Cal Poly and Idaho prepare for football season opener

Cal Poly and Idaho are preparing for their upcoming football season opener on August 28.

Cal Poly enters the 2026 season under new head coach Tim Skipper, who previously served as an interim coach at UCLA. The program has undergone significant roster changes, including the addition of 39 new players and 11 transfers. A primary focus for the team is determining the starting quarterback, with Bo Kelly, Anthony Grigsby Jr., and Demaricus Davis emerging as top contenders following the departure of Ty Dieffenbach. Despite preseason polls ranking the Mustangs 11th among coaches and 9th among media, Skipper has expressed confidence in the team's progress.

Meanwhile, the Idaho Vandals have concluded fall camp and are utilizing bonus practice days to refine their offensive and defensive schemes. Coach Thomas Ford Jr. noted that the team is focusing on situational football, such as third-down and red-zone drills, to prepare for the matchup against Cal Poly.