for the first game of the regular season.
MORE APPLE CUP NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
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Demond Williams Jr. seamlessly leading Washington after awkward near-departure
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Huskies finish strong in 59-24 victory over Washington State in Apple Cup
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The Source: Information in this story came from University of Washington Athletics, Washington State Athletics, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.