The University of Idaho Vandals and Idaho State University Bengals have announced their complete 2026 football schedules, with both programs securing multiple nationally televised contests to open the new season.
The Bengals will launch their campaign on August 29 against Virginia Military Institute at 4 p.m. mountain time. Idaho State’s first nationally broadcast game comes the following week when the team travels to face Utah State on September 5 at 5 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. The Bengals close their regular season with a home matchup against the University of Idaho on November 21 at 4 p.m.
The Vandals begin play even earlier, opening August 28 at Cal Poly with an 8 p.m. kickoff on ESPN. The squad faces Utah University on September 3 at 7 p.m. on ESPNU before the schedule fills out with conference and non-conference opponents. Moscow’s program concludes the regular season with a road trip to face Idaho State on November 21 at 4 p.m.
Recent Season Performance Sets Context
Both squads are building on recent campaign results. The Bengals posted a 6-6 overall record in 2025 with a 5-3 conference mark, highlighted by notable victories over No. 6 UC Davis and the Vandals. Idaho State will seek to improve on that foundation as it navigates a challenging schedule featuring Big Sky Conference competition and non-conference opponents.
The Vandals finished 2025 with a 4-8 overall record and 2-6 conference standing. Despite the difficult season, the program earned wins against Portland State and Northern Arizona, providing momentum heading into the new year.
Television Coverage and Schedule Highlights
Both programs benefit from significant television exposure in 2026. Idaho State earned primetime placement for its November 14 road game at Montana, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on ESPN Network. The Bengals’ home slate includes matchups against San Diego, Northern Arizona, Cal Poly, Portland State, and Montana State, with most contests set for 4 p.m. kickoffs.
The Vandals secured three nationally televised games to begin the season, giving the program early-season visibility. Beyond the opening two weeks, Moscow’s team hosts broadcast partner coverage for additional contests, including October’s matchup against Montana State scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Several games on both schedules remain with times to be announced, primarily September contests for the Vandals against Lamar and Abilene Christian.
What Comes Next
Both programs will open training camp in the coming weeks as they prepare for late August kickoffs. The Bengals and Vandals will rely on their television platforms to build fan engagement through the 2026 campaign. Conference play intensifies in October for both squads, with the Bengals and Vandals meeting twice during the regular season—home and away—in what remains one of the region’s marquee college football rivalries.