MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho will open the 2023 football season with a road game against Lamar University Thursday, Aug. 31 at Provost Umphrey Stadium in Beaumont, Texas. The game replaces the Vandals’ home game that was scheduled against NCAA Division II Western Oregon.
The game gives Idaho a complete Division I schedule in 2023 which provides Idaho the best opportunity to return to the NCAA FCS Playoffs after making a trip to the playoffs this season under first-year coach Jason Eck. Games against Non-DI teams do not count towards consideration by the FCS Playoff committee.
The contract includes a return game where the Cardinals will play in Moscow on Sept. 26, 2026, which will give the Vandals six home games in 2026.
“While we are disappointed that we will only have four home games in 2023, we want to give our team the best chance to continue the amazing progress that the players, coach Eck and his staff made this season,” Athletic Director Terry Gawlik said. “An entirely Division I football schedule is a mandatory aspect of our scheduling strategy going forward. We believe that this schedule puts the Vandals in a great spot to return to the playoffs for a second year in a row.”
Idaho is coming off an outstanding season that saw the Vandals win seven games and advance to the FCS playoffs. Redshirt freshman quarterback Gevani McCoy was named the Jerry Rice Award winner after throwing for over 2,700 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Lamar finished the season with a 1-10 record and made a coaching change, bringing in former NCAA DII National Coach of the Year Pete Rossomando.
“I’m really excited that we were able to play an all Division I schedule this year,” Eck said. “Playing at Lamar will be a welcome challenge as they have a new staff led by Pete Rossomando. Our team can’t wait to get back to work in the spring semester.”
The game is the first game of another challenging schedule. It begins with three consecutive road games. After traveling to Lamar, Idaho then hits the road to play Nevada on Sept. 9 in Reno before playing at Cal on Sept. 16.
The Idaho home opener will come against FCS Quarterfinalist Sacramento State on Sept. 23 before traveling to Cheney, Washington to play Eastern Washington on Sept. 30. The Vandals then play at Cal Poly on Oct. 7.
The Vandals host FCS Playoff team Montana in the Battle for the Little Brown Stein on Oct. 14 before a bye week. Idaho then welcomes FCS Semifinalists Montana State to the Kibbie Dome on Oct. 28.
Idaho plays road games at Northern Colorado on Nov. 4 and Weber State on Nov. 11 before hosting Idaho State on Nov. 18 for the ICCU Battle of the Domes.
The Vandals four home games are all can’t-miss affairs, including games against three FCS Playoff teams and the fourth a rivalry game against Idaho State.
“Obviously, it is not ideal to have four home games and seven away games but having an all-Division I schedule is the greater priority for this season,” Eck said. “I’m also excited for our fans that we have a great home conference slate this year with Montana, Montana State, Sac state and Idaho State on the docket. We need your support big-time in those home games next fall.”
Idaho Athletics will reduce season-ticket prices for the 2022 season with details and renewal dates to be released in the coming weeks.
