The #17 Washington Huskies are stomping into Week 1 like they own the place, hitting the field at Husky Stadium this Sunday as absolutely massive 23.5-point favorites against the Washington State Cougars in the annual Apple Cup. Forget easing into the season, folks, this rivalry game is kicking off 2026 with a spread that’s got the entire Emerald City buzzing.
Husky Domination & High Expectations Roll into Week 1
Look, the Huskies aren’t just favored, they’ve straight-up owned this series. They lead the overall record 77-34-6 and have practically got a VIP pass to the winner’s circle, taking 10 of the last 12 matchups, including a ridiculously dominant 59-24 victory last year. That’s not just winning, that’s sending a message loud and clear across the state. After finishing 2025 at a solid 9-4 overall and tying for seventh in the Big Ten with a 5-4 conference record, expectations in Seattle are through the roof. Our Huskies are rolling into this season with their starting quarterback back and a “good portion of their team” returning. They’re ready to prove they’re the real deal from day one.
Cougars’ Uphill Battle and the Expert’s Edge
On the flip side, the Cougars from Washington State had a 7-6 season last year and are rolling into a “revamped Pac-12” with a ton of question marks. They’ve got a new coach, Kirby Moore, and a “mostly new roster.” Talk about a tall order right out of the gate against a ranked Huskies squad, especially with the money line showing Washington State at +1253 and Washington at -2564. The total points for this game are set at 51.5, but honestly, with that kind of spread, most of us are just wondering how high the Huskies can score. For those keeping score, SportsLine expert Tom Fornelli, who’s got a killer 16-5 record on his last 21 picks involving Washington games, has already locked in his confident pick. He knows the Huskies are bringing back a ton of talent while the Cougars are basically rebuilding on the fly.
Kickoff is at 4 p.m. ET right here at Husky Stadium. This isn’t just Week 1, it’s the Apple Cup, and it sets the tone for everything. Can the Huskies live up to those massive expectations and shut down their in-state rivals with a dominant performance? Every fan in Seattle will be watching to see if our boys can start the season by putting down a statement win.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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