SPOKANE, Wash. — The Idaho Vandals know improvement won’t happen overnight, but after a season of growing pains, there’s confidence the program is headed in the right direction.
Head coach Thomas Ford Jr. enters his second season in Moscow after leading Idaho to a 4-8 record in 2025. Despite the record, the Vandals return experienced leaders on both sides of the ball and believe last year’s challenges have prepared them for a stronger 2026 campaign.
“We gained a lot of experience,” Ford said. “Last year we had a lot of guys who were first-time starters getting significant minutes. Having so many returners with significant experience and snaps coming back, we feel very confident about what we’re doing.”
One of those returning leaders is quarterback Joshua Wood, who is entering his second season as Idaho’s starter.
Wood said his focus has been setting the standard for a team looking to take the next step.
“Just taking it day by day and working hard,” Wood said. “Whether it’s being a vocal leader or being the guy who doesn’t make a sound and just does all the right things when no one’s looking, that’s what it is.”
Wood is also adjusting to a new offensive system under coordinator Ian Shoemaker, whose arrival has brought a faster, more explosive philosophy.
“It’s very high explosive, fast, up-tempo,” Wood said. “Being able to control the game no matter what it is… it’s been a blessing being under Coach Shoemaker.”
While the offense learns a new system, fifth-year linebacker Cruz Hepburn believes the defense has the experience to be one of the team’s strengths.
“We pride ourselves on being a very physical and aggressive defense,” Hepburn said. “We’re also very versatile. I feel like we can mix it up and do a lot of different things, and I think that might cause some problems for opposing offenses.”
Hepburn has also embraced a larger leadership role as the Vandals integrate another wave of newcomers.
“It’s an honor to be a leader,” he said. “I just try to come every single day and bring energy to the team. At the end of the day, I just want to be a guy my teammates can count on.”
Ford believes that culture has helped Idaho retain much of its core while adding new pieces through recruiting and the transfer portal.
Rather than dwelling on last season’s close losses, Wood says the Vandals are focused entirely on what’s ahead.
“We don’t worry about last season,” Wood said. “We’re coming in with a chip on our shoulder and motivated to go win games.”
Idaho opens the 2026 season on Aug. 28 at Cal Poly.
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