Washington State Cougars Unveil 2026 Football Schedule

The Cougars will play 6 home and 6 away games, including the annual Apple Cup rivalry matchup.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Washington State Cougars have released their 2026 football schedule, which will be the team's first year in the revamped Pac-12 conference under new head coach Kirby Moore. The Cougars are set to play 6 home games and 6 road games, kicking off the season on the road against the University of Washington for the annual Apple Cup rivalry game on September 5.

Why it matters

The 2026 season marks a new era for the Washington State Cougars football program, as they join the reconfigured Pac-12 conference under first-year head coach Kirby Moore. The schedule features several key matchups, including the traditional Apple Cup rivalry game against the University of Washington.

The details

The Cougars' home opener is set for September 19 against Duquesne University, and they will also host former Pac-12 rival Arizona Wildcats. Conference play for WSU starts at home against Fresno State on October 3. Many Cougars games will be broadcast on KREM 2 and KSKN 22 The Spot, the home for WSU and Pac-12 football.

  • The Cougars will kick off their season on September 5 against the University of Washington for the annual Apple Cup.
  • The Cougars' home opener is set for September 19 against Duquesne University.
  • The Cougars will host former Pac-12 rival Arizona Wildcats.
  • Conference play for WSU starts at home against Fresno State on October 3.

The players

Kirby Moore

The new head coach of the Washington State Cougars football team.

University of Washington

The Cougars' rival for the annual Apple Cup game.

Duquesne University

The Cougars' opponent for their home opener on September 19.

Arizona Wildcats

A former Pac-12 rival that the Cougars will host.

Fresno State

The Cougars' opponent for their first Pac-12 conference game on October 3.

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What’s next

Fans will be eager to see how the Cougars perform in their first season under new head coach Kirby Moore and in the reconfigured Pac-12 conference.

The takeaway

The release of the 2026 Washington State Cougars football schedule marks an exciting new chapter for the program as they join the revamped Pac-12 conference. With a mix of familiar rivals and new opponents, the Cougars will look to make their mark in the first year under coach Kirby Moore's leadership.