One of college football's oldest rivalries returns for its 118th meeting as Washington hosts Washington State in the Apple Cup on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. ET (NBC) from Husky Stadium in Seattle.
With Wazzu being led by new head coach Kirby Moore, the Huskies are listed as a 23.5-point favorite, but my Washington State vs. Washington prediction and college football picks expect both offenses to get off to slow starts, as both programs deal with change.
Who will win Washington State vs Washington: Washington State +23.5
For the first time in Jedd Fisch's tenure at Washington, he doesn't have Denzel Boston and Jonah Coleman. The Huskies' two best playmakers from the last two years are now in the NFL, and QB Demond Williams Jr. has to make up for their losses behind a young offensive line.
Trench play will be the key to Washington State covering the spread for the fourth time in the past six Apple Cups. The Huskies are starting three underclassmen and a transfer on the offensive line against a Wazzu defensive front that Kirby Moore built through the portal with upperclassmen.
If Linus Zunk and the Cougars' front seven can pressure Williams, who was the 10th-most-sacked QB in the country last year (31), they can hold the Huskies to 35 or fewer points.
However, if this spread drops from +23.5, I would avoid taking Wazzu.
COVERS INTEL: No Power Four team had its starting running back (Coleman) and top wide receiver (Boston) combine for more total touchdowns in the past two seasons than Washington (48).
TOP PICK
Washington State vs Washington Over/Under pick: Under 51.5
Washington is in new territory without Coleman and Boston, and with so much youth on its offensive line. If the Huskies can't score more than 35 points, the Under will be in good shape.
And while the Cougars are replacing a lot of last year's defense, new coordinator Trent Bray has a proven track record. In Bray's two seasons as Oregon State's defensive coordinator, the Beavers' defense finished ranked 16th and 35th by SP+.
The Cougars also brought in a lot of Power Four talent and proven G6/FCS defenders via the portal that can take advantage of a young Huskies offense.
It'll be even harder for Wazzu to score on UW, which is why I would play the Under with a game total as low as 48.5.
Washington State vs Washington combo
Washington State covering is tied to its veteran defense pushing Washington's young offensive line and taking advantage of how long Williams tends to hold the ball. His time to throw last year was higher than any P4 QB that took 300+ dropbacks (3.21 seconds).
If the Cougars can pressure Williams enough to hold Washington to 35 or fewer points, Wazzu will be in good shape, but the Under will be in even better shape. The Huskies' defense was 10th in EPA per rush last season and 13th in early-down EPA per play, while ranking 27th in returning production (61%).
With proven talent back on defense, the Huskies should slow Wazzu's offense. The Cougars are starting former UC Davis QB Caden Pinnick, who Washington held to 10 points last year when the Huskies played the Aggies.
Washington State vs Washington combo
- Washington State +23.5
- Under 51.5
- Washington State team total Under 13.5
Washington State vs Washington odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Washington State +23.5 | Washington -23.5
- Over/Under: Over 51.5 (50%) | Under 51.5 (50%)
- Moneyline: Washington State 8% | Washington 92%
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Washington State vs Washington weather
The weather in Seattle on Sunday afternoon isn't expected to have an impact on the Apple Cup.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Washington State vs Washington trend to know
The road team is 5-0 ATS in the last five head-to-head meetings. Find more college football betting trends for Washington State vs. Washington.
How to watch Washington State vs Washington
| Location | Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA |
| Date | Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
Washington State vs Washington latest injuries
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