As the highly anticipated Apple Cup approaches, Washington State University's football team is set to honor tradition by sporting their iconic crimson and white attire, complemented by a distinctive crimson facemask. This uniform selection reinforces the deep-rooted customs surrounding this significant rivalry game, even as the fixture is scheduled for a Sunday in Week 1, a departure from its usual timing.
The chosen uniform ensemble, featuring a crimson helmet, white jersey, and crimson facemask, mirrors the gear worn during their recent Apple Cup triumph in Seattle in 2024. Delving into the historical context, this specific combination has been utilized seven times previously, with four instances featuring a crimson facemask instead of the white one chosen for this week's game. Overall, the crimson/white/crimson palette has yielded a 2-5 record. Notably, the Cougars showcased this color scheme last season against Ole Miss, also with a crimson facemask.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the crimson helmet carries a 16-18 record since 2017, and when paired with a white facemask, it stands at 3-7. The white jersey, exclusively worn in away games, has a record of 18-31, while the crimson pants boast a more favorable 19-17. Helmets featuring a white facemask have an overall record of 17-20, and the white WSU logo has accumulated a 20-24 record. Fans can witness these traditional uniforms in action when kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM on NBC this Sunday.
The commitment to tradition, even in the face of schedule changes, speaks to the enduring spirit of college football. By embracing their classic colors, WSU not only pays tribute to its past but also inspires a sense of unity and pride among its players and supporters, reminding everyone that while circumstances may evolve, the heart of the game remains steadfast.
