The Big Sky Football Kickoff was held July 20-22 in Spokane, Washington. Each school brought its head coach and two players of its choosing for the weekend filled with media availability and other activities, like a youth football clinic and the Presidents’ Cup Presentation.
Changes were made throughout college football this offseason, like the FCS National Championship game being moved to Monday night and iPads being used on the sidelines.
Here’s a look at what each Big Sky Conference team had to say about the upcoming season.
Northern Colorado:
The Bears finished 0-11 last season, but only graduated four seniors, which leaves a lot of room for growth. The entire offensive line is returning, which will help UNC protect its quarterback, something it struggled with last season. Head Coach Ed Lamb said he feels much better about where the team is at this year in leadership and commitment versus where it was last season. Being one of the smallest schools for enrollment in the conference can be hard on the program. It often means a smaller budget and less resources.
“I believe our administration is steadfast in proving our worth in the Big Sky,” Lamb said. “Money doesn’t always win football games, and we’re here to prove that.”
Northern Colorado will play its first game of the season against Incarnate Word on August 31.
Cal Poly:
Last season, the Mustangs went 1-7 in the Big Sky, beating only Northern Colorado. Cal Poly is one of two schools in the Big Sky that only play football in the conference and play all other sports in different conferences. Despite that challenge and being one of the furthest schools to travel to for most other teams, the Mustangs want to show the Big Sky what it can bring to the table.
“I like who we are, where we’re at, and we have a lot to offer this conference,” Head Coach Paul Wulff said.
Cal Poly will start its season against San Diego on August 31.
Eastern Washington:
The Eagles were 3-5 in conference play last season. EWU is returning most of its offensive line and receivers, which will help to surround quarterback Kekoa Visperas. Visperas led the Big Sky in passing yards per game last season. Head Coach Aaron Best talked about how having a lot of returners on offense allows the team to experiment.
“When you bring guys back that have done it, we can add some things, we can tweak some things,” Best said.
Eastern Washington will start its season against Monmouth on August 29.
Idaho State:
The Bengals finished 3-5 in the Big Sky last season. In 2023, Idaho State led the FCS in passing offense. With returning quarterback Jordan Cooke, the team already has a solid start to its offense. Head Coach Cody Hawkins said the team is working on finishing in the red zone, its run game, and third down conversions.
“I think that the culture that we want to build is there, and now you have to uphold it through all the trials and tribulations that a season can throw at you,” Coach Hawkins said.
Idaho State will start its season at Oregon State on August 31.
Portland State:
Last year the Vikings finished conference with a 4-4 record. Portland State is known for its recruits, and this year it got some wide receivers and linebackers that are expected to play, according to Head Coach Bruce Barnum. Barnum said he wants to go to the playoffs, so the team has been focusing on staying healthy with a new nutrition plan, and scheduling harder competition to prepare them.
When told his schedule was hard because the team is playing so many ranked opponents, Coach Barnum said “I don’t care, let’s go get ranked.”
The Vikings begin the season against Washington State on August 31.
Weber State:
The Wildcats were awarded the President’s Cup trophy at the Big Sky Kickoff, an award that recognizes academic and athletic performance. Weber State has now won the award more than any other school in the conference. The team finished last season 4-4 in conference. The team is focused this season on controlling what it can control and working hard every day.
“You’ve got to make sure you’re doing your job each and every day throughout the year,” Head Coach Mickey Mental said. “And that’s why it’s so hard to win in this conference, everything is magnified.”
The Wildcats will take on the Washington Huskies to start the season on August 31.
Sacramento State:
With a 4-4 finish, the Hornets sat in the center of conference standings last season, but made the FCS playoffs. Sacramento State beat the University of North Dakota before losing to South Dakota in the second round to end its season. The Hornets have been in the playoffs the past four years in a row, but are striving for more.
“We got some things accomplished [last season], but we really want to win a conference title and we really want to win a National Championship,” Head Coach Andy Thompson said.
Sacramento State kicks off its season against San Jose State University on August 29.
UC Davis:
The Aggies finished 5-3 against Big Sky opponents last season. UC Davis is the other team that only plays football in the Big Sky, and not the rest of its sports. This season the team has a new head coach, Tim Plough. He said it has been an easy transition into the role. The team is returning some key offensive players, like 2023 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, running back Lan Larison. The Aggies finished fifth in the Big Sky last season.
“We focus on finding joy every day and the process of trying to be a good team,” Plough said.
UC Davis begins its season against the California Golden Bears on August 31.
Northern Arizona:
NAU finished 5-3 in conference last season, with one of those wins coming from beating the Big Sky Conference Champion Montana Grizzlies early in the year. The Lumberjacks have a new head coach this year, Brian Wright. NAU has had quite a bit of turnover with players and staff in the past few seasons. One big returner for the team is defensive back Alex McLaughlin.
“Seeing our hard work pay off on a Saturday afternoon and playing to our full potential would be a successful year to me,” Wright said.
NAU begins its season against Lincoln University on August 31.
Montana State:
Last season ended unfortunately for the Bobcats as the North Dakota State University Bison beat MSU by just one point in an overtime playoff game at Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats are returning key players, though, like quarterback Tommy Mellott and a strong offensive line, including All-American Marcus Wehr. MSU was 6-2 in conference and only lost four games overall, most in an extremely close fashion.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to make sure when it comes to the end of games, when it comes to those critical moments, that we’re going to be the ones that end up on the right side,” Head Coach Brent Vigen said.
The Bobcats will start this year playing New Mexico on August 24.
Idaho:
The Vandals had a strong season last year, going 6-2 in conference and making it to the FCS playoffs. The Idaho starting quarterback for the past two years, Gevani McCoy, transferred to Oregon State this offseason. Jack Layne, a redshirt sophomore from Oregon, seems to be taking over leading the Vandals. Layne played in the Idaho State game last season and threw for six touchdowns. Head Coach Jason Eck said this helped Layne earn the trust of his teammates before the season even started. Idaho finished second in the conference last season.
“We have to keep growing in our consistency,” Eck said. “I think to really be a championship team you have to be able to beat really good teams on not your best day.”
Idaho will play Oregon in its first game on August 31.
Montana:
The FCS National Runner-Up Montana Grizzlies were 7-1 in conference last season, losing only to NAU during both teams’ first conference contest. Montana is also without a QB, though, as last year’s starter Clifton McDowell transferred. The Grizzlies played Keali'i Ah Yat as its primary backup last season. He is joined by Logan Fife, a junior transfer student from Fresno State, as the front runners for the starting position in the fall. Montana also returns a strong core of running backs, with Eli Gillman, Xavier Harris, and Nick Ostmo all coming back. Head Coach Bobby Hauck said the offense will be balanced no matter who is playing. He also credits a lot of the team’s success to the culture.
“You’re required to have a good attitude, and bring effort and competitiveness every day,” Hauck said.
Montana opens its season against Missouri State on August 31.
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