Full Breakdown
Washington Huskies Defeat Washington State 24-10 in Season-Opening Apple Cup
9/8/2026, 8:09:37 PM
Core Event: Season-Opening Apple Cup Result
Washington (No. 17) beat Washington State 24-10 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, drawing a crowd of 71,056. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. threw for 268 yards and a touchdown, added a 5-yard rushing score, and the Huskies held the Cougars to 10 points despite a late surge.
Background & Context
The 118th Apple Cup was the first season-opening meeting of the rivalry. Washington entered the game after moving to the Big Ten, while Washington State played under first-year head coach Kirby Moore.
Key Figures & Groups
- Demond Williams Jr. – 268 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD.
- Rashid Williams – 1-yard TD reception.
- Jayden Limar – 11-yard TD run.
- Kirby Moore – Washington State head coach.
- Jedd Fisch – Washington head coach.
- Hunter Green – Washington punter, 4 punts, 50.8-yard average, longest 64 yd.
- Jeron Jones – Washington defensive back, first career interception.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Washington 24, Washington State 10.
- Passing: Washington 268 yd; Washington State 142 yd (Pinnick).
- Rushing: Washington 134 yd total (56 yd in second half).
- Field goals: Washington’s Tyler Robles 48-yd make; Washington State missed 32- and 52-yd attempts.
- Defense: Washington allowed 242 yd, 0-for-11 on third-down conversions, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions.
- Special teams: Green averaged 50.8 yd per punt, two inside the 20-yd line; Washington State muffed two punts.
- Attendance: 71,056 spectators.
Why It Matters / Impact
The win gives Washington momentum heading into a home game against Utah State. Injuries to running backs Quaid Carr and Jayden Limar raise concerns about the ground game, while freshman defensive contributors showed depth. Special-teams play, highlighted by Green’s punting, proved a decisive field-position factor.
Governor Bob Ferguson noted the rivalry’s cultural importance as the current contract expires in 2028, hinting at upcoming discussions on its future.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Jedd Fisch praised the defense as “outstanding” and admitted the offense “wasn’t running the football exceptionally well.”
Kirby Moore said the margin should not erode the Cougars’ confidence and urged optimism for upcoming challenges.
Governor Bob Ferguson expressed statewide support for preserving the Apple Cup, saying conversations across Washington reinforce the need to keep the rivalry alive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The way Hunter punted the ball today, that made a huge difference in our game,” — Jedd Fisch
- “We weren’t running the football exceptionally well,” — Jedd Fisch
- “Our players’ confidence shouldn’t waver from this game, all right,” — Kirby Moore
- “That's been all the conversations I've had today is with people all across the state,” — Governor Bob Ferguson
