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WSU to hold QB competition for Apple Cup after 'embarrassing' loss

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 20:29 GMT by Seattle Times
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Washington State Announces a Quarterback Showdown Ahead of the Apple Cup

As the Pacific Northwest prepares for its most watched college‑football event of the week, Washington State University (WSU) has officially announced that the Cougars will host a head‑to‑head quarterback competition to determine who will lead the team in the Apple Cup against arch‑rivals Washington. The decision comes at a time of roster transition, coaching upheaval, and a renewed emphasis on the competitive spirit that has defined the rivalry since 1900.

The Stakes of the Apple Cup

The Apple Cup, an annual showdown between the Cougars and the Huskies, is the nation’s oldest active rivalry in college football, having been played 107 times since 1900. The 2025 edition marks the 122nd meeting, and it’s more than just a game: it’s a rite of passage for athletes, a cultural touchstone for alumni, and a major economic driver for the Seattle and Pullman communities. Winning the Apple Cup can lift a program’s national perception, boost recruiting, and secure bragging rights in a state that prides itself on high‑stakes athletics.

WSU’s last Apple Cup victory came in 2023, when a dominant offensive performance capped a season that included a historic upset of the Oregon Ducks. However, that season also exposed a vulnerability: the quarterback position was largely a revolving door. The Cougars finished the regular season with a 6‑6 record, and the Apple Cup itself saw the team struggling to find rhythm behind the center.

The Roster Shuffle

When Coach Nick Rolovich left the program after a 13‑game ban from the 2024 season, WSU found itself in the midst of a coaching transition. Interim coach Matt Campbell (the former Arkansas coach) announced that the 2025 season would be guided by his own recruiting philosophy, one that places a premium on versatility, work ethic, and a high‑volume passing attack.

The quarterback room, therefore, has been the subject of intense media scrutiny. The roster currently lists:

While Alec Jones and Kenny Bostick have each had flashes of brilliance, Tyler Hennessy’s arrival has sparked a buzz on recruiting forums and Twitter alike. Hennessy, who transferred to Pullman in 2024, posted a 5‑0 record at his previous school and is noted for his arm strength and pocket mobility. Cody Martinez, on the other hand, remains a developmental candidate who could emerge as a deep‑thrown threat.

The Competition

The announced competition will be a closed‑door, week‑long evaluation period that will involve a mix of intra‑campus scrimmages, film review sessions, and live practice drills. Coach Matt Campbell has described it as “the ultimate test of skill, leadership, and resilience.” While the exact format has not been fully disclosed, early reports indicate that the quarterbacks will be evaluated on:

1. Accuracy and Decision‑Making – Using real‑time data from practice simulators to gauge throw precision.
2. Mobility and Extension – Assessing how well they can avoid pressure and extend plays.
3. Leadership Presence – Observing how they command the huddle and manage teammates.
4. Adaptability to Play‑Calling – Evaluating how quickly they absorb new concepts from the playbook.

“We’re not just looking for a good passer; we’re looking for a leader who can drive the offense, make the right decision, and keep the team focused,” Campbell told reporters during a pre‑announcement press conference. “That’s what the Apple Cup demands.”

The Coaching Narrative

Coach Campbell’s arrival came with a promise to stabilize the program. The 2025 season is his first in full authority, and the decision to hold a quarterback competition signals his intent to make tough, merit‑based decisions. His predecessor, Rolovich, had faced controversy when he was suspended for two games in 2024, a move that left the Cougars scrambling for depth at every position. In the wake of that turmoil, Campbell’s decision to evaluate the quarterback room on a level playing field is designed to foster unity and set a new standard for accountability.

The Apple Cup also serves as a litmus test for the coaching staff. It will determine whether Campbell’s approach to player development and game planning can translate into results on a marquee day. For the seniors who have spent four years on the team, the outcome will shape the narrative of their final college football experience. For the freshmen, it will dictate the trajectory of their budding careers.

The Implications

If Alec Jones or Kenny Bostick emerge as the starting quarterback, the Cougars will be leaning on the experience of players who have already proven themselves in the Cougars’ offensive system. Their familiarity with the playbook and the mental toughness required for a rivalry game could give Washington State a psychological edge.

However, if Tyler Hennessy or Cody Martinez secures the starting role, it will signal a willingness to inject fresh talent into a position that has historically been a cornerstone of the Cougars’ identity. A new quarterback can electrify a program and inspire a wave of new recruits who see WSU as a place where ambition pays off.

Either outcome carries a ripple effect. A stable starting QB can keep the offensive strategy simple and efficient, making it easier to prepare for Washington’s defensive scheme, which often relies on aggressive pressure. Conversely, a rookie’s early struggle could force the coaching staff to pivot to a more conservative game plan, limiting the Cougars’ offensive firepower.

Looking Ahead

The competition will culminate on October 12th, just a week before the Apple Cup on October 20th. Fans will be able to follow the process through weekly press releases, live streams of practice sessions, and social media updates from the Cougars’ official accounts. The Seattle Times has secured exclusive access to the practice sessions, and reporters will be on hand for in‑depth analysis.

The Apple Cup remains a focal point for both universities. In the words of former Cougars quarterback Jared Goff, who once guided Washington State to a national championship game, “It’s not just a game. It’s a story, a legacy, and a test of who can rise to the occasion.” The decision to hold a quarterback competition underscores that narrative. Whether the Cougars will start a veteran who has earned the trust of the coaching staff or a young, hungry transfer who can surprise the entire state remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the next chapter of the Apple Cup will be written on the field, and the quarterback who leads will define it.