Honestly, if you looked at the scoreboard during the 2024 regular season matchup between these two, you’d think it was just another blowout. No. 21 Washington State took down Utah State 49-28 in Pullman, and on paper, it looked like a standard "ranked team beats unranked team" narrative. But that game was just the tip of the iceberg for a rivalry that has basically become the most interesting subplot in the rebuilding of West Coast football.
Fast forward to late December 2025, and these two programs weren't just playing for pride—they were playing for a trophy in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. In a weird twist of fate, the Utah State vs Washington State matchup became the defining game of the 2025 postseason for both schools. WSU walked away with a 34-21 win in Boise, but the real story is how these two are about to become permanent roommates in the new-look Pac-12.
The Night in Pullman That Set the Tone
Let's go back to November 9, 2024. The atmosphere at Gesa Field was electric, mostly because the Cougars were smelling a special season. John Mateer was out there playing like a man possessed. He didn't just throw the ball; he ran for his 11th touchdown of the season that night, breaking a school record for rushing TDs by a quarterback.
It was a clinic. Mateer finished with five total touchdowns. Kyle Williams was catching everything thrown his way, hauling in three scores. For Utah State, it was a rough night in a rough year. They were playing under interim head coach Nate Dreiling after the whole Blake Anderson saga, and you could tell the program was just trying to keep its head above water.
Despite the 49-28 loss, the Aggies showed some life. Bryson Barnes and Spencer Petras were swapping snaps, and they actually kept it competitive for a half. But the depth of the Cougars eventually just wore them down. It felt like a preview of what was to come—two programs heading in opposite directions, or so we thought.
Why the 2025 Potato Bowl Changed Everything
Most people ignore the "smaller" bowls, but the 2025 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was actually kinda fascinating. Washington State entered the game with a 6-6 record after a chaotic year where they lost head coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest and then saw his replacement, Jimmy Rogers, bolt for Iowa State after just one season. Talk about a mess.
Enter the bowl game: WSU was led by an interim coordinator, Jesse Bobbit, while their new hire—Kirby Moore from Missouri—watched from the stands. On the other side, Utah State was finishing up their first year under Bronco Mendenhall, a guy who knows a thing or two about winning in the Rockies.
The Stats That Mattered in Boise:
- Zevi Eckhaus (WSU): Threw for 334 yards and 3 TDs. He also threw three picks, because why make it easy?
- Maxwell Woods (WSU): 117 yards on the ground. He was the first Coug to hit the century mark all season.
- The Aggie Defense: They actually forced a lot of mistakes, but the offense couldn't capitalize. Jacob Conover came in late for an injured Bryson Barnes and threw two TDs, but it was too little, too late.
WSU won 34-21. It was their first bowl win since the Gardner Minshew era in 2018. But more importantly, it served as a "welcome to the family" party.
The New Pac-12 Marriage
This is where the Utah State vs Washington State story gets real. For the last couple of years, WSU and Oregon State have been the "Pac-2," clinging to the brand while everyone else fled for the Big Ten or Big 12.
💡 You might also like: You’ll Never Walk Alone: Why This Song Still Makes Grown Men Cry
Starting in the 2026-27 season, Utah State officially joins the Pac-12 along with Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and eventually Texas State. We aren't just looking at occasional non-conference games anymore. These two are going to be seeing a lot of each other.
Honestly, it’s a match made in heaven—or at least in the mountain time zone. Both fanbases are incredibly loyal. Both schools play in tough-to-reach, loud-as-hell stadiums. If you’ve ever been to Logan, Utah, or Pullman, Washington, you know it’s not just a game; it’s a whole-town event.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
A lot of casual fans think Washington State has always dominated this series. Not really. While WSU leads the all-time series 4-2 after those 2024 and 2025 wins, Utah State actually pulled off a massive upset back in 2021, winning 26-23 in Pullman.
The Aggies aren't intimidated by the Power Four (or former Power Five) branding. Under Bronco Mendenhall, Utah State is pivoting toward a disciplined, high-IQ style of football that usually gives high-flying offenses like WSU's fits.
Key Factors for the 2026 Rematch:
- Coaching Stability: Kirby Moore is a big-time hire for WSU. He’s an offensive mastermind. Can he stop the coaching carousel in Pullman?
- The Mendenhall Factor: Bronco doesn't lose to the same team three times in a row very often. He’s already hitting the portal hard to beef up the Aggies' lines.
- Geography: With the new Pac-12, the travel isn't nearly as bad as what the Big Ten teams are dealing with. These players will actually be fresh when they hit the field.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
We already know the 2026 schedule is going to be wild. Washington State has already locked in the Apple Cup against Washington for September 5th. Utah State is heading to Seattle to play the Huskies on September 12th.
By the time these two meet in conference play in 2026, they’ll both have been battle-tested against the "big boys" of the Northwest. Expect a lot of points. Expect a lot of trash talk on Twitter (or X, whatever we're calling it then). And honestly, expect the winner of this game to have a legitimate shot at the top of the new Pac-12 standings.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on following the Utah State vs Washington State saga into the 2026 season, here’s how to stay ahead:
- Watch the Portal: Keep an eye on WSU’s quarterback situation. Zevi Eckhaus had the arm, but the turnovers were a killer in 2025. If Moore brings in a high-level transfer, the Cougars are dangerous.
- Respect the Aggie Defense: Under Nick Howell (Mendenhall’s longtime DC), Utah State’s defense is going to look completely different than the unit that gave up 49 points in 2024. They will be more aggressive and much better at disguised coverages.
- Travel Early: If you're heading to the 2026 matchup in Logan, book your hotel now. Maverik Stadium is small, and when a "name" opponent like WSU comes to town, the whole valley fills up fast.
The landscape of college football has changed so much that "mid-major" and "power" labels don't mean what they used to. This matchup is proof of that. It's a high-level, gritty series that represents the future of the sport out West.
To get ready for the 2026 season, start by reviewing the official Pac-12 expansion documents to see how the new scheduling pods will affect home-and-away rotations for the next four years.