Boise State and Idaho Football Rivalry Resumes After Decade-Long Hiatus

The return of the in-state matchup sparks nostalgia, but questions remain about its long-term viability.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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After more than a decade of silence, the football rivalry between Boise State and the University of Idaho is being revived, stirring up old memories and debates about the future of the matchup. While the idea of the Gem State rivals facing off again is welcomed by many longtime fans, there are concerns about whether today's younger generation will truly embrace the renewed rivalry, given the significant changes in college football and the distractions of modern digital media.

Why it matters

The Boise State-Idaho rivalry was once a heated and highly anticipated annual event, but it faded away in the 2010s as Boise State's football program rose to national prominence and the Vandals struggled. The revival of the matchup represents an opportunity to rekindle state pride and nostalgia, but also raises questions about whether the rivalry still holds the same appeal for contemporary college football fans.

The details

The last time Boise State and Idaho met on the football field was in 2010, when the Broncos dominated the Vandals. In the pre-internet era, Idaho had occasionally been able to pull off upsets over their in-state rivals, but that era ended as Boise State embarked on a decade of dominance. Now, with the rivalry set to resume in the coming years, there are concerns about whether today's younger fans, accustomed to the distractions of social media and other modern entertainment, will truly embrace the matchup in the same way as previous generations.

  • The last Boise State-Idaho football game was played in 2010.
  • The rivalry is set to resume in the next five years.

The players

Boise State

A prominent college football program that has risen to national prominence over the past decade, becoming accustomed to taking on powerhouses like Notre Dame and Oregon.

University of Idaho

The in-state rival of Boise State, whose football program has struggled in recent years after a period of success under former head coach Jason Eck, who has since departed for a job at the University of New Mexico.

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What’s next

The two schools are working to finalize the details of the renewed rivalry, with the first game potentially taking place within the next five years.

The takeaway

The revival of the Boise State-Idaho football rivalry represents an opportunity to rekindle state pride and nostalgia, but also raises questions about whether the matchup still holds the same appeal for contemporary college football fans. The success of the renewed rivalry will depend on the ability of both programs to generate genuine excitement and interest among younger generations of fans.