Idaho Governor Revives U of I vs Boise State Rivalry

Executive order reinstates the Idaho Governor's Trophy competition between the two schools.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed an executive order to recommission the Idaho Governor's Trophy, a competition between the University of Idaho and Boise State University. In a Facebook post, Little stated he is 'restoring the legendary rivalry games' between the two schools.

Why it matters

The rivalry between the University of Idaho and Boise State University has a long history dating back to the 1970s. Reinstating the Governor's Trophy competition will reignite the passion and excitement around this regional college sports rivalry, which had been on hiatus in recent years.

The details

The Idaho Governor's Trophy was first awarded in 1971 to the winner of the annual football game between the University of Idaho and Boise State University. The trophy was discontinued in the early 2000s, but Governor Brad Little has now signed an executive order to bring it back, signaling his desire to restore this legendary rivalry between the two schools.

  • Governor Brad Little signed the executive order on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Brad Little

The current Governor of Idaho who signed the executive order to recommission the Idaho Governor's Trophy competition between the University of Idaho and Boise State University.

University of Idaho

A public research university located in Moscow, Idaho, and one of the two schools competing for the Idaho Governor's Trophy.

Boise State University

A public research university located in Boise, Idaho, and the other school competing for the Idaho Governor's Trophy.

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What they’re saying

“I'm restoring the legendary rivalry games between the University of Idaho and Boise State University.”

— Brad Little, Governor of Idaho (Facebook)

What’s next

The first game under the reinstated Idaho Governor's Trophy competition between the University of Idaho and Boise State University is expected to take place in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

The revival of the Idaho Governor's Trophy rivalry between the University of Idaho and Boise State University will reignite one of the longest-running college sports competitions in the state, bringing back the passion and excitement that has defined this regional matchup for decades.