According to FBSchedules.com, the Utah Utes have included the Idaho Vandals in their 2026 football lineup. Obtained through a public records request, the agreement between the University of Utah and the University of Idaho reveals that Utah will host Idaho at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. In exchange for participating, the Utes will pay the Vandals a $600,000 guarantee as outlined in the contract.
This matchup resurrects a longstanding football series between the two universities, dating back to 1908. The most recent encounter occurred in Salt Lake City in 1993, resulting in a 28-17 victory for the Vandals. The historical series record shows Utah with 14 wins, Idaho with 12 wins, and two ties. Utah has emerged victorious in three of the last five meetings since 1959.
The addition of Idaho completes Utah’s non-conference schedule for the 2026 season, alongside matchups against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Sept. 12 and the Utah State Aggies on Sept. 19, both hosted at home. A previously planned game against the Houston Cougars was canceled due to the Cougars’ enrollment in the Big 12 Conference.
With Utah on board, Idaho finalizes its non-conference schedule for 2026. The Vandals are set to host the Lamar Cardinals and the Abilene Christian Wildcats on Sept. 12, both games to be held at the Kibbie Dome.
