BCSNN | SEATTLE — Washington opens its 2026 football season in a way that still feels a little surreal: with the Boeing Apple Cup. The Huskies, entering their third year under head coach Jedd Fisch, will host Washington State on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. PT in the 118th meeting between the in‑state rivals — the first time the Apple Cup has ever served as a season opener and the earliest the two programs have ever met.

The matchup kicks off a rare stretch of four straight home games for the Huskies, who follow the rivalry opener with non‑conference contests against Utah State (Sept. 12) and Eastern Washington (Sept. 19) before beginning Big Ten play against Minnesota (Sept. 26). Washington enters the season ranked No. 17 in the AP poll and No. 19 in the USA Today coaches poll, adding even more weight to an already unusual Week 1 rivalry game.

A... An... The Historic Apple Cup Placement
This year’s Boeing Apple Cup marks the third straight September meeting, but the first time the game has ever opened the season. The rivalry dates back to 1900, and for decades the matchup floated around the schedule — often in mid‑to‑late October or November. Beginning in 1949, the Apple Cup became Washington’s season finale for more than half a century, interrupted only by scheduling changes in 2001 following the September 11 attacks. Since then, the game has occasionally shifted, but never to the very start of the season.

A Strong Tradition in Home Openers
Washington has long thrived in home openers, posting a 100‑29‑5 record (.765) in such games. The Huskies once won 28 straight home openers from 1908 to 1935 and later added a 13‑game streak from 1986 to 1998. More recently, Washington won 11 straight home openers before falling to Montana in 2021, and has since started another run with four consecutive home‑opening wins, including last year’s victory over Colorado State.

Broadcast Information
The Boeing Apple Cup will air nationally on NBC, with Paul Burmeister, Yogi Roth, and Zora Stephenson on the call. Fans can find streaming information at nbcsports.com/watch.

On radio, the game will be carried on the Washington Sports Network from Learfield, featuring Elise Woodward (play‑by‑play), former Husky tight end Cameron Cleeland (analyst), and Dave Mahler (sidelines). Coverage begins four hours before kickoff on Seattle SportsRadio KJR 93.3 FM, with statewide coverage on 17 stations beginning two hours before kickoff. The broadcast will also air on Sirius/XM channel 82 and stream worldwide on the Huskies Gameday and Varsity apps.

With a ranked team, a historic rivalry opener, and a month‑long homestand ahead, Washington enters the 2026 season with both anticipation and a touch of surprise — beginning its campaign with the Apple Cup for the first time in program history.