The University of Idaho football team returned to the P1FCU Kibbie Dome on Saturday for a matchup against the Lamar University Cardinals, as reported by govandals.com. The contest served as the second game of the season for the Vandals, who entered the field with an 0-2 record. Kickoff was scheduled for 1:00 PM PT in Moscow, marking the second meeting between the two programs since their initial encounter in September 2023.
Lamar arrived in Idaho ranked 14th and 16th in national polls, carrying a 1-1 record into the contest. The Cardinals had begun the 2026 season ranked 20th and 21st in the Stats Perform and AFCA Coaches Polls before securing a victory over Abilene Christian in their season opener. Under head coach Pete Rossomondo, now in his fourth year at the helm, Lamar reached the FCS playoffs in 2025 but fell to Abilene Christian in the first round.
Hall of Fame Inductions Precede Kickoff
The game day festivities included the induction ceremony for the Idaho Athletics 2026 Hall of Fame class. The honored group featured former athletes and contributors including Steve Brown, Kevin Burton, Megan Cummings Knowles, Keith Gilbertson, Karl and Kristin Johnson, and Jason Shelt. These ceremonies are a staple of home games at the Kibbie Dome, celebrating the university’s athletic heritage before the main event.
Fan engagement activities began early in the day with the 2nd Annual Vandal Run. Participants gathered near the Joe Vandal Statue outside ICCU Arena to start the event, which kicked off approximately two and a half hours before the game. Exclusive shirts were distributed in Vandal Alley starting at 12:30 PM, with only 100 available for attendees.
Lamar’s Defensive Standout
A key figure for Lamar is senior linebacker Andrew Huff, who drew attention on the Buck Buchanan Award watchlist and received Preseason All-American nominations from Stats Perform and FCS Central. During the 2025 season, Huff recorded 60 total tackles, including 10.5 for loss, along with 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick. His performance has been central to Lamar’s defensive strategy as they navigate a challenging schedule.
Vandal Season Context
Idaho’s season has featured a rigorous slate of opponents. The Vandals have played eight teams that are either FBS programs, Preseason Top 25 FCS squads, or ranked teams this year. According to Massey ratings, Idaho’s strength of schedule is ranked third nationally. Nine of the twelve regular-season contests have secured regional or national broadcast assignments.
In Week 1, Idaho faced Cal Poly and recorded 482 yards of total offense while scoring 34 points. The offensive line has shown continuity, with four of five starters from 2025 returning: Layton Vining, Charlie Vliem, Kiegan Henson, and Leon Evans. These four linemen have combined for 83 career starts entering the 2026 season.
The Vandals’ recent history includes notable victories over FBS opponents. Idaho defeated Nevada 33-6 in 2023 and Wyoming 17-13 in 2024, making them one of only three FCS teams with multiple wins over FBS programs since 2023. The 2025 recruiting class bolstered the roster with 17 three-star prospects, marking the highest-ranked group in program history.
Broadcast and Historical Notes
The Lamar game was broadcast on ESPN+ and SWX. Radio coverage was provided by the Vandal Football Radio Network, featuring commentators Dennis Patchin and Trent Cowan. The first meeting between Idaho and Lamar took place in September 2023 in Beaumont, Texas, where Idaho secured a 42-17 victory.
Thomas Ford Jr., who served as running backs coach and special teams coordinator for Idaho during the 2023 game against Lamar, was part of the coaching staff that established the early dynamic between the two teams. Looking ahead, Abilene Christian is scheduled to play at Idaho on September 19, 2026.
For more on University of Idaho developments, see University of Idaho Expands AI Curriculum with New Degrees and Certificates or University of Idaho Expands Health Degrees to Address Mental Health and Aging Needs.