Geography says they should be rivals. History says they’re basically cousins who only see each other at the occasional wedding. But lately? Boise State vs Washington State has turned into one of the most underrated, high-stakes matchups in the Northwest.
You’ve got the blue turf. You’ve got the wheat fields. You’ve got two fanbases that, honestly, just really want to prove they belong in the elite tier of college football despite the constant chaos of conference realignment.
It's weird. For years, these two barely played. Washington State leads the all-time series 5-2, a stat that Boise fans hate to be reminded of. But the vibe changed in late 2024 when Boise State absolutely dismantled the Cougars 45-24 at Albertsons Stadium. That game wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Ashton Jeanty—who we now know as a first-round NFL pick for the Raiders—ran for 259 yards and four touchdowns that night. It was a bloodbath.
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The 2026 Reset: Why This Matchup Just Got Real
The scheduling gods finally did something right. After a few years of "will they, won't they," Boise State and Washington State are locked in for a massive home-and-home series starting in 2026.
Mark your calendar for September 19, 2026.
The Cougars host the first leg at Gesa Field in Pullman. If you haven't been to Martin Stadium (the actual name of the field, though Gesa is the corporate sponsor now), it is loud. Smaller than some of the SEC behemoths, sure, but the sound bounces off those metal bleachers in a way that makes your ears ring for days.
What to expect in Pullman:
- The Quarterback Carousel: Washington State is in a transition phase. John Mateer, the dual-threat monster who lit up the stat sheets in 2024, is gone (transferring to Oklahoma for the 2025 season). The 2026 Cougs are likely leaning on a younger arm, possibly someone like Zevi Eckhaus or a high-profile portal addition.
- Boise's Post-Jeanty Era: Let's be real—replacing Ashton Jeanty is impossible. You don't just "find" another guy who averages seven yards a carry and breaks 150 missed tackles in a season. By 2026, Boise State will be relying on their "running back by committee" approach, likely led by Sire Gaines or Jambree Moore.
- The Kirby Moore Factor: It’s still sorta funny that Kirby Moore, a former Boise State standout receiver, is now the head coach at Washington State. Talk about a "betrayal" storyline that the TV networks will milk for every single second of the pregame show.
Why the "Pac-12" Label Still Matters
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: conference realignment. The Pac-12 basically imploded, then tried to stitch itself back together with Boise State as a primary thread.
For the longest time, Washington State fans looked down their noses at Boise. "You’re a G5 school," they’d say. "Come back when you have a Power 5 schedule."
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Well, the table has turned. Boise State entered 2026 as the reigning Mountain West champions (after a solid 2025 run where they went 9-5 and hit the LA Bowl). Meanwhile, Washington State has been fighting for its life as a "Pac-12" leftover, trying to rebuild a brand that was nearly gutted by the Big Ten and Big 12 migrations.
When these two meet in 2026, it won't just be about a non-conference win. It’s about dominance in the Pacific Northwest. With the Apple Cup (WSU vs UW) becoming a weird, neutral-site September game, Boise State vs Washington State has a chance to become the true rivalry for fans who prefer grit over corporate NIL deals.
Breaking Down the X's and O's (Sorta)
If you’re betting on this game, look at the trenches. Boise State has historically struggled against the "Air Raid" or high-tempo offenses when they can't get pressure with just four guys.
However, Washington State's defense has been... let's call it "generous" lately. In 2025, they gave up nearly 60 points to North Texas. If Boise State’s offensive line stays healthy, they can grind the clock and keep the Pullman crowd out of it.
Honestly, the biggest wildcard is the weather. September in the Palouse is usually gorgeous—hot days, cool nights. But Boise knows how to play in the wind, and if a storm rolls off the hills, the advantage swings to the Broncos' power-run game every single time.
What Fans Get Wrong
People think Boise State is always the underdog. That’s an old narrative. Since the 2010s, Boise has arguably been the more consistent program. Washington State has higher "peaks" (like the Gardner Minshew era), but Boise has the floor. They don't really have "rebuilding" years; they have "we only won nine games" years.
Also, don't buy into the "Pullman is hard to play in" myth if the Cougs aren't winning. If Boise gets up by two scores early, that stadium gets quiet fast. The "Coug It" meme exists for a reason—Washington State has a history of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, and Boise State is the king of taking advantage of mistakes.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Matchup
If you are planning to attend or follow Boise State vs Washington State, here is the move:
- Book Pullman lodging now. Seriously. There are like three hotels in Pullman and two in Moscow, Idaho (which is 15 minutes away). If you wait until August 2026, you'll be sleeping in your car or paying $600 for a Motel 6.
- Watch the Transfer Portal in December 2025. Both rosters will look 40% different by the time they kickoff. Look specifically for where Washington State gets its defensive tackles; they've been soft up the middle, and Boise will exploit that.
- Check the "Return to Boise" game. The second half of this home-and-home is September 27, 2027. If WSU steals the win in 2026, the 2027 game on the Blue Turf will be the loudest Albertsons Stadium has been since the 2010s.
This isn't just a game. It's the new standard for Northwest football.
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Forget the fancy TV contracts for a Saturday. This is about two teams that everyone else tried to forget, playing for the right to be remembered. Boise State vs Washington State is the rivalry the region needs, whether the big networks realize it or not.