Apple Cup 2026 Preview- Joined by 'On Montlake' Writer & Podcast Host Christian Caple

Washington State opens the 2026 season on a Sunday afternoon at Husky Stadium, on NBC, as a three-touchdown underdog with a quarterback making his first start as a Coug. We're joined by Christian Caple of On Montlake to find out what Washington actually looks like from the inside.

THE GAME Washington State at Washington · Sunday, September 6 · 1:00 p.m. Pacific · NBC · Husky Stadium, Seattle

THIS WEEK'S GUEST Christian Caple runs On Montlake, the independent Washington football site and newsletter, and co-hosts Say Who, Say Pod with Danny O'Neil.

On Montlake: https://onmontlake.com

X: https://x.com/ChristianCaple

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THE 2026 FOUNDING SPONSORS

This episode includes paid promotion. Cougs on the Couch is made possible by three Coug-connected businesses. Please go give them your business.

■ BEN COWBOY REALTOR — PRESENTING SPONSOR Presenting sponsor of Cougs on the Couch and of the Weekly Preview segment. Ben Nikolas, Cowboy Realtor. Real estate broker licensed in Washington and Oregon, with MacDonald RE Group at Premiere Property Group, LLC. Buying or selling in WA or OR, Ben is your guy.

Website: https://bennikolas.premierepropertygroup.com

Email: ben@cowboyrealtor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_cowboyrealtor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ben_cowboyrealtor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSxsYfFM3cdxV9AOOSm0k5w

■ FORTRESS MEGA, LLC — SEGMENT SPONSOR Presenting sponsor of The Recap.

Jon R. Erickson, CFP®, CEBS®.

Pullman High and Washington State grad, and a financial planner who runs a family-style practice.

If you're near retirement and you want less stress and more free time, start the conversation.

Website: https://fortressmega.com

Email: jon@fortressmega.com

Office: (425) 646-6000

Investment Advisory Services offered through Regal Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Fortress Mega, LLC is independent of Regal investment Advisors. Registrations with the SEC does not imply any level of skill or training.

■ PADDOCK SPIRITS CO — SEGMENT SPONSOR Presenting sponsor of The Coug of the Week.

Award-winning canned cocktails made in Pullman, Washington, by Cougs. Seven-times-distilled premium vodka, real fruit, natural flavors, perfectly mixed and always ready to drink.

Best in Class for vodka-based ready-to-drinks at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Website: https://paddockspiritsco.com

21+. Please enjoy responsibly.