MOSCOW, Idaho– Jackson Rasmussen and Idaho both received nods in Mid-Major Madness's Big Sky Preseason Honors, with Rasmussen being named Preseason Freshman of the Year and the Vandals picked to win the conference this season. 
 

MMM Big Sky Preseason Freshman of the Year:

Jackson Rasmussen (Idaho)

Batterymate of AJ Dybantsa at Utah Prep last season, Rasmussen looks to make an immediate impact in Moscow. He's super versatile offensively, gets in your grill defensively, and can shoot it a bit. pic.twitter.com/GwloTIoyHe

— Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness) September 12, 2025

Rasmussen, a native of Meridian, Idaho, joins the Vandals after spending his senior season at Utah Prep, where he played alongside the number one prospect in the class of 2025, AJ Dybantsa. The 6'8" forward was the top recruit in the Gem State last season, signing with Idaho in November. Before his move to Utah Prep, Rasmussen was a three-year starter at Owyhee High School, where he won two state titles, including one alongside Idaho's Jack Payne. 
 

MMM Big Sky Preseason Poll:

1. Idaho
2. Portland State
3. Montana State
4. Montana
5. Eastern Washington
6. Weber State
7. Northern Colorado
8. Idaho State
9. Northern Arizona
10. Sacramento State

Except for one program, full of experienced coaches. Always uber competitive.

— Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness) September 12, 2025

Idaho leads the Big Sky in returning minutes, with over 65 percent returning to Moscow for the 2025-26 campaign. Kristian Gonzalez is the fifth-highest returning scorer in the Big Sky, averaging 11.4 points per game last season. "KG" has appeared in 61 games for the Vandals, starting 29 a year ago. Kolton Mitchell led the team in minutes played during the 2024-25 season, averaging over 30 minutes per game. The Coeur d'Alene native led Idaho in assists last year, dishing 3.5 per contest, leading all Big Sky returners.  

The Vandals open up the 2025-26 season with an exhibition against Boise State at Idaho Central Arena in Boise on October 17, reigniting their rivalry with the Broncos for the first time in 11 years. The Black and Gold's regular-season slate opens with the 280th Battle of the Palouse against Washington State in Pullman on November 3.    

Player of the Year: Money Williams, Jr., Montana
Newcomer of the Year:  Isaiah Moses, Sr., Eastern Washington
Freshman of the Year: Jackson Rasmussen, Fr., Idaho

PRESEASON POLL
1. Idaho
2. Portland State
3. Montana State
4. Montana
5. Eastern Washington
6. Weber State
7. Northern Colorado
8. Idaho State
9. Northern Arizona
10. Sacramento State

TICKETS
Grab your tickets to watch the Vandals take on Boise State at Idaho Central Arena. Tickets are on sale now through the Idaho Central Arena box office. 

Season tickets are on sale now! For more information, call the Vandal ticket office at (208) 885-6466 or visit GoVandals.com/tickets. 

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