Idaho Football has announced three of its 2026 season games will be broadcast nationwide on ESPN networks. The August 28 opener against Cal Poly and the October 2 matchup versus Montana State will both be featured on Fridays. This decision is part of the Big Sky's media partnership with ESPN and marks a return to regular national broadcasts for the Vandals, with their last such instance dating back to 2009.

By the Numbers
  • Three games on linear ESPN networks for Idaho, most since 2009.
  • Six Big Sky games broadcast nationwide since 2023, leading the conference.
Yes, But

Despite the excitement of having games on national television, challenges remain for Idaho to compete against rivals with more established programs, particularly in recruiting and resources.

State of Play
  • The August 28 game against Cal Poly kicks off at 7 p.m. PT on ESPN.
  • The October 2 game against Montana State is notable as the first Friday night game at the Kibbie Dome since 2010.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Idaho will likely focus on maximizing these national appearances to boost visibility and support, while continuing to build a competitive roster for the upcoming games.

Bottom Line

The national broadcasts of Idaho's games present a valuable opportunity to enhance the program's profile, but success will depend on leveraging visibility to attract talent and improve performance on the field.