Idaho State opens its 100th season of men’s basketball Monday, Nov. 2, at Utah State with a largely rebuilt roster: just two players return, while 14 newcomers join the Bengals. The season opener in Logan is a steep early test against an Aggies team that won all three of its preseason exhibitions.

By the Numbers
  • Idaho State returns just 1.67% of its scoring, 1.6% of its rebounds, 1.27% of its assists and 3.67% of its minutes from last season.
  • The Bengals went 13-20 overall and 5-13 in Big Sky play in 2025-26; they were picked ninth in the conference’s preseason polls.
  • Utah State scored at least 86 points in each of its three exhibition wins, including a 101-79 victory over Santa Clara.
  • Idaho State is 15-39 all-time against Utah State and has lost its last 17 meetings.
Yes, But

The roster turnover leaves Idaho State with little returning production, but its newcomers bring experience from college programs at several levels and internationally. The Bengals also beat Montana Western in an exhibition, while Utah State’s preseason wins came against exhibition opponents—not regular-season competition.

State of Play
  • Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT Monday at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in Logan.
  • Utah State has shown scoring depth, with all 12 players who saw action against Denver scoring.
  • Idaho State follows the opener with road games at Wyoming and Air Force, then visits Seattle U before returning home Nov. 20.
What's Next

Monday’s matchup will offer the first regular-season test of Idaho State’s new roster and a chance to measure how quickly the Bengals can build cohesion. Utah State will try to carry its exhibition momentum into the opener.

Bottom Line

Idaho State begins the season with a near-total reset and a difficult road matchup; early progress will depend on how fast its newcomers turn potential into a cohesive team.