The primary, fiercest, and most historic athletic rival for the Washington State University Cougars is the University of Washington Huskies, with whom they contest the annual Apple Cup. This deep-seated, intense regional rivalry serves as the ultimate benchmark of athletic success and community bragging rights for the state. While the Cougars also maintain competitive regional games against nearby programs in the Pacific Northwest, the intense, emotional history of the Apple Cup remains the absolute bedrock of Washington State football tradition and fan passion.