Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1), left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Tess Crowley, Deseret News
Hayden Madson
By Hayden Madson
Hayden is a general assignment intern who covers politics, Utah culture and other trending news.

Final score

Utah 66, Idaho 14

Utah came in and took care of business Thursday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium, defeating the visiting Idaho Vandals 66-14 in its season opener. Despite a slight resistance from the visitors, Utah’s early takeaways — an interception and fumble recovery — set the tone for the night.

Devon Dampier passed for 176 yards and three TDS and rushed for 31 more before Byrd Ficklin took over, tallying 93 yards through the air with two TDs and 70 on the ground. Utah recorded 633 yards of offense on the night.

The Ute defense limited Idaho to 225 yards and just a touchdown in each half and hounded Idaho QB Joshua Wood all night.

The dominant performance even allowed third-string QB Brandon Rose to get some reps at the end of the fourth quarter.

1:04 — LaMarcus Bell takes it 34 yards to the house.

The freshman gets his first career touchdown in his debut. Utah 66, Idaho 14.

9:13 — Ficklin hands it off to Steve Chavez-Soto for a 5-yard touchdown run.

The touchdown is the first as a Ute for the running back. Utah 59, Idaho 14.

14:36 — Slinging it to his side, Ficklin finds Hunter Andrews for the easy touchdown.

The score marks the first career receiving touchdown. Utah 52, Idaho 14.

Third quarter

Utah 45, Idaho 14

1:21 — Idaho scores its second touchdown of the night as Joshua Wood strings together a couple of chunk plays.

The Vandal’s signal caller turned a potential catastrophe into a lengthy gain afer avoiding the sack. Moments later, he trotted into the endzone. Utah 45, Idaho 14.

4:45 — Tight end Noah Benne found himself all alone for an easy pass from backup QB Byrd Ficklin to walk into the endzone.

Rolling to his right, Ficklin passed for his first touchdown of the night after relieving Dampier for the night. Utah 45, Idaho 7.

13:15 — Pegan gets his second touchdown of the night.

Dampier hands it off for a 12 yard run to make it two touchdowns in Pegan’s fresh Utah career. Utah 38, Idaho 7.

Halftime

Utah 31, Idaho 7

Utah controlls the game going into halftime against their FCS opponent.

Heading into halftime, Parker has three touchdowns to go along with 53 rushing yards. Dampier passed for three touchdowns as Utes put together 252 total yards of offense in the first half.

Idaho has struggled to put together much offense, but did muster a touchdown from Kincheloe. The Vandals have yet to reach triple digits with just 95 total yards of offense in the first half accompanied by two turnovers in their own territory.

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Utah Utes tight end Noah Bennee (89) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Steve Chavez-Soto (25) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (14) celebrates after Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) runs to score a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Braden Pegan (7) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley coaches during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Swoop looks toward the crowd during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Idaho Vandals players look up at a replay during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cheerleaders cheer during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley coaches during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Braden Pegan (7) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes tight end Hunter Andrews (10) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Mana Carvalho (8) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) throws the ball during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes play against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Idaho Vandals defensive back Hysan Dalton (3) blocks a pass against the Utah Utes during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Braden Pegan (7) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Larry Simmons (12) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Idaho Vandals head coach Thomas Ford Jr. coaches during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin (15) gains yards during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes celebrate after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) lights the U after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes safety Tommy Nelson (38) celebrates after the Utah Utes win against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) celebrates after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) and teammates celebrate after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer as Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1), left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Idaho Vandals wide receiver Lonyatta Alexander Jr. (2) jumps to gain yards during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes warm up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley walks on the field during warmups before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Larry Simmons (12) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer during warmups before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes players arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses with her nails and bag before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses with her earrings before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), center, is embraced by family as he and the team arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Beatriz Ramirez, girlfriend of Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), poses before watching the Utah Utes arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans line up to watch the Utah Utes arrive before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin (15), center, is embraced by his mother Brandy Ridley, right, as he and the team arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Beatriz Ramirez, girlfriend of Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), poses with her boots before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer as Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

00:32 — Parker gets his second touchdown catch of the night.

Parker gets his third touchdown of the night to make it Dampier’s third passing TD through the air. Utah 31, Idaho 7.

4:39 — Seven yard reception for Braden Pegan makes it seven straight games with multiple passing touchdowns for Devon Dampier.

The reception marks the Utah State transfer’s first touchdown in a Utah uniform. Utah 24, Idaho 7.

9:40 — The Vandals run it up the middle for their first score of the night.

Hayden Kincheloe runs it through the Utah defense to bring the score within 10 again. Utah 17, Idaho 7.

First quarter

Utah 17, Idaho 0

1:07 — Parker runs 21 yards for his second touchdown of the game.

The touchdown is the running back’s first multi-touchdown game since Baylor last season. Utah 17, Idaho 0.

10:40 — After a fumble recovery by Rabbit Evans on the Idaho 12 yard line, Utah puts three up with a chip-shot field goal from the 14. Utah 10, Idaho 0.

12:40 — It didn’t take long. The Utes are on the board.

Wayshawn Parker with the short receiving touchdown for the Utes’ first score of the season. Utah 7, Idaho 0.

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14:13 — Trey Reynolds records Utah’s first pick of the season on third down.

Reynolds takes the ball away from Idaho at the 30 yard line.

How to watch the game

The game between Utah and Idaho will be televised on ESPNU and will be live streamed on Watch ESPN. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. MDT.

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Utah Utes tight end Noah Bennee (89) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Steve Chavez-Soto (25) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (14) celebrates after Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) runs to score a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Braden Pegan (7) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley coaches during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Swoop looks toward the crowd during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Idaho Vandals players look up at a replay during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cheerleaders cheer during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley coaches during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Braden Pegan (7) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes tight end Hunter Andrews (10) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Mana Carvalho (8) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) throws the ball during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes play against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Idaho Vandals defensive back Hysan Dalton (3) blocks a pass against the Utah Utes during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Braden Pegan (7) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Larry Simmons (12) runs down the field during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Idaho Vandals head coach Thomas Ford Jr. coaches during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin (15) gains yards during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes celebrate after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) lights the U after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes safety Tommy Nelson (38) celebrates after the Utah Utes win against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back LaMarcus Bell (26) celebrates after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) and teammates celebrate after winning against the Idaho Vandals during an NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer as Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1), left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Idaho Vandals wide receiver Lonyatta Alexander Jr. (2) jumps to gain yards during an NCAA football game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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The Utah Utes warm up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley walks on the field during warmups before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes wide receiver Larry Simmons (12) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer during warmups before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) warms up before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes players arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses with her nails and bag before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses with her earrings before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), center, is embraced by family as he and the team arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Beatriz Ramirez, girlfriend of Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), poses before watching the Utah Utes arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Brondy Ridley, Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin’s (15) mother, poses before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans line up to watch the Utah Utes arrive before an NCAA football game against the Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Byrd Ficklin (15), center, is embraced by his mother Brandy Ridley, right, as he and the team arrive for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Beatriz Ramirez, girlfriend of Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Reed (11), poses with her boots before an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes fans cheer as Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) arrives for an NCAA football game between the Utah Utes and Idaho Vandals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News

Pregame prep

Here are a few stories to get you ready for the game between the Utes and Idaho.

Related
What college football pundits predict for Utah’s season
Utah’s Morgan Scalley finally gets his turn. It’s been a long time coming
University of Utah Health is Utes’ football jersey patch sponsor
Utah adds football helmet sponsor ahead of 2026 opener
Morgan Scalley dishes on home head coaching debut, team health and administrative support
Braden Pegan will be one of the most important factors in Utes’ offensive success
How faith, family and adversity helped shape Utah QB Devon Dampier
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