Braxton Gregory
Sports Editor
POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — As Idaho State University’s esports program nears the end of its first season, two of its five teams remain in contention for a playoff spot, while the others have faced a steep learning curve against more experienced opponents.
Despite the challenges, the teams have shown steady progress throughout the season, competing in Rocket League, Overwatch 2, and Valorant against well-established programs from across the country. Facing teams with years of experience, ISU has had to quickly develop its skills and strategies to remain competitive.
“The season has actually gone very well,” head coach Charles Johnston said. “Three out of five of our teams won’t make the playoffs, but two still have a really good chance to compete in the final tournament. If we make it far enough, we’ll get to travel for a LAN event, so these last few games are critical.”
ISU’s Rocket League team has been a standout, with all three players reaching the highest possible in-game ranking. The team has demonstrated strong performances throughout the season and remains in the hunt for a postseason opportunity. The Overwatch 2 and Valorant teams, however, have faced a steeper climb, contending with more seasoned rosters from larger programs.
For many ISU players, this season has been their first experience competing at a high level. That has posed challenges, as some opponents have years of experience and feature professional players on full-ride scholarships.
“The biggest struggle has been the talent and experience gap,” Johnston said. “Some of our players are still learning how to compete at this level, while some of the teams we’ve faced have been established for five or more years.”
The program has grown rapidly since its launch, with more students eager to compete than the team can currently accommodate. This semester, 26 students made the roster, but more than 100 additional applications were submitted—highlighting strong demand for esports at ISU.
“There’s so much interest in esports here,” Johnston said. “We want to expand in the future, add more teams per game, and introduce new titles like Call of Duty and Rainbow Six Siege.”
Kody Colvin, an ISU student and potential future esports player, echoed this sentiment, noting that the program provides an opportunity for students to engage in a non-traditional form of competition. “I think it gives people the opportunity to compete in something that they are passionate about that isn’t exactly mainstream,” Colvin said. “I looked into ISU esports a little while ago to see if they had an Apex team, and if they added one, I would heavily consider applying or joining.”
That expansion will also depend on the continued development of competitive esports in the region. ISU esports participated in a Big Sky regional tournament in January, though a formal Big Sky esports league has yet to be fully developed. The team continues to work with other schools to create a more structured conference for the future.
With an eye on long-term success, ISU’s players remain focused on securing a playoff spot and proving they belong among the top collegiate teams. Johnston believes that with continued practice and experience, ISU can become a serious contender in the collegiate esports scene.
“A lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into this,” Johnston said. “Every team is in the facility at least three days a week, putting in hours of practice, reviewing games, and studying professional play. It takes discipline, commitment, and a willingness to take criticism and improve.”
As the season nears its conclusion, ISU esports continues to push forward, setting a foundation for future growth while looking to make an impact in its first year of competition.
Fans can follow ISU esports and watch matches live on Twitch at IdahoStateEsports. Updates are also available on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram at IdahoStateEsports.