Washington, Washington State agree to continue Apple Cup rivalry through 2028 amid conference realignment

The fresh conference realignment bonanza has left the standing of a number of longstanding rivalries unsure as groups get ready to change leagues across the nation like checkers on a checkerboard. Many believed the Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State can be any other realignment casualty because the Huskies transfer of the Pac-12 and into the Big Ten. It now seems that rivalry is secure for the forseeable long run. 

The two faculties introduced Sunday they have got reached an settlement that may permit the sequence to continue through a minimum of the 2028 season. The 2024 sport will happen previous within the season than in years previous. They will play at Seattle’s Lumen Field, house of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, on September 14. The subsequent 4 video games will trade between the 2 campuses starting with Washington State in 2025.

“The Apple Cup is one of the oldest and most renowned rivalries in all of collegiate athletics,” stated Washington State president Kirk Schulz. “For more than a century, fans across the state have been circling the Apple Cup date on their calendars. We are pleased that we will be able to continue this beloved tradition for future generations of Coug fans.”

The two groups will meet for the remaining time as Pac-12 individuals this Saturday at Husky Stadium on Washington’s campus. The Huskies hang a 75-33-6 all-time document over the Cougars. 

“The Apple Cup tradition is beloved by Huskies, Cougars and football fans across Washington and beyond, so one of my priorities has been to ensure that it continues into this new era,” stated Washington President Ana Mari Cauce. “I’m thrilled that we’ll be able to continue this tradition, and to kick off the new era at Lumen Field before returning to each campus. I’m grateful to [Washington athletic director] Troy [Dannen], our colleagues at Washington State University and our partners at First & Goal Inc. for collaborating to make this happen. This is a win for our fans, our universities and the state of Washington.” 

The two competitors will tee it up on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. ET as Washington appears to be like to polish off an undefeated common season.