Eric Boggs 
Washington State beats rival Washington to win the Apple Cup for the first time since 2021.
In a rain-soaked showdown at Lumen Field, Washington State seized a dramatic 24-19 victory over Washington, reclaiming the Apple Cup trophy for the first time since 2021. A thrilling contest, the 116th Apple Cup featured momentum swings, fierce defensive stands, and late-game drama as the Cougars (3-0) held off the Huskies (2-1) in front of 57,567 fans.
The game reached its climactic moment in the final minute. Washington, trailing by five, faced 4th-and-1 from Washington State’s 1-yard line. The Huskies called an option play to the short side of the field, but Cougar defenders swarmed running back Jonah Coleman, stopping him for a two-yard loss. This decisive goal-line stand secured the win for Washington State, sparking a celebration as Cougar players stormed the field.
“We worked 9 1/2 months for this moment,” said Washington State quarterback John Mateer, who accounted for all three Cougar touchdowns. “Looking back on that preparation, it wasn’t our best, but we still got it done.”
Mateer threw for 245 yards and a touchdown while adding 62 yards and two rushing scores. His 25-yard touchdown run on third-and-20 just before halftime gave the Cougars a 17-13 lead and a huge momentum swing they carried into the second half. Mateer later connected with Josh Meredith on a 16-yard touchdown in the third quarter, putting the Cougars up 24-16.
Washington’s offense struggled to convert key opportunities, settling for field goals on three trips inside the Washington State 25-yard line. Will Rogers threw for 314 yards and a touchdown for the Huskies, while wide receiver Giles Jackson had a career day with eight catches for 162 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown. Despite these efforts, Washington was undone by penalties, with 16 infractions costing them 135 yards.
Washington State’s defense, led by key contributions from Andrew Edson and Thaddeus Dixon, held firm in the second half. Dixon’s fourth-quarter interception gave the Huskies one last chance to take the lead, but the Cougars’ defense stepped up when it mattered most.
“This game meant a lot to us,” said Washington State head coach Jake Dickert. “We wanted that Apple Cup trophy back in our hands, and now it’s going to stay with us.”
As the Apple Cup returns to Pullman, Washington must regroup quickly, with Big Ten play against Northwestern looming next week.
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