Idaho football: Key matchups define 2026 season

The 2026 college football season for the Idaho Vandals is fast approaching, with five critical games circled on their schedule. The season officially begins on August 28, 2026, with an away game against Cal Poly, marking a rare national television appearance for the Vandals on ESPN.

The home opener on September 12, 2026, against Lamar will be a "Hall of Fame Weekend," celebrating the rich history of Idaho Athletics with special tributes. This game is expected to draw a large crowd to the Kibbie Dome.

A significant early conference game will be against the reigning FCS national champions, Montana State, on October 2, 2026. This matchup is crucial for setting the tone for Big Sky Conference play and could indicate the Vandals' potential for a postseason run.

Further key matchups include the rivalry game for the Little Brown Stein against Montana on October 17, 2026, in Missoula, and a late-season home game against Eastern Washington on November 7, 2026, which serves as a potential "get-back" game after a loss last season and could impact postseason seeding.