University of Idaho football coaches are expressing confidence in their roster as preseason practices commenced this week, with offensive line depth drawing particular praise from the coaching staff.
The Vandals held a padded, full-contact practice Thursday, August 5, 2026, following a Wednesday session focused on red zone offensive work from the 10-yard line. During Wednesday’s practice at Kibbie Dome, players worked in shorts, jerseys, and helmets as Moscow Mountain to the north of campus was obscured by wildfire smoke and harvest dust.
Depth Chart Taking Shape
Head coach Thomas Ford Jr. indicated that roster composition is becoming clearer as the team progresses through early practice. “The picture is starting to get more clear with regard to the depth chart. It is really good right now. The 3s are not far behind,” Ford told the Spokesman-Review, signaling confidence that backup players are positioned to contribute if needed.
Offensive line coach Loren Endsley highlighted the strength of that unit specifically. “I am still messing with that,” Endsley said when discussing rotation strategy designed to keep the entire line cohesive, adding that the depth available is the best he has encountered in his two years with Idaho.
Senior center Layton Vining has stood out as an exceptionally intelligent player on the offensive line, drawing coach recognition for his understanding of the scheme and ability to communicate on the field.
Standout Performances in Early Practice
Fifth-year senior tight end Chance Bogan caught consecutive touchdown passes during a pass skeleton drill and was named the daily practice award winner. Ford originally recruited Bogan when serving as an assistant coach in 2022, and the tight end has remained a consistent presence in the program.
On the defensive side, senior safety Khaled Rawls recorded a pass breakup in the end zone, while Rogers High School product Jerry Allen III also broke up a pass in the end zone. Sophomore safety Brody Michael intercepted quarterback Joshua Wood during the same practice period.
New Coordinators Setting Expectations
Offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker has established an ambitious target for the offense in the red zone, telling the team they should convert 80 percent of drives into touchdowns when operating between the 20-yard line and the end zone. New defensive coordinator Lee Stalker is also in place, with both coordinators working to establish a strategic learning environment that emphasizes execution and fundamentals.
The combination of veteran leadership, developing depth, and new coaching perspectives suggests Idaho intends to be competitive as the season approaches. The emphasis on red zone efficiency and the articulation of specific performance metrics indicates a coaching staff focused on measurable outcomes and player accountability.
Preseason practices will continue as the Vandals prepare for the regular season, with coaching staff evaluating personnel decisions and fine-tuning schemes across both sides of the ball. The early optimism regarding roster depth suggests the program has built sufficient roster development to manage injuries and maintain competitive play across depth positions.
What Comes Next
The University of Idaho football team will continue preseason practices over the coming weeks as coaches finalize depth charts and game preparations. The team’s focus on red zone execution and coordinator adjustments will likely shape early-season performance. Game announcements and updated roster information should be monitored through official University of Idaho athletics channels as the season start date approaches.