The University of Washington and Washington State University will face off in their storied rivalry during the 2026 season opener, marking a departure from the traditional Thanksgiving Day matchup. The game represents a significant contrast between the two programs, with Washington having solidified its presence in the Big Ten since joining three years ago, while Washington State operates within the restructured Pac-12 framework with an entirely revamped roster and coaching staff.
Washington State enters the contest under the direction of first-time head coach Kirby Moore, who previously served as offensive coordinator at Missouri and Fresno State. The Cougars will feature quarterback Caden Pinnick, transferred from UC Davis, as they attempt to build offensive momentum. However, the program has experienced significant personnel losses through the transfer portal, particularly to Iowa State following the departure of former coach Jimmy Rogers. The talent disparity between the two rosters reflects the divergent trajectories of each institution over recent years.
Sunday’s matchup will commence at 1:00 PM Pacific Time from Husky Stadium and will be broadcast on NBC. The network coverage will feature play-by-play commentary from Paul Burmeister, Yogi Roth, and Zora Stephenson, with streaming available through the NBC Sports application. For radio listeners, the game will air on KJR 93.3 with new Washington football announcer Elise Woodward and analyst Cam Cleeland providing coverage.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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