Weber State's football team defeated the Idaho Vandals 38-27 in a Big Sky Conference game held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Stewart Stadium in Ogden. The Wildcats' explosive rushing attack proved to be the difference, countering a determined fourth-quarter push from Idaho's offense and preventing the Vandals from overcoming an early deficit. The victory for Weber State came despite Idaho controlling several statistical categories, highlighting the Wildcats' ability to execute key plays at crucial moments.
Weber State wasted no time making an impact, striking on its first offensive snap just 11 seconds into the game. Spencer Ferguson broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run, immediately setting the tone. The Wildcats extended their lead in the first quarter with another touchdown, a 6-yard run by Seth Rigtrup, establishing a 14-0 advantage before Idaho's offense could settle. The Vandals responded in the second quarter with a sustained 11-play, 75-yard drive. Idaho quarterback Joshua Wood capped the possession by connecting with Noah West-Baranco for a 19-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-7 with 12:36 remaining in the first half.
Idaho remained within striking distance through the third quarter. After Weber State added a 25-yard field goal, extending their lead, Wood found receiver Tony Harste on a 39-yard touchdown pass with two minutes left in the period. This score pulled the Vandals to within 17-14, giving them momentum heading into the final quarter.
However, Weber State quickly dampened Idaho's momentum. Just 19 seconds into the fourth quarter, Nate Dahle delivered a 14-yard touchdown pass to Noah Kjar, pushing the Wildcats' lead to 24-14. Idaho answered with what was described as perhaps its best drive of the afternoon, a 12-play, 35-yard march that consumed more than six minutes. This drive concluded with Wood's 13-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Jezioro, once again bringing the Vandals within three points at 24-21 with 8:15 left in the game.
Despite Idaho's offensive efforts, Weber State's defense could not get the crucial stop needed for a full comeback. The Wildcats immediately answered Idaho's scoring drive by marching 75 yards in three plays, with Rigtrup scoring on a 16-yard run to extend the lead to 31-21. Weber State then added another touchdown with 2:46 remaining when Ferguson scored on a 2-yard run, pushing the margin to 38-21. Wood and Harste connected for a final 14-yard touchdown with two minutes left for Idaho, but the subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed, ending the Vandals' comeback hopes with the score at 38-27.
Spencer Ferguson was a central problem for Idaho's defense, finishing with 153 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries for Weber State, including the game-opening 75-yard score. Seth Rigtrup also contributed two rushing touchdowns. For Idaho, senior quarterback Joshua Wood had a prolific afternoon, completing 32 of 50 passes for 383 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 52 yards. Receiver Tony Harste caught six passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns, while Noah West-Baranco and Ryan Jezioro each added a scoring reception.
Idaho finished the game with 496 total yards, 25 first downs, and 37:09 in time of possession. In contrast, Weber State recorded 404 total yards, 20 first downs, and 22:51 of possession. The Vandals also converted 10 of 19 third-down opportunities and matched Weber State with two takeaways. However, the Wildcats' biggest plays consistently came at costly moments for Idaho, enabling them to secure the victory despite being outgained by 92 yards and holding the ball for over 14 minutes less. The loss dropped Idaho's overall record to 1-5 and its Big Sky play record to 1-2.
The result was described as frustrating for the Vandals, who showed they could move the ball against a Big Sky opponent. However, the early 14-point deficit and Weber State's decisive fourth-quarter answers highlighted the difference between producing offense and finishing a game. Next, Idaho is scheduled to travel to face Montana on Saturday, October 17, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
