"Very excited about this group. In fall camp, we got what we wanted to accomplish. I think we became a team that's very physical. Really focused on getting better in the trenches.[…] We're very excited for this matchup. Obviously, it's a storied rivalry." – Head Coach Thomas Ford Jr.

No. 12 Idaho (0-0) vs. Washington State (0-0)

• Gesa Field (32,952) | Pullman, Wash.
• 4-6:30 p.m.: Vandal Tailgate at WSU, hosted by UI Alumni Relations (Located at Ensminger Pavilion - 455 Lincoln Dr. Pullman, Wash. 99163)
• 7:10 p.m.: Kickoff on The CW (Rick Allen, Ryan Leaf, Nigel Burton)
• Listen: Vandal Football Radio Network | The Varsity Network App (Dennis Patchin and Trent Cowan)
• Live Stats
• Game Notes
• 2025 Football Record Book

No. 12 VANDALS OPEN SEASON IN BATTLE OF THE PALOUSE ON NATIONAL TV

The No. 12 Idaho Vandals are set to open its season on the road against the Washington State Cougars at Gesa Field in Pullman, Wash. This is the first time the two teams have played each other since 2022. Kickoff for The Battle of the Palouse is set for 7:00 p.m. on The CW. This is the first of three scheduled games on national TV for the Vandals this season.
Saturday's matchup is the 93^rd overall meeting between the two teams. Idaho has played Washington State more than any other school in program history. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

• Thomas Ford Jr. is leading the Vandals as head coach for the first time in his career
• Idaho aiming to win its 18^th game against Washington State
• The Vandals are seeking their ninth win against WSU in Pullman
• Joshua Wood is set to start his first game at quarterback for the Vandals

NUMBERS TO KNOW

• 50: All year long the Vandals are celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, one of the most unique and celebrated venues in all of college sports
• 3: Idaho is one of three FCS teams to record multiple wins over FBS programs since 2023 (Idaho beat Nevada 33-6 in 2023, Idaho beat Wyoming 17-13 last season)
• 5: Idaho was ranked in every major Top 25 poll to start the season, including being ranked No. 5 in FCS Nation's Preseason Top 25
• 6: Idaho went 6-0 in the Dome last season. This was the eighth time in program history that Idaho went undefeated at home for an entire season
• 11: Per Massey Ratings, Idaho's strength of schedule was ranked 11^th in the nation entering the season.
• 19: Amount of transfers Thomas Ford Jr. brought in to this year's squad
• 35: Consecutive weeks the Vandals have been ranked in Top 25 – the second longest streak in school history (42, 1992-95)
• 56: Amount of letterwinners returning from last season
• 71: Players on this year's team are from the Pacific Northwest (64% of the total roster)
• 163: Games Idaho has won in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome

TICKETS

The first meeting in The Battle of The Palouse this season will happen in Moscow on Thursday night as the Vandals play the Cougars at 7 p.m. Idaho is expecting a large crowd and hoping to break the all-time attendance record. Tickets can be purchased here.

Football tickets in Idaho's sections (13-17) of Saturday's game are sold out. Limited tickets are still available for purchase through Washington State's ticket office.
There are RV spots available to purchase for The Battle of the Palouse. The RV2 North Lot will be open from Friday after 5 p.m. through Sunday at 12 p.m. for those who have purchased a spot.
RV parking is only permitted in the RV2 North Lot, and a valid RV parking permit is required for entry. Spots are first-come-first-serve. 

There are still tickets available for Idaho's home opener against St. Thomas on Sept. 6. The Vandals will be celebrating Ag Appreciation Day. 

SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow the Vandals on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates.

TICKETS: Season tickets, mini plans, and single-game tickets are available here or by calling the Idaho Ticket Office at (208) 885-6466.