When the games end at Idaho State University, the work does not.
Across the athletic department, coaches, student-athletes and administrators spend the summer months preparing for the seasons ahead, though what that preparation looks like depends heavily on which sport is involved.
The Bengals had a decision to make.
After dropping Game 1 of the series to Montana 7-6, Idaho State could have let the weight of expectation crush them. Defending a Big Sky Conference regular season title is one thing. Winning a second straight, on the road, after a gut-punch loss, is something else entirely.
They chose different.
The questions surrounding the Bengals heading into Idaho State’s spring game were loud. Which quarterback will stand out? What does the wide receiver rotation look like? Will the offense explode with big plays and multiple touchdowns? In the end the Idaho State defense had the answers to it all: not today.
In an era where Name, Image and Likeness deals and the transfer portal have reshaped the landscape of collegiate athletics, the ability to generate revenue, cultivate donors and build lasting community partnerships has never mattered more. Programs that can fund opportunities for their student-athletes are the ones positioned to compete at the highest level.
In tennis, there is no clock, no running out the game, no safe lead to protect. There is only the next point, and the mental fortitude to take it.
Tennis programs across the country are fighting for survival. In Pocatello, the Bengals are just warming up.
The game clock does not exist. There is no huddle, no timeout called by a coach pacing the sideline, no moment where the action pauses long enough to catch your breath. In esports, the match moves at the speed of a processor, and the broadcaster moves with it — or falls behind.
When Idaho State University launched its esports program, the vision extended well beyond controllers and scoreboards.
“Esports is about more than just gaming — it’s about bringing students together, fostering a community where they can connect, collaborate, and compete,” said Lowell Richards, associate vice president for Student Affairs.
Idaho State’s women’s softball team is back as defending Big Sky champions, already showing why fans shouldn’t miss a game.
The Bengals as of mid-February are 8-7 overall (.533), 0-0 in conference play, and riding a two-game winning streak. They have excelled on neutral fields (6-3) and are looking to turn home games into a similar advantage.
Last year, our life editor took on the challenge of turning the 2003 romantic comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days into an article. Her twist? She wrote how to find a guy in 10 steps! As sports editor and a guy with a girlfriend, I figured I’d try the opposite.
In the closing seconds of a tight game, Idaho State guard Kacey Spink weighed her options. A drive to the basket, a split-second decision: step in and take the charge to secure the win, or hesitate and risk a foul that could send the opponent to the free-throw line.
Track and field remains one of the most demanding sports in collegiate athletics, requiring athletes to combine speed, strength, technique and consistency across a wide range of events. Every performance is measured precisely, leaving no ambiguity in results.
As the 2025–26 season unfolds, Idaho State is establishing itself early through record-setting performances and a schedule that provides fans multiple chances to see high-level competition.
Idaho State’s volleyball team closed its 2025 season with a performance that reflected growth, resilience, and historic achievement. What began as a challenging season for a young roster became an unforgettable run that redefined Bengals volleyball.
At the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center, ISU inducted Lindsey Reed (women’s basketball), Vicky Galasso (softball), George Kyvernitis (men’s tennis), Dan Taylor (football), and Kelly Rae (softball) into the Sports Hall of Fame. The class honored a collection of athletes whose stories stretch across championship eras, rebuilding years, and personal turning points.
Idaho State men’s basketball enters the 2025–26 season with heightened expectations, a retooled roster, and one of the deepest frontcourts in the Big Sky Conference.
