Hold up, Emerald City sports faithful. While we’re gearing up for another legendary Apple Cup showdown this weekend, Washington AD Pat Chun just dropped a bomb that has everyone talking: as it stands, this historic rivalry might be *gone* after the 2028 season. Yeah, you read that right. The idea of a world without the Apple Cup feels wild, but that’s the very real prospect staring us down.
The Clock Is Ticking Towards a Potential Heartbreak
Right now, the Huskies only have two nonconference games on the books for 2029: a road trip to Tennessee and a home game against Boise State. No Apple Cup in sight. Chun spilled the beans on KJR Radio with Dave Mahler and Dick Fain on Friday, confirming that the current contract means the rivalry isn’t set beyond 2028. We’re talking about one of the oldest rivalries in college football, folks, and its fate is genuinely hanging in the balance. We’ll still get the game in Pullman in 2027, then what could be the grand finale right here in Seattle in 2028. It’s a heavy thought, especially considering the Apple Cup has only been missed a handful of times in history, like in 2020 due to the shortened COVID season, and way back in 1943 and 1944 when WSU suspended its program during World War II.
Pat Chun’s Balancing Act: Respecting History vs. Eyeing the Future
Chun, who was the AD at Washington State from 2018-2024 when the current renewal contract was agreed upon in November 2023, is now on the other side. He’s trying to do what’s best for his program at UW. He told Mahler and Fain, “we fully have respect of the Apple Cup and an understanding of its importance to the state.” That’s good to hear, right? But then came the kicker: “There is an intent to try and continue the game on both sides of this. There’s also a piece, at least from our perspective, we want to see where the CFP (College Football Playoff) ends and what scheduling criteria looks like.” Those 13 words tell the whole story. Chun expects the College Football Playoff to expand soon, and that’s going to shake up how nonconference games get scheduled. It’s a high-stakes chess match between tradition and the evolving landscape of college football.
Is There Still a Path Forward?
All is not lost just yet. The Huskies still have open nonconference slots in both 2029 and 2030. That means there’s a path, a glimmer of hope, for both sides to hammer out a new deal and keep this incredible rivalry alive. But the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting. This weekend’s Apple Cup takes on a whole new meaning now, doesn’t it? As we watch the Huskies battle it out, we’re not just rooting for a win; we’re witnessing a piece of history that might just be counting down to its final chapters. Let’s hope Chun and WSU can figure this out because a world without the Apple Cup? That’s just not right.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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