Cal Poly opened the 2026 season with a 38‑34 victory over Idaho on Saturday night, a result that marks the Mustangs’ first win over the Vandals in six meetings since moving to the FCS level in 1994.
Quarterback Anthony Grigby, Jr. orchestrated the offense, completing 26 of 35 passes for 319 yards and engineering a game‑winning drive that culminated in a 34‑yard touchdown strike to rookie wideout Tayvion McCoy on fourth‑and‑eight.
The first half saw the Mustangs surge to a 21‑10 lead, highlighted by touchdown passes from tight end Alek Marshall (17 yards), running back Misa Paiau (1 yard) and receiver Fidel Pitts (16 yards).
Idaho answered with a series of scores, including a 40‑yard field goal that put them ahead 34‑31 with just 63 seconds left, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Honoring a Legend
The halftime ceremony retired the No. 74 jersey of the late John Madden, becoming only the second retired jersey in Cal Poly football history and drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.
A crowd of 11,186 fans filled Mustang Memorial Field, establishing a new program attendance record and underscoring the growing excitement around the team. Up next, Cal Poly will host Division II Central Washington on September 5 at 5 p.m.