Idaho to Host Southern Utah for Homecoming on October 24

The Idaho Vandals face the Southern Utah Thunderbirds this Friday in a pivotal Big Sky Conference matchup.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football

Idaho to Host Southern Utah for Homecoming on October 24

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The University of Idaho football team hosts Southern Utah University for a homecoming game in Moscow on October 24, 2026. Both Big Sky Conference teams enter the contest with 2-2 conference records.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams seeking to improve their conference standing as the regular season enters its final five-game stretch. Both squads have demonstrated offensive volatility through recent high-scoring performances against common opponents.

Floyd Chalk has recorded 1,035 rushing yards and nine touchdowns for the season, while Will Burns has contributed 656 rushing yards and nine scores. Southern Utah previously defeated Weber State 47-42, while Idaho beat Montana State 35-34.

The players

Idaho Vandals

The University of Idaho football team competes within the Big Sky Conference.

Southern Utah Thunderbirds

The Southern Utah University athletic program is a member of the Big Sky Conference.

The details

The Vandals will debut a new look for the homecoming event, featuring silver pants, yellow jerseys, and silver helmets. Southern Utah relies on a heavy rushing attack to control the tempo of their games, contrasting with the competitive scores Idaho has posted against teams like Montana.

October 24, 2026: The Idaho Vandals host Southern Utah for homecoming.

Season Trajectory

This game follows the pattern set by the Big Sky Conference football championship qualification criteria as both teams strive to improve their standing. A victory for either side significantly shifts their position in the conference rankings with only five games remaining.

The game will determine the conference standing for both teams as they progress through their final five games of the regular season. Southern Utah will look to maintain their rushing output, which has been a key factor in recent wins like their 38-17 victory over UC Davis.

The takeaway

Both teams are fighting to climb the Big Sky standings in the second half of the season. Spectators should monitor the efficiency of the rushing games, as effective ground attacks have been central to recent high-scoring performances for both squads.