The University of Idaho football program struggled to find its footing in front of the home crowd on Saturday, falling 23-17 to No. 14 Lamar University at the Moscow campus.
The defeat marked the third consecutive loss for the Vandals under head coach Thomas Ford Jr., dropping the team’s record to 0-3 for the 2026 season. It was Idaho’s first home game of the year, following two road contests that also ended in defeats.
Defensive Stand Not Enough
The second half saw a significant shift in momentum as the Vandal defense tightened its grip on Lamar’s offense. Idaho held the Cardinals to just three points after halftime, a stark contrast to the first half where Lamar established an early lead.
Despite the defensive improvement, the late surge was insufficient to overcome the deficit. The Vandals managed to score 17 points in total but could not secure the win needed to snap their losing streak.
Season Outlook
The loss leaves Idaho searching for its first victory of the year. With three games played and no wins on the board, pressure will mount on Ford Jr. and his staff to adjust strategies before the next matchup.
The home opener was intended to be a turning point after the difficult start on the road. Instead, it highlighted the challenges facing a program still trying to establish consistency in conference play.
For more on University of Idaho initiatives beyond athletics, see how the University of Idaho Incubator in Caldwell Helps Small Wineries Compete and Win.