The University of Idaho's soccer program has unveiled its 2026 non‑conference slate, a 12‑match lineup that will test the Vandals before they enter Big Sky competition.
A packed opening stretch
The Vandals open the fall campaign at home on August 8 against Oregon, then travel to Pullman a week later for a showdown with Washington State. Their first home test arrives on August 15 when they host CSUN, and the schedule quickly takes them westward.
A highlight of the early season is a neutral‑site encounter in Hawai'i, where Idaho will meet Western Michigan on August 18. The following week, the team returns to the mainland to face the 2024 Big West champions, the Rainbow Wahine, on August 22.
Home fixtures and regional rivalries
Four of the Vandals' first dozen games will be played on their own turf at the P1FCU Kibbie, giving the coaching staff a chance to build chemistry in front of local fans. The home slate includes matches against CSUN, CSU Bakersfield on August 27, and a September 10 contest with Grand Canyon.
The Vandals will also test themselves against a diverse set of opponents from the Pac‑12, Big West, Mountain West, West Coast and Mid‑American conferences, each bringing a different style of play.
Road challenges and preparation
September brings a series of road trips that will take the team to the Dakotas, where they will meet the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and South Dakota State in Brookings. After those contests, Idaho will return home to host Grand Canyon before traveling to face San Francisco and UC Davis.
The non‑conference schedule wraps up on September 25 with a home matchup against Gonzaga, a final tune‑up before the team pivots to Big Sky play in October.