The Washington State Cougars will visit the Virginia Cavaliers in a non-conference college football matchup on Saturday. Virginia is 5-1 on the season and coming off a win over Louisville. They will try to get to six wins with plenty of room to spare as a heavy favorite against the Cougars. Here, I take a closer look at this contest and give you my Washington State vs Virginia prediction.
Our Washington State vs Virginia Pick
- Pick: Washington State +17.5
- Confidence: 3/5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Washington State Cougars vs Virginia Cavaliers
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 6:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
- Broadcast: The CW
Key Storylines
This is the first meeting in football between Virginia and Washington State. Virginia enters this game ranked 18th in the country and one win away from securing bowl eligibility. It is also their homecoming weekend, giving extra incentive to put on a strong showing for their fans.
One X-factor is Virginia’s evolving offensive line situation. The Cavaliers dismissed offensive tackle Wallace Unamba this past week. While Jack Witmer will continue at right tackle, Tony Elliott noted that center Brady Wilson and left tackle McKale Boley are nearing returns. Virginia’s line has held up well so far. They have surrendered just five sacks all season, which ranks among the best in the ACC and nationally.
Washington State is 3-3 despite massive roster turnover, with 37 transfers leaving this offseason and a coaching change to Jimmy Rogers, formerly of South Dakota State. But defensive improvements and the arrival of new quarterback Zevi Eckhaus have helped them adjust to all of that chaos. Eckhaus has thrown for 758 yards and six touchdowns in his first three starts and his efficient play has fueled optimism that the Cougars can hang around here.
Quarterback Play
Virginia signal-caller Chandler Morris has solid numbers this season. He enters this game with 1,428 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 176 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. WSU’s Eckhaus has six touchdown passes to just two interceptions. Morris likely has the advantage in terms of poise, experience, and protection in this game.
Betting Trends
- Virginia is 5-1 both straight up and against the spread this season.
- Washington State is 3-3 straight up and against the spread.
- Cavaliers games are 4-1-1 to the over entering this week.
- Washington State is 3-3 on over/unders for the season.
Washington State vs Virginia Model Projection
Score Projection: Virginia 36 – Washington State 23
Win Probability: Virginia 78%, Washington State 22%
Final Thoughts
Virginia should be able to win at home against Washington State on Saturday night to get to six wins with plenty of games left to play. But I think that Washington State is the right play against the spread in this contest. The Cougars nearly beat Ole Miss in their last game and should hang around in this contest as well, even if Virginia does end up winning by somewhere around two touchdowns when all is said and done.
