The 2026 Washington State Cougars football schedule is set, with 12 regular-season games and one bye as the program enters its first season in the rebuilt Pac-12. Head coach Jake Dickert and the Cougars open with the renewed Apple Cup rivalry on the road at Washington on September 5, then travel to Kansas State on September 12 before returning home for three straight in Pullman. Game times and TV networks are listed as TBD throughout the schedule and will be filled in as the Pac-12 releases its broadcast windows over the summer.
2026 Washington State Cougars Football
Jake Dickert returns for his fifth season as Washington State’s head coach with the Cougars charter members of the rebuilt Pac-12 alongside Oregon State after the 2024 conference realignment. The non-conference slate is built around four games: the renewed Apple Cup road opener at Washington on September 5, a road trip to Kansas State on September 12, a home matchup with Duquesne on September 19, and a home game against Big 12 opponent Arizona on September 26. The Apple Cup is the marquee opener and one of the most-watched college football games of week one.
Pac-12 conference play opens at home against Fresno State on October 3 and runs through the back half of the year. Gesa Field at Martin Stadium will host four conference games: Fresno State, Boise State on October 24, Colorado State on November 14, and the projected Pac-12 flex matchup against Oregon State on November 28. The Cougars travel to Utah State on October 10, Oregon State on October 17, San Diego State on October 31, and Texas State on November 21. Washington State’s lone bye comes on November 7.
For roster updates, ticket information, and the latest program news, visit the Washington State Cougars football official athletics site.
2026 Washington State Cougars Football Schedule
| Week | Date | Time | Opponent | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 5, 2026 | TBD | @ Washington (Apple Cup) | TBD |
| 2 | Sep 12, 2026 | TBD | @ Kansas State | TBD |
| 3 | Sep 19, 2026 | TBD | Duquesne | TBD |
| 4 | Sep 26, 2026 | TBD | Arizona | TBD |
| 5 | Oct 3, 2026 | TBD | Fresno State * | TBD |
| 6 | Oct 10, 2026 | TBD | @ Utah State * | TBD |
| 7 | Oct 17, 2026 | TBD | @ Oregon State * | TBD |
| 8 | Oct 24, 2026 | TBD | Boise State * | TBD |
| 9 | Oct 31, 2026 | TBD | @ San Diego State * | TBD |
| BYE | Nov 7, 2026 | – | BYE WEEK | – |
| 11 | Nov 14, 2026 | TBD | Colorado State * | TBD |
| 12 | Nov 21, 2026 | TBD | @ Texas State * | TBD |
| 13 | Nov 28, 2026 | TBD | Flex Opponent * | TBD |
Game times and TV networks listed as TBD will be confirmed as the Pac-12 releases its 2026 broadcast schedule. The flex week opponent is set six days before kickoff. Asterisks indicate Pac-12 conference games.
More 2026 College Football Resources
Looking for more on the rest of the 2026 college football season? Check out our full 2026 College Football Schedule hub for every team’s slate, and our 2026-27 College Football Playoff guide for the postseason picture.
2026 Washington State Cougars Football FAQ
Who is Washington State’s head coach in 2026?
Jake Dickert returns for his fifth full season as Washington State’s head coach in 2026.
How many home games does Washington State have in 2026?
The Cougars have six home games at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in 2026: Duquesne, Arizona, Fresno State, Boise State, Colorado State, and a projected home flex matchup against Oregon State on November 28.
When is Washington State’s bye week in 2026?
Washington State’s lone bye in 2026 falls on November 7, between the road trip to San Diego State on October 31 and the home game against Colorado State on November 14.
When does Washington State open the 2026 season?
The Cougars open the 2026 season on the road at Washington in the renewed Apple Cup on Saturday, September 5, the first of four non-conference games before Pac-12 play begins on October 3.
When will Washington State’s game times and TV channels be announced?
Most kickoff times and TV networks are not finalized until 12 days before each game, when the Pac-12 and its broadcast partners select windows. This page will be updated with each release.
