If you just look at the final record, you might think the 2025 season was just another average year for the Bengals. A 6–6 finish doesn’t usually set the world on fire. But honestly, if you were following the Idaho State football results as they happened, you’d know that "average" is the last word anyone in Pocatello would use to describe what just went down at the ICCU Dome.
This season was a wild ride of near-misses, a 90-point explosion, and a November surge that felt like a fever dream for a fan base that hasn't had much to cheer about since 2018. Under Cody Hawkins, the Bengals didn't just stumble into a .500 record; they fought their way back from the brink of a lost season.
The Brutal Start and the 0-3 Hole
Things looked pretty bleak in September. Most people expected some growing pains, but starting the year with three straight road losses is a tough pill to swallow. They opened in Las Vegas against UNLV, and while the 38–31 final score looks close, it was a game of "what ifs." Jordan Cooke was airing it out for 380 yards, but four interceptions basically handed the game to the Rebels on a silver platter.
Then came the trip to Cedar City. Southern Utah absolutely handled them 46–24. At that point, the "here we go again" sentiment was starting to creep in among the locals. A 32–22 loss to New Mexico followed, and the Bengals sat at 0–3 with more questions than answers.
The turning point? It wasn't some deep philosophical shift. It was a 90–0 beatdown of Lincoln (CA). Sure, it was a non-Division I opponent, but you don't score 90 points by accident. It allowed Davis Harsin and the rest of the depth chart to get live reps and, more importantly, it gave a frustrated locker room a chance to remember what winning felt like.
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Idaho State Football Results: Breaking Down the Big Sky Slate
When conference play hit, the intensity dialed up. The Bengals' path through the Big Sky was a rollercoaster. They managed to grind out a 26–18 win over Northern Colorado, but then the schedule makers did them no favors. They had to face the Montana schools back-to-back.
The Montana game was a heartbreaker. 42–38. Jordan Cooke put up 421 passing yards, and for a minute, it felt like the Bengals were going to pull off the upset of the decade in Pocatello. They fell just short. Then Montana State did what they do—a 48–14 drubbing in Bozeman that reminded everyone that the top of the Big Sky is a different beast entirely.
After a flat performance against Northern Arizona (a 31–18 loss), the Bengals sat at 2–6 overall and 1–3 in the conference. The season was on life support.
The November Miracle
What happened next is why Cody Hawkins is probably going to have a statue built in Pocatello someday if he keeps this up. The Bengals didn't just win; they went on a four-game tear to close out the year.
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- The UC Davis Upset: Heading to California to face the #6 ranked Aggies, nobody gave Idaho State a chance. It was supposed to be a homecoming victory for Davis. Instead, the Bengals escaped with a 38–36 win. Dason Brooks was the hero, Rushing for 219 yards and showing the kind of physicality this team had been missing.
- The Cal Poly Grind: They followed that up with a steady 27–17 win at home. It wasn't flashy, but it was professional.
- The Train Bell Stays Home: Rivalry games are different. The Battle for the Train Bell against Weber State usually goes the other way, but not this time. A 31–3 blowout on Senior Day was a statement. The defense only gave up a field goal. Let that sink in for a program that used to be a sieve.
- The Kibbie Dome Curse Ends: Finally, the big one. The Potato State Trophy. Idaho State hadn't won in Moscow since 1981. That's 44 years of heartbreak. They didn't just win; they dominated the Vandals 37–16.
By the Numbers: Why This Offense Is Scary
You sort of have to look at the stats to realize how much the "Run and Shoot" scheme has evolved. The Bengals finished with the top passing offense in the Big Sky, averaging 303.75 yards per game through the air.
Jordan Cooke ended the season with over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns. But the real surprise was the balance. Dason Brooks crossed the 1,000-yard rushing mark (1,007 to be exact) and averaged a massive 6.4 yards per carry.
Kinda crazy, right?
Usually, an air-raid style team forgets how to run the ball. But by November, ISU was a two-headed monster. They were also elite in areas that usually bore fans but win games: they allowed the fewest sacks in the FCS and had the nation’s top net punting unit. That's discipline.
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What This Means for the Future
The Idaho State football results from 2025 prove that the program has finally found its identity. They finished 5–3 in the Big Sky, good for a tie for 4th place. For context, they finished above Idaho, Weber State, and Eastern Washington—the traditional powerhouses of the north.
There's still a gap between the Bengals and the "Big Two" (Montana and Montana State), but that gap is shrinking. The 6-6 record is a foundation.
If you're looking for actionable ways to stay on top of the program's progress heading into the 2026 season, here's what you should actually do:
- Watch the Transfer Portal: Hawkins has proven he can coach up talent, but they need more depth on the defensive line to compete with Montana's size.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Look for home-heavy stretches. The ICCU Dome (the old Minidome) is becoming a nightmare for visitors again.
- Follow the QB Competition: With Cooke coming off a strong year but Harsin showing flashes, the spring camp battle will be the most important storyline in Pocatello.
The Bengals aren't a doormat anymore. Honestly, the rest of the Big Sky should be a little worried.