Why Idaho is anticipating plenty of surprises in season-opener at Cal Poly

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Aug. 27—MOSCOW, Idaho — There is no better time for optimism than Week 1.

The Idaho football team should be feeling plenty of it, as the Vandals head to San Luis Obispo, California, to face Cal Poly in a Big Sky Conference opener on Friday evening.

The Vandals are in position to begin building momentum toward a potential return to the FCS playoffs in a game broadcast nationally by ESPN, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Both teams are coming off 4-8 records last season. The Vandals' mark came as a disappointment, missing out on the playoffs for the first time in three years, while the Mustangs' was a marginal improvement for a traditionally weak program. This year Cal Poly's players believe they can make a big jump to a winning season and respectability.

Here are three things to watch as the 2026 season begins.

1. Who best adjusts to the new?

Cal Poly has a new coach in Tim Skipper with a new staff. The Mustangs have a reputed culture change, and they will have a new quarterback, though a starter is yet to be named between returners Bo Kelly and Anthony Grigsby, and Hawaii transfer Demarcus Davis. The Mustangs are also housed in the new $45 million John Madden center at the south end zone of Mustang Memorial Stadium. It speaks of a program eager to leave its woebegone past behind it.

"We will see what they do when we get there," Vandals coach Thomas Ford Jr. said. "There are more unknowns."

Conversely, Idaho has new offensive and defensive coordinators in Ian Shoemaker and Lee Stalker, respectively. Looking at old Vandals game film won't provide the Mustangs too many insights into the schemes this year's Idaho team employs. In-game adjustments will be key for both Vandals and Mustangs.

2. Who wins the physical battle?

Idaho's deep, experienced offensive line, led by center and team captain Layton Vining, will be heading the effort to develop a dominating run game blocking for the likes of newcomers Ferrari Miller and Damonte Bias and fifth-year senior Hayden Kincheloe. The Vandals will be opposed by a Mustang defense featuring preseason all-conference linebackers Mikey D'Amato and Kenny Olson. D'Amato led the Big Sky and finished fourth in the nation with 137 tackles last year. Olson wasn't far behind with 117.

"We will see if our physicality transfers," Ford said. "We want to see if that holds up against an opponent."

3. Can Idaho finish a close game?

Ford expects the Big Sky will be highly competitive. Blowout wins may be the exception. Successful teams will be the ones that do the little things well all the way to the final seconds and win at the margins.

"We have to be good in end of game scenarios," Ford said.

This requires elite focus and confidence in their preparation down the stretch. Will the Vandals have it?

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