The Washington Huskies are starting the 2026 season with a rivalry victory.
No. 17 Washington defeated Washington State 24-10 on Sunday at Husky Stadium, winning the 118th Apple Cup and opening the season 1-0. While the Huskies didn’t produce the offensive explosion many expected, they made enough plays on both sides of the football to take control of the rivalry once again.
Williams Leads the Way
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. was the biggest difference-maker for Washington.
Williams finished with 268 passing yards and a touchdown, while also finding the end zone on a five-yard rushing touchdown. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs kept the Washington offense moving even when the Huskies struggled to find consistency.
Washington State’s defense deserves credit for making things difficult throughout the afternoon, but Williams continued to make enough big plays to keep the Huskies in control.
Washington State Makes a Push
The Cougars refused to go away quietly.
New Washington State quarterback Caden Pinnick made his debut and finished with 142 passing yards. He also scored on an 11-yard keeper in the fourth quarter, giving the Cougars some life and cutting into Washington’s advantage.
However, Washington answered when it needed to, preventing Washington State from completing the comeback.
Another Apple Cup Victory
This year’s matchup was historic, as the Apple Cup was played as a season opener for the first time in the rivalry’s history. The rivalry has continued despite conference realignment separating the programs, and Sunday’s game showed that the intensity between the two schools hasn’t disappeared.
Washington entered the season ranked No. 17 nationally and had plenty of expectations surrounding the program. A dominant performance would have been ideal, but ultimately the Huskies accomplished the most important goal.
They won the Apple Cup.
Washington is 1-0, the Huskies have the trophy, and the 2026 season is officially underway in Seattle.
