Idaho Football announced on May 27 that three of its 2026 regular-season games will be broadcast nationally on ESPN networks, marking the most such appearances for the program since 2009.
The Vandals’ season opener against Cal Poly on August 28 and a high-profile October 2 matchup with reigning FCS national champion Montana State Bobcats have been selected for Friday night broadcasts on ESPN. The game at Cal Poly will kick off at 7 p.m. Pacific Time, while the home contest against Montana State, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 3, has been moved to Friday at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time. These selections are part of the Big Sky Conference’s broadcast agreement with ESPN.
Idaho’s second game of the season—a Thursday night trip to face Utah in Salt Lake City—will air on ESPNU with a kickoff time set for 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
“Anytime you can be on national TV it’s a blessing to the program and the university,” stated Idaho head coach. “Very excited for our guys to be able to showcase our brand of football on a national level. We have Vandals watching all over the world, and for them to be able to see us being showcased gives everyone in our program a little extra incentive to show out on gameday!”
“How exciting for our Idaho Football program and Vandal fans everywhere,” stated UI Director of Athletics. “To be selected to play on ESPN national linear networks three times is simply outstanding. The exposure for our program and the University of Idaho will be off the charts. We look forward to our first kickoff at Cal Poly on August 28 at 7pm PST. GO VANDALS!”
The upcoming season will also feature several other matchups throughout September through November, including contests against Lamar, Abilene Christian, Weber State, Montana, Southern Utah, Portland State, Eastern Washington, UC Davis, and Idaho State.
