POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Football announced its 2026 schedule on Friday, highlighted by seven home games for the first time since 1990. The slate features a balanced mix of marquee non-conference opponents at home and a competitive Big Sky Conference lineup.
The Bengals will open the season at home on August 29 against DI FCS foe Virginia Military Institute (VMI), marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Idaho State then heads to Utah State on September 5 before returning to the ICCU Dome for a high-profile non-conference matchup with another FCS program, San Diego, on September 12.
Following a bye week on September 19, the Bengals hit the road to open Big Sky Conference play at renewed member Southern Utah Thunderbirds (Sept. 26)
October begins with back-to-back home games against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (Oct. 3) and Cal Poly Mustangs (Oct. 10).
Idaho State then travels to Weber State (Oct. 17) for the "Battle for the Train Bell" rivalry game in Ogden with the Wildcats, before returning home for the next game in the ICCU Dome against the Portland State Vikings (Oct. 24).
The Bengals take a road trip to Utah Tech (Oct. 31) for Halloween to face the newest Big Sky member.
The Bengals will close the regular season with a challenging November finish, first, hosting the Montana State Bobcats (Nov. 7). ISU then heads to Missoula to take the Montana Grizzlies (Nov. 14). The Bengals finish the regular season hosting the annual "Potato State Trophy" rivalry game against the Idaho Vandals (Nov. 21).
"We have been working hard to build schedules that position Bengal Football for success, and for playoff opportunities. We want to play at home, we want to limit FBS guarantee games to only one annually, and we want to keep those games in our region. We also want to avoid playing non-DI games whenever possible, in spite of the difficulty getting home FCS games presents. We are really pleased with 2026, and we are having success with that strategy going forward. I hope Bengal Country is ready to join us for more football in the ICCU Dome each fall! "
– Pauline Thiros, Director of Athletics
"I am so thankful for our administration and their contributions to making this schedule a possibility. It has been a long time since Idaho State played 7 games at home, and we are excited to continue building and take advantage. Our expectation is to build a program that makes the community proud and contends for playoff spots and championships - and this is a positive step towards achieving both goals. More opportunities to get our community together and another opportunity to create a great home-field advantage here in Pocatello."
– Cody Hawkins, Head Football Coach
Every opponent on Idaho State's 2026 schedule competes at the NCAA Division I level, reflecting the program's continued commitment to competitive scheduling and growth under Head Coach Cody Hawkins.
Kickoff times and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.
As a special promotion, those looking to become first-time season ticket holders for the 2026 season will receive free tickets to the final home competitions of 2025, Weber State on November 15 — the game kicksoff at 4:00pm. Act to secure tickets by calling 208-282-FANS and explore the season ticket package right for you today!
2026 Idaho State Football Schedule
Aug. 29 – VMI (Virginia Military)
Sept. 5 – at Utah State
Sept. 12 – San Diego
Sept. 19 – BYE
Sept. 26 – at Southern Utah
Oct. 3 – Northern Arizona
Oct. 10 – Cal Poly
Oct. 17 – at Weber State
Oct. 24 – Portland State
Oct. 31 – at Utah Tech
Nov. 7 – Montana State
Nov. 14 – at Montana
Nov. 21 – Idaho
