The University of Idaho football program added a new weapon to its receiving corps Monday, as head coach Thomas Ford Jr. announced the signing of wide receiver Zack Card, a transfer from Oregon State who brings three seasons of Pac-12 experience to Moscow.
Card, a 5-foot-9 pass catcher from Brentwood, California, spent the past three years with the Beavers in Corvallis. During the 2025 season, he appeared in eleven games and recorded nine receptions for 64 yards, including three catches for 19 yards in Oregon State’s season finale against Washington State in Pullman.
Previous College Experience and Connection to Coach Ford
The transfer reunites Card with Ford, who previously served as Oregon State’s running backs coach while Card was developing in Corvallis. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, Card saw significant playing time, appearing in all eleven games for the Beavers. He tallied five catches for 35 yards and added a rushing touchdown in Oregon State’s victory over Purdue.
Card preserved his redshirt status in 2023 while appearing in four games, catching five passes with four coming in a single contest.
Standout High School Career in California
Before arriving at Oregon State, Card established himself as a top-tier athlete in the Bay Area at Pittsburg High School. Over his final two seasons, he recorded 71 receptions for 1,411 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air. He added two rushing touchdowns, 123 tackles on defense, and two interceptions during that span.
Pittsburg compiled a 21-6 record during Card’s final two years, including a perfect 10-0 mark in league play. The program appeared in the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game in 2023. Card was rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school.
Joining Loaded Receiving Room
Card will join an already deep group of receivers for the Vandals, including Ryan Jezioro, Tony Harste, Marquawn McCraney, and Daveon Superales. The addition gives Idaho another experienced pass catcher who has competed at the Power Five level and brings familiarity with Ford’s coaching style and offensive philosophy.
What Comes Next
The signing marks another step in Idaho’s offseason roster building as the Vandals prepare for the upcoming season. Card’s experience in a major conference program and his connection with Ford from their time together at Oregon State could make him a quick contributor in Moscow. The transfer portal has become an essential recruiting tool for programs like Idaho looking to add proven talent with remaining eligibility. Card will have the spring and summer to learn the Vandals’ offensive system before fall camp begins.