A tentative date and financial incentive
Boise State University announced that its 2027 football schedule will open with a home game against Western Illinois on September 25, a date that remains subject to change. The matchup is part of a broader non‑conference slate that also includes early‑season contests against Appalachian State, South Florida and Marshall.
The Broncos will receive a guaranteed payment of $475,000 for hosting the Redhawks, a financial boost that underscores the growing practice of arranging pay‑per‑play games between FBS programs and FCS opponents. The agreement marks the first competitive meeting between Boise State and Western Illinois, a program that has struggled in recent years.
Western Illinois, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, entered the 2025‑26 academic year with a combined record of 4‑8 over the previous two seasons and a winless 0‑11 stretch in the two seasons before that. The team’s recent performance has made the scheduled game a notable opportunity for the Broncos to add a win while providing the Redhawks with a high‑profile platform.
If the September 25 date cannot be secured, the contest may be moved to September 23 or 24, or placed in Week 0 of the college football calendar in late August. Such flexibility reflects the logistical considerations that often accompany early‑season scheduling in modern college football.
The upcoming game will be played at Albertsons Stadium, the Broncos’ home venue in Boise, Idaho. The stadium, known for its distinctive blue turf, will host the Redhawks before the Broncos embark on the rest of their 2027 campaign, which includes the aforementioned early‑season opponents.