The Utah Utes will kick off their 2026 football season against the Idaho Vandals on Thursday, September 3, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. MDT and will be broadcast on ESPNU. Fans can also stream the game via the ESPN app, provided they have access through a participating TV provider. For those who prefer radio, ESPN 700 AM/92.1 FM will provide live coverage.
This matchup is particularly significant as it marks the first time the Utes and Vandals have faced off since 1993, a game that Utah lost 28-17. Historically, Utah leads the series with a record of 14 wins, 12 losses, and 2 ties. With both teams eager to make a statement early in the season, the stakes are high.
Utah enters this season with a fresh perspective, having concluded the previous year with an impressive 11-2 record. The Utes will be under the guidance of new head coach Morgan Scalley, who takes over after Kyle Whittingham's departure to Michigan. Scalley, who served as the defensive coordinator for a decade, will be looking to implement his vision for the team right from the season opener.
On the other hand, Idaho comes into this game with a 0-1 record after suffering a narrow defeat to Cal Poly, losing 38-34 in their season opener. Competing at the FCS level in the Big Sky Conference, the Vandals will be looking to bounce back against a formidable opponent in Utah. Idaho's offense, led by quarterback Joshua Wood, showed promise in their first game, with Wood throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns.
As for the Utes, they will need to adjust to significant changes on their offensive line. Last season, Utah boasted one of the most effective offensive lines in college football, averaging 266 rushing yards per game, the second highest in the nation. However, with all key players from that line now gone, Scalley and his coaching staff will be tasked with integrating new talent into the lineup. This will be crucial for the success of Utah’s running game, which will be spearheaded by Wayshawn Parker, the team’s leading rusher from 2025.
Parker, who rushed for 981 yards last season, is looking to build on his success and aims for a 1,000-yard season. His performance will be pivotal, especially as he works behind a revamped offensive line. The Utes will also rely on quarterback Devon Dampier, who averaged 277 total yards of offense per game last year and threw for 34 touchdowns.
Both teams are eager to prove themselves, with Idaho's coach Thomas Ford Jr. emphasizing the opportunity for his players to showcase their skills against a Power Five opponent. "This is their chance to compete against a really good program at that level," he stated, highlighting the motivation for the Vandals as they prepare to face the Utes.
As the game approaches, Utah fans are excited to see how Scalley’s leadership will shape the team’s performance, while Idaho looks to recover from their recent loss and make a statement in this highly anticipated matchup.
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