You know that feeling when you walk into the Kibbie Dome and the air just feels different? It’s loud, it’s echoey, and if you’re a Vandal fan, it feels like home. But honestly, looking at the idaho vandal football schedule for this upcoming 2026 season, things are looking pretty intense right out of the gate.
If you followed the 2025 campaign, you know it was a bit of a rollercoaster. Finishing 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the Big Sky wasn't exactly what Jason Eck or the fans had in mind, especially after those tough one-score losses to Washington State and San Jose State. But that’s the beauty of college football—every year is a clean slate.
The 2026 schedule is officially out, and it’s got some massive dates that are going to test this roster's depth. We’re talking a high-profile FBS road trip to start, followed by a home slate that features some familiar Big Sky rivals coming to Moscow.
The 2026 Non-Conference Gauntlet
Basically, the Vandals aren't taking the easy way out. They open the season on Thursday, September 3, 2026, against the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. That is a massive stage. Playing a Pac-12 (or Big 12, depending on the latest realignment madness) powerhouse in their house is a tall order, but it’s the kind of game that gets the program noticed.
After that Salt Lake City trip, the Vandals return to the Palouse for two straight home games.
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- Sept 12: Lamar University (Hall of Fame Weekend)
- Sept 19: Abilene Christian
These two games are crucial. Honestly, if Idaho wants to turn the corner from that 4-8 record last year, they have to sweep these home non-conference matchups. Abilene Christian has been getting tougher lately, so don't expect a cakewalk.
Breaking Down the Big Sky Slate
Conference play is where the real drama happens. The idaho vandal football schedule for the Big Sky portion of the year is balanced but heavy on the back end.
The Montana State Test
Everything kicks off on October 3 against Montana State. It’s Homecoming and Ag Appreciation day. If there is one game you need to clear your calendar for, it’s this one. The Bobcats have been a juggernaut in the FCS, and having them in the Kibbie Dome early in the conference schedule will set the tone for the entire month of October.
Life on the Road
The mid-October stretch is brutal. Two straight weeks on the road:
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- Oct 10: at Weber State (Ogden, Utah)
- Oct 17: at Montana (Missoula, Mont.)
Missoula is never an easy place to play. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is essentially a bear pit for opposing teams. Last year, the Vandals dropped a 41-30 game there, and the itch for revenge is definitely going to be a factor.
Protecting the Dome: Late Season Outlook
The final stretch of the idaho vandal football schedule gives the team a chance to finish strong in front of the home crowd.
- Oct 24: Southern Utah (Leadership & Educator Appreciation)
- Nov 7: Eastern Washington (Family Weekend)
- Nov 14: UC Davis (Military Appreciation)
The game against Eastern Washington is always a highlight. There’s a specific kind of energy when the Eagles come to town. Plus, after a bye week at the end of October, the Vandals should be rested up for this final push.
The Battle of the Ditch: Idaho State
It all ends on November 21 in Pocatello. The rivalry with Idaho State—the "Battle of the Ditch"—is the game that matters most to the local fans. Last season's 37-16 loss to the Bengals on Senior Day was a bitter pill to swallow. Ending the 2026 regular season on their turf gives Idaho a chance to reclaim the pride of the state.
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Practical Steps for Vandal Fans
If you're planning on heading to Moscow or traveling for the road games, here’s the move:
- Tickets: Season tickets usually go on sale in the spring. If you want seats for the Montana State homecoming game, you've got to jump on those early because the Kibbie Dome sells out fast for the big ones.
- Travel: For the Utah game on Sept 3, book your Salt Lake City hotels now. It’s a Thursday night game, so the city will be buzzing.
- Streaming: Most Big Sky games will be on ESPN+, so make sure your subscription is active before that October kickoff.
The 2026 season is a chance for redemption. Between a Power Four opponent in Week 1 and the chance to settle the score with Montana and Idaho State, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic.
Keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of spring camp, as the depth at quarterback and the offensive line will be the deciding factor in whether the Vandals can push for a playoff spot this time around.