By Khalid Bennett, The Seattle Medium
For the first time in the history of the rivalry known as the Apple Cup, Washington and Washington State would face each other in the season opener for both teams. The game was also being played on a Sunday afternoon, another first for the annual matchup that was usually played as the season finale.
The programs now reside in different conferences, with Washington a member of the BIG10. Washington State remains in the new-look PAC-12 along with Oregon State, the two programs left behind when the old PAC-12 broke apart.
Some fans and alumni have soured over conference realignment, and the future of the rivalry may be in jeopardy. This would be the 118th time the game has been played, but there is no contract beyond 2028. Some feel the game has lost its pageantry, while others believe the rivalry is still sacred and should continue.
What is indisputable are the many moments and memories throughout the years that have defined the essence of what a rivalry truly represents. The triumph, the heartbreak, the upsets and all that people around the state talk about for generations are the reasons this game has been so special.
For now, it may not feel like a normal Apple Cup, but then again, nothing feels normal anymore in college football.
The Cougars have been a revolving door for head coaches, with three different coaches in three years. Roster turnover and stability have been issues across college athletics since the inception of the NIL era. Washington has had to deal with that reality as well, with quarterback Demond Williams entering the transfer portal briefly before returning to the Huskies for his third season.
Washington came into the game ranked 17th in the country and with high expectations for the season. The Cougars would be starting a new quarterback, UC Davis transfer Caden Pinnick, who played in Husky Stadium early last season in nonconference play.
Having this game to open the season made it difficult for either program to have a detailed scouting report, but the nature of the rivalry would have both sides playing with plenty of emotion.
Both teams struggled on offense early, but in different ways. The Cougars found ways to move the football but had a difficult time finishing drives with points, as they were unable to convert on a couple of field goals. The Huskies, on the other hand, had trouble executing in their passing game.
Washington quarterback Demond Williams was able to make plays with his legs, collecting first downs when the situation called for it. The Huskies took advantage of Cougar penalties in the secondary to set up the game’s first score, a 48-yard field goal by Tyler Robles.
Williams eventually found his way into the end zone on a 5-yard touchdown run that was set up by an interception by Jeron Jones that gave the Huskies the ball at the Cougar 21-yard line. Washington led 10-0 at halftime.
The score would remain 10-0 until the final quarter, when both teams decided they were done with the feeling-out process.
Washington State opened the fourth quarter with a 62-yard drive ending with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Pinnick to wide receiver Darrius Clemons to bring the Cougars within three.
The Huskies answered right back with a touchdown of their own in just four plays. Demond Williams completed three passes on the drive, including a 44-yard pass to receiver Rashid Williams that helped set up a 1-yard touchdown catch by Williams two plays later, making the score 17-7 in favor of the Huskies.
Washington State scored on a field goal to bring the game back within a touchdown, but the Huskies made their way down the field again on the ensuing drive, capped by an 11-yard touchdown run by former Lake Stevens standout Jayden Limar to make the score 24-10 Washington.
“Being that it was a 10-7 ballgame and being able to respond on back-to-back drives and understanding that, I think, speaks volumes of our team,” was the reaction from Demond Williams after the game on how his team fared in the fourth quarter.
The Washington defense played well, led by linebacker Jacob Manu, who, despite giving up 15 yards on an unsportsmanlike penalty, was able to rack up 11 tackles and a sack.
“I took accountability for my penalty. … I told them (the team) that we’re going to make up for it and we need to be more disciplined,” said Manu following the game.
Penalties were an issue in the game, as the Huskies committed 12 for 130 yards.
“I wanna start by congratulating the defense. I think they were 0-11 on third down. Washington State did not convert a third down unless there was a penalty. We’ve got to clean up our penalties,” said head coach Jedd Fisch after the game.
Alex McLaughlin supported his teammate and congratulated him after the game.
“Jacob Manu is the leader of our defense, and he kind of sat us down and let us know that that’s not who we are.”
McLaughlin sealed the game with an interception and took a knee with just over a minute left, giving the defense its third takeaway of the afternoon.
“We preach situational football so much around here that I just had to go down and secure the win.”
He also mentioned the penalties throughout the game.
“We know that later when we go on the road, we won’t be able to get away with it, so we just need to be more disciplined,” said McLaughlin.
The Huskies would hold on to win the 2026 Apple Cup 24-10.
After the game, Fisch stated, “It’s just so awesome to have the trophy stay home, and the difference between bringing it home versus keeping it home, and it’s so important for the players, for the rest of their lives. … Hey, did you win an Apple Cup? Yes or no?”
Washington will be at home again this Saturday to face Utah State.
