Week 0 - Idaho State Travels to Las Vegas to Take on UNLV

Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | Location: Allegiant Stadium | Las Vegas, Nev. | Kickoff: 1:00 PM PT / 2:00 PM MT

Watch: Mountain West Network / Silver State Sports & Entertainment | Radio: KISU.org 91.1 FM – Scott Gross (PxP), Kody Graves (Analyst) | Live Stats: https://bit.ly/3EGxxwa

Series History: UNLV leads 7–2

Idaho State Gamenotes
UNLV Gamenotes

Bengals Open 2025 Season Under the Lights in Las Vegas
The 2025 season begins with a primetime test in the desert.

Idaho State opens the new campaign on the road against UNLV, kicking off a four-game non-conference slate that includes road trips to Southern Utah and New Mexico and the home opener against Lincoln (CA) on September 20. The Bengals will get their first live look at a retooled roster built around veteran returners and high-ceiling newcomers, and Saturday's matchup offers an early chance to measure physicality, tempo, and toughness against a talented Mountain West opponent inside Allegiant Stadium.
  After a fall camp marked by positional battles and red zone emphasis, the Bengals enter Week 1 focused on situational execution. Head coach Cody Hawkins emphasized third downs, short-yardage conversions, and special teams efficiency throughout August—three areas that loom large against a UNLV team known for its ability to generate momentum early.

On offense, ISU returns multiple starting wide receivers and a strong running back rotation, supported by an offensive line that has seen meaningful Big Sky snaps. In 2024, the Bengals allowed just 5 total sacks over 12 games—tied for the fewest in the FCS. That protection came despite multiple lineup changes due to injury, highlighting the unit's depth, coaching, and understanding of the scheme.

Redshirt sophomore Jordan Cooke was named the starting quarterback heading into the UNLV game, taking over for Kobe Tracy, who graduated following the 2024 season.
 
Defensively, the Bengals aim to create disruption with pressure and takeaways, key components of Grant Duff's first full season as defensive coordinator. With experienced linebackers, multiple returning safeties, and an injection of depth on the defensive line, ISU will need to communicate and tackle well to limit explosive plays.
By the Numbers
Idaho State averaged 32.1 points per game in 2024 while finishing second in the Big Sky in passing offense at 298.4 yards per contest. The Bengals completed 60.3% of their passes and posted 31 passing touchdowns on the year. On third down, ISU converted 45% of attempts (72-of-160) and ranked 54.5% on fourth down.

Inside the red zone, the Bengals scored on 80% of their trips (45-of-56) and punched in touchdowns 61% of the time. Special teams were anchored by a perfect 15-for-15 field goal season from kicker Gabe Panikowski and a net punting average of 40.6 yards.

On the other side, Idaho State's defense allowed 467.1 yards and 37.8 points per game in 2024 but generated 20 sacks, 61 tackles for loss, and 21 points off turnovers. The unit is now under the direction of new defensive coordinator Grant Duff, who brings an aggressive scheme designed to generate pressure and create more havoc plays at every level.
 

National Rankings (2024 Season)
Idaho State turned heads across the FCS landscape in 2024, finishing among the national leaders in several key statistical categories:

• Sacks Allowed: T-1st nationally (0.42 per game, 5 total)
• Passing Offense: 10th (298.4 yards per game)
• Scoring Offense: 23rd (32.1 points per game)
• 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 15th (45.0%)
• Red Zone Offense: 42nd (80.4%)
• Team Passing Efficiency: 36th (142.24)
• Completion Percentage: 38th (60.3%)

  Coaches Corner

Coaches Corner – From the Podium

Head Coach Cody Hawkins enters his third season at the helm with a mix of returning experience, new personnel, and a belief in the Bengals' evolving identity. Speaking ahead of Idaho State's season opener at UNLV, Hawkins shared his outlook on the team's mindset, physical development, and what excites him heading into Week Zero.

On the team's mentality after a long offseason:

"It feels like we've been in camp since February, but our guys are excited to go out and hit somebody else."

On quarterback Jordan Cooke's transformation:

"He was like a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed 14-year-old playing college kids. Now he's a young man. He's married, he's been baptized, and his whole outlook has changed since he came to Pocatello."

On the challenge of preparing for an opponent with no tape:

"Normally we go into it with the element of surprise. This is the first time where we've had to go into it with no tape, and I'm a guy that loves to grind tape."

On what he wants to see from his team Saturday:

"You want to see guys play hard, handle adversity well, and hit—who can really hit and perform when they're going to get hit."

On the defensive shift under new DC Grant Duff:

"Coach Duff's forcing the issue—ownership, making calls, having input. Guys are taking more pride in what they're doing."

Scouting the Opponent – UNLV
UNLV enters the 2025 season following one of its most successful campaigns in recent memory, finishing 9–4 in 2024 with a trip to the Mountain West Championship Game. The Rebels built their identity around a punishing ground game and timely defense, ranking seventh nationally in rushing yards per game (243.5) and scoring 35.4 points per contest while holding opponents to just 21.3.

The bulk of that production came from a veteran-heavy roster that saw significant offseason turnover. UNLV lost multiple starters to graduation and the transfer portal, including key contributors at quarterback, running back, and across the offensive line. The program also underwent a full staff change following the departure of head coach Barry Odom, who left for a Power Five opportunity in January.

With a new coaching staff in place and a reshaped depth chart, the Rebels enter 2025 with both opportunity and uncertainty. Early reports suggest the offensive system will retain its emphasis on the run, though the personnel operating it has largely changed. UNLV still features size in the trenches and athleticism at the skill positions, but how quickly the new pieces settle in will shape their Week 1 performance.
 
Series History Idaho State and UNLV 

Saturday's contest marks the 10th all-time meeting between Idaho State and UNLV. The Rebels lead the series 7–2, including a 52–21 win in Las Vegas in 2022. The series began in 1969 when the Bengals took on the Rebels in Las Vegas in just the 2nd year of the UNLV team's existance. The home team has won every contest between the two schools. 

 On September 26, 1970, The brainchild of then Athletic Director Milton 'Dubby' Holt, the ASISU Minidome, as it was originally named, opened for ISU football with a game against the UNLV Rebels.  What transpired was a 64-34 Bengal win in a slugfest.  Ken Warren grabbed a career-high 151 receiving yards in a game that still stands as an ISU record for points in the dome.
ISU's last victory came in 1975, a 15–7 win at the old ASISU Minidome.

Notably, the 1984 matchup was later forfeited in ISU's favor due to ineligible participation, though UNLV won the game on the field, 33–20.

Series Breakdown:

• 2022 – L, 21–52 (A)
• 2015 – L, 8–80 (A)
• 2006 – L, 10–54 (A)
• 1984 – *W, 33–20 (A) forfeited to ISU
• 1976 – L, 17–31 (A)
• 1975 – W, 15–7 (H)
• 1974 – L, 7–31 (A)
• 1970 – W, 64–34 (H)
• 1969 – L, 31–35 (A)

What to Watch
Idaho State's opening script on offense will be critical. If the Bengals can establish rhythm and move the chains early, it sets the tone for the tempo-heavy attack Hawkins prefers. Defensively, limiting big plays from UNLV's RPO looks and getting off the field on third down will be key.

Red zone efficiency, particularly finishing drives with touchdowns, could be the difference on the field. And with two capable return units, a swing play on special teams is always in play.
Bengal Notes
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jordan Cooke was officially named QB1 following fall camp, earning the start after a competitive August battle. Head coach Cody Hawkins praised Cooke's poise, decision-making, and leadership during situational work.
On defense, new coordinator Grant Duff has implemented a scheme built on pressure and alignment integrity. The Bengals focused heavily on red zone defense and third-down execution throughout camp, areas Duff said would define their identity in 2025.
Safety Mason Young noted improved communication in the secondary, while wide receiver Jonah Burton called the team's fall effort "the most physical and intense" he's been part of at ISU.
Schedule at a Glance
2025 Idaho State Football
All times Mountain

• Aug 23 (Sat), 2:00 PM – at UNLV (Las Vegas, NV)
• Aug 30 (Sat), 6:30 PM – at Southern Utah (Cedar City, UT)
• Sep 6 (Sat), 1:00 PM – at New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)
• Sep 20 (Sat), 4:00 PM – vs Lincoln (CA) – ICCU Dome, Home Opener
• Sep 27 (Sat), 1:00 PM – at Northern Colorado – Big Sky Opener
• Oct 4 (Sat), 6:00 PM – vs Montana – ICCU Dome
• Oct 11 (Sat), 1:00 PM – at Montana State (Bozeman, MT)
• Oct 25 (Sat), 4:00 PM – vs Northern Arizona – Homecoming
• Nov 1 (Sat), 2:00 PM – at UC Davis (Davis, CA)
• Nov 8 (Sat), 4:00 PM – vs Cal Poly – ICCU Dome
• Nov 15 (Sat), 4:00 PM – vs Weber State – Senior Day / Train Bell Game
• Nov 22 (Sat), 2:00 PM – at Idaho – Potato State Trophy

Preseason Attention
First Time, Long Time
Saturday marks several firsts and milestones for Idaho State. It's the Bengals' first season opener at an NFL stadium since visiting UNLV in 2022, and the first game under new defensive coordinator Grant Duff. This is also the first season since 2019 that Idaho State has been picked seventh or higher in both Big Sky preseason polls. The August 23 kickoff is the earliest game that both ISU and UNLV have ever played in their team histories. 

Preseason Coaches and Media Polls
Idaho State enters the season after finishing 5–7 overall and 3–5 in Big Sky play in 2024, aiming to build on last year's foundation under second-year head coach Cody Hawkins.
Coaches Poll

1. Montana State (7) – 117
2. UC Davis (1) – 100
3. Montana (2) – 96
4. Northern Arizona (1) – 94
5. Idaho – 81
6. Sacramento State (1) – 73
7. Idaho State – 56
8. Weber State – 55
9. Eastern Washington – 48
10. Portland State – 32
11. Cal Poly – 25
12. Northern Colorado – 15

Parentheses denote first-place votes. Coaches could not vote for their own team.
Media Poll

1. Montana State (30) – 488
2. Montana (6) – 434
3. UC Davis (4) – 399
4. Idaho (1) – 364
5. Northern Arizona – 354
6. Sacramento State (1) – 282
7. Idaho State – 247
8. Eastern Washington – 225
9. Weber State – 192
10. Portland State – 140
11. Cal Poly – 94
12. Northern Colorado – 57

Parentheses denote first-place votes.

Preseason All-Big Sky
Three Bengals were selected to the preseason All-Big Sky team at the Big Sky Football Kickoff in Spokane, Washington. Offensive lineman Stryker Rashid earned recognition after a second-team all-conference season in 2024.
Linebacker Nathan Reynolds and safety Mason Young were new additions to the preseason list. Reynolds was among the Big Sky's top-10 tacklers a year ago, while Young led the Bengals' safety group and finished among the team's top five tacklers.
Next on the Schedule
Idaho State stays on the road for Week 2 with a trip to Cedar City to face former Big Sky rival Southern Utah on Saturday, August 30. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. MT from Eccles Coliseum.

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