MOSCOW, Idaho - Summer is in full swing, and Big Sky Conference football is getting closer every single day.
On Tuesday, the Big Sky Conference announced the attendees for the 2026 Football Kickoff weekend, which will function as the first public gathering of the new-look league with the additions of Southern Utah and Utah Tech and the departure of Sacramento State. Presented by Northern Quest Resort & Casino, the weekend will begin on Saturday, July 25, and run through Monday in Spokane.
Joining head coach Thomas Ford at the weekend will be R-Jr. quarterback Joshua Wood and R-Sr. linebacker Cruz Hepburn, two big returners from the 2025 roster on track to be leaders of the offense and defense, respectively.
An essential part of the festivities will be the annual Big Sky Hall of Fame Gala, commencing at 6:30 PM PT on Saturday, highlighting all eight inductees into the league's 2026 class, including two Idaho legends in Dennis Erickson (Football) and Jackie Ross Mattox (Track & Field).
Below is the full list of honorees to be inducted into the Conference's Hall of Fame at the Gala.
2026 Big Sky Hall of Fame Class (Alphabetical Order)
Dennis Erickson, Idaho/Montana State (Football Student-Athlete/Head Coach)
Frank Hawkins, Nevada (Football Student-Athlete)
Eric Heins, Northern Arizona (Cross Country/Track and Field Head Coach)
Amber Henry, Weber State (Cross Country/Track and Field Student-Athlete)
Pam Parks, Eastern Washington (Volleyball Coach/Administrator)
Michael Ray Richardson, Montana (Men's Basketball Student-Athlete)
Jackie Ross Mattox, Idaho (Track and Field Student-Athlete)
Willie Sojourner, Weber State (Men's Basketball Student-Athlete)
Monday will feature over four hours of live coverage from the Northern Quest Resort & Casino beginning at 9:00 a.m. PT on ESPN+ and Scripps Sports. The Big Sky's Meghan Robinson and Scripps Sports' Kyle Hansen will co-host coverage for the day, with interviews from all 13 football teams, Commissioner Tom Wistrcill, and special guests throughout the day. Watch times for all Monday interviews will be released at a later date.
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