A Sunday Apple Cup? Washington State Just Rewrote History and the Emerald City Noticed
Holy smokes, Coug fans, did you see this?! Washington State football just dropped their full 2026 schedule with all the kickoff times and TV slots, and let me tell you, there's a bombshell that has everyone in Seattle talking. Get ready, because the 118th edition of the Apple Cup is happening on a SUNDAY, Sept. 6, right here in Seattle at 1 p.m. on NBC!
That's right, the rivalry game against Washington is kicking off Kirby Moore's first season as head coach, and it's making history as the first Apple Cup ever played on a Sunday since the series started in 1900. It was originally slated for a Saturday, but now we're getting a rare Sunday college football showdown. You know the 12s are already marking their calendars for that one, even if it's not a Seahawks game!
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiNational Spotlight From Day One
The Cougs are not easing into this 2026 season, that's for sure. After that epic Sunday Apple Cup opener, they're heading straight into another national TV game. Washington State travels to face the Kansas State Wildcats on Sept. 12, with a 9 a.m. PT kickoff on TNT and HBO Max. Talk about an early start!
Then, the home opener at Gesa Field is set for Sept. 19 against the Duquesne Dukes at 12:30 p.m. on USA Network. And it doesn't stop there, because the following week, the Cougars will host former Pac-12 rival Arizona in a nationally televised 4:30 p.m. matchup on CBS. Four of their first five games are on national television, including the Oct. 3 home game against Fresno State at 6:30 p.m. on USA Network, which marks their first game of the revamped Pac-12 era. That's a serious gauntlet to start the season, and it means Cougar football is going to be front and center!
Homecoming, Road Warriors, and a Flex Finale
The schedule gets even more interesting as we move through October. The road game at Utah State was shifted from a Saturday to a Friday, now set for Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. PT on The CW. After another road trip to Oregon State on Oct. 17, WSU returns home for Homecoming against Boise State on Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. on USA Network. That's always a massive game at Gesa Field, isn't it?
The Cougs will hit the road again for Halloween to face San Diego State before hosting Colorado State on Nov. 14 in what's slated as the latest kickoff of the season at 7:30 p.m. They close the regular season on Nov. 21 at Texas State, but keep an eye on that flex-week finale on Nov. 28. It's tentatively scheduled against Oregon State in Pullman, but the official opponent and kickoff time will be announced later. And for all you optimists out there, the Pac-12 Championship Game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. on CBS. What a journey this season is going to be!
Season ticket and mini plan packages are on sale now, with single game tickets going live on July 29. Get ready, Coug fans, 2026 is going to be wild!
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Washington State Cougars.
View X conversation →DFS Pick'em
🏆 Underdog Fantasy: Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus Entries
Use code ONTAP to lock in this offer.
👉 Claim your $50 bonus on Underdog FantasySponsored. Must be 18+. Terms apply.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.