The Apple Cup shows up early this year, but the temperature around it hasn’t changed a bit.
Washington and Washington State meet Sunday in Week 1, giving the rivalry its earliest kickoff and dropping it into a standalone afternoon window. The usual late-November backdrop is gone, but the pressure and the bragging rights still sit right on top of this game.
Washington’s attention starts with Demond Williams. The Huskies enter the season leaning on one of the country’s most electric quarterbacks, and he brings the kind of dual-threat juice that can turn an offense loose in a hurry. If Washington is going to make the leap people expect, this is the kind of stage where it has to start showing.
On the other sideline, first-year Washington State coach Kirby Moore gets no gentle introduction. His debut comes against the opponent Cougars fans care about most, which makes this more than just a first game. It’s a chance for Moore to land a statement win before September really gets going.
Williams won’t be the only quarterback under the spotlight. With Notre Dame’s CJ Carr and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss taking on their opponents on Sunday night, Williams owns the afternoon window to himself. That puts even more attention on what he can do with both his arm and his legs.
Washington also has the kind of offensive line that can tilt this matchup. John Mills, veteran center Landen Hatchett and right tackle Drew Azzopardi draw plenty of attention, but the name to watch is five-star true freshman left tackle Kodi Greene. His athleticism and football IQ have people around the program buzzing, and there’s a strong sense he could be on a Freshman All-American track in 2026, just like Mills was a year ago.
Washington State’s quarterback brings his own intrigue. Caden Pinnick arrives after a strong year at UC Davis, where he passed for more than 3,200 yards with 32 touchdowns and added 437 yards on the ground. He already saw Washington once on the road and was limited to a season-low 50 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception, but Jedd Fisch said this week that he still remembers Pinnick’s dangerous athleticism.
The game is set for Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. ET from Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium in Seattle. NBC will carry it, and it can also be streamed on Fubo.
As for the pick, Washington looks like the side with the bigger engine. Williams gives the Huskies a clear edge, and behind what should be one of the Big Ten’s best offensive lines, Washington should be able to control the line of scrimmage, stay on schedule and create enough explosive plays to pull away after halftime.
Washington State will bring the rivalry edge, but Washington’s talent eventually wins out in Seattle. The pick: Washington State +23.5
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