In 2026, the Washington Huskies hosted their in-state rival Washington State Cougars for the first-ever Apple Cup to start the season in the game's storied history. The early September showdown between the Huskies and Washington State received mixed reviews from fans, as supporters of both teams expressed nostalgia regarding the classic, season-finale showdown. While the former Pac-12 opponents are still slated to face off in Pullman next season, it will now come a little earlier than expected.
On Monday afternoon, both programs confirmed that the 2027 Apple Cup will move from its original date, September 18, to August 28. The game was planned to take place in Week Three, but now will serve as the season opener for both programs.
The change comes amidst scheduling adjustments from the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee, pushing Week One of the regular season up to the last weekend of August. The early start now grants all teams two bye weeks throughout the year, as the season moves to a 14-week schedule.
The Apple Cup takes center stage to open the season. 🍎
— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) October 26, 2026
The 2027 Boeing Apple Cup moves to August 28 at Gesa Field. pic.twitter.com/1iIpmIIbBJ
With just two years left of scheduled meetings between the longtime foes, uncertainty about the Apple Cup's future looms from the Puget Sound to the Palouse. UW athletic director Pat Chun, who signed the rivalry's last contract in 2023 in the same role at Washington State, has expressed serious interest in continuing one of the oldest traditions in all of college football, but only under the right circumstances.
Now that a 24-team playoff is set to begin starting in 2027, nonconference scheduling is expected to look much different in the coming years, which could include an increase in matchups between members of the Big Ten and SEC.
As strength of schedule continues to be a controversial topic in the ever-changing world of college football, one could make the argument that continuing to play a game against any Group of Six opponent doesn't hold the same value that it once did.
Good luck telling that to a pair of fan bases that have been clashing since the year 1900.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Football Announces Scheduling Change to 2027 Apple Cup