Arizona vs Washington State Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 26 2026

The Arizona Wildcats travel to Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington, to face the Washington State Cougars on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET with national coverage on CBS. Arizona enters at 2-1 after beating Northern Illinois 42-17, while Washington State is 1-2 after rolling past Duquesne 48-7. Arizona opened as a 12.5-point favorite with the total set at 49.5. This is Arizona’s final nonconference game before returning to Big 12 play, while Washington State gets an opportunity to test its improved offense against a Power Four opponent. Be sure to check out our free college football picks for more NCAAF predictions throughout the season.

Arizona’s Offense Is Coming Alive

Arizona improved to 2-1 with a convincing 42-17 victory over Northern Illinois. The Wildcats overcame an uneven beginning and eventually took complete control, scoring 35 points across the middle two quarters and opening a 42-10 advantage before allowing a late touchdown.

The passing game was particularly impressive. Arizona completed 31 of 34 passes for 325 yards from its starting quarterback and produced four passing touchdowns plus another score on the ground. That level of efficiency gives Washington State a significant problem because the Cougars cannot simply sell out to stop one component of the Arizona offense.

Arizona’s only loss came 28-17 at BYU, so the Wildcats have already experienced a difficult road environment against quality competition. Pullman presents another challenge, but Arizona comes in with considerably more offensive firepower than Washington State has faced during its latest win. The question for bettors is whether that edge is large enough to justify laying nearly two touchdowns on the road.

Washington State Finally Found Its Offensive Rhythm

Washington State improved to 1-2 by beating Duquesne 48-7. The game was tied 7-7 before the Cougars scored 41 unanswered points, turning what initially looked competitive into a complete rout. After struggling offensively earlier in the season, Washington State finally generated the explosive performance it needed.

The Cougars were especially effective on the ground. Washington State had one runner reach 116 yards and another produce 109, while its quarterback added 76 rushing yards. That multifaceted rushing attack is important because controlling possession represents Washington State’s best chance of keeping Arizona’s passing game on the sideline.

The major question is how much of the 48-point eruption transfers against a much stronger opponent. Duquesne simply does not offer Arizona’s size or speed. Washington State also faces a Wildcats offense that just scored 42 against an FBS opponent. Home field should help the Cougars, but Arizona can create separation quickly if Washington State becomes one-dimensional.

Arizona vs Washington State Picks and Prediction

Pick: Washington State +12.5

Arizona is the stronger team and the more likely straight-up winner, but 12.5 points on the road in Pullman creates value on Washington State. The Cougars’ rushing attack gives them a method for shortening the game, and Arizona has yet to cover a point spread this season despite its 2-1 record. Washington State also enters with confidence after scoring 41 unanswered points against Duquesne. Arizona can control the game without necessarily winning by two touchdowns.

Pick: Over 49.5

Arizona’s offense appears to be finding its rhythm after putting 42 on Northern Illinois, while Washington State just scored 48 and demonstrated significantly more rushing explosiveness. Arizona should be capable of reaching the low-to-mid thirties, which means Washington State would need only something around 20 points to put this game over the number. A projected scoring range around 34-21 makes the over attractive.

Final Picks: Washington State +12.5 and Over 49.5