Vandals replace D-II foe, to open 2023 football season at Lamar

MOSCOW — Idaho will open the 2023 football season with a road game against Lamar University on Thursday, Aug. 31 at Provost Umphrey Stadium in Beaumont, Texas.

The game replaces the Vandals' home game that was scheduled against NCAA Division II Western Oregon.

The game gives Idaho a complete Division I schedule in 2023, which provides Idaho the best opportunity to return to the FCS playoffs after making a trip to the playoffs this season under first-year coach Jason Eck. Games against non-DI teams do not count toward consideration by the FCS playoff committee.

The contract includes a return game where the Cardinals will play in Moscow on Sept. 26, 2026, which will give the Vandals six home games in 2026.

"While we are disappointed that we will only have four home games in 2023, we want to give our team the best chance to continue the amazing progress that the players, coach Eck and his staff made this season," Idaho athletic director Terry Gawlik said in a news release. "An entirely Division I football schedule is a mandatory aspect of our scheduling strategy going forward. We believe that this schedule puts the Vandals in a great spot to return to the playoffs for a second year in a row."

Idaho is coming off a 7-5 that saw the Vandals advance to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 1995.

Lamar went 1-10 last season and made a coaching change, bringing in former NCAA DII National Coach of the Year Pete Rossomando.

"I'm really excited that we were able to play an all-Division I schedule this year," Eck said. "Our team can't wait to get back to work in the spring semester."

Idaho's 2023 football schedule begins with three consecutive road games. After traveling to Lamar, Idaho then hits the road to play Nevada on Sept. 9 in Reno before playing at Cal on Sept. 16.

The Vandals' home opener will come against FCS quarterfinalist Sacramento State on Sept. 23 before Idaho plays at Eastern Washington on Sept. 30. The Vandals then play at Cal Poly on Oct. 7.

The Vandals host FCS playoff team Montana in the Battle for the Little Brown Stein on Oct. 14 before a bye week. Idaho then welcomes FCS semifinalist Montana State to the Kibbie Dome on Oct. 28.

Idaho plays road games at Northern Colorado on Nov. 4 and Weber State on Nov. 11 before hosting Idaho State on Nov. 18 in the regular season finale.

"Obviously, it is not ideal to have four home games and seven away games but having an all-Division I schedule is the greater priority for this season," Eck said. "I'm also excited for our fans that we have a great home conference slate this year with Montana, Montana State, Sac State and Idaho State on the docket."

Idaho Athletics said it will reduce season-ticket prices for the 2023 season with details and renewal dates to be released in the coming weeks.