Weber State football rallied to defeat Idaho State 27-20 on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, earning a homecoming victory that moved the Wildcats into the FCS Top 25 rankings. The win marked the team's third consecutive victory and continued a winning streak for the program.
Wildcats Secure Homecoming Victory
The victory over the Bengals on Oct. 17, 2026, was a close contest where Weber State overcame an early deficit. At the end of the first quarter, Idaho State held a 7-6 lead, while Weber State remained scoreless. However, the Wildcats regained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring the Bengals 6-0 to take a 12-7 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the competition intensified. Weber State added 13 points in the third quarter, while Idaho State added 6 points. The Wildcats secured the final 8 points of the game in the fourth quarter to clinch the 27-20 win. This victory brings Weber State to a 3-0 record for the current stretch of games and improves their standing in the FCS rankings.
Decades of Rivalry
The matchup between Weber State and Idaho State has a long-standing history spanning several decades. According to Weber State University Athletics, the two teams first met on Oct. 20, 1962, in Ogden. Since that inaugural matchup, the series has seen significant shifts in momentum.
As of the conclusion of the Oct. 17, 2026, game, the all-time record between the two programs stands at 50 wins for Weber State and 17 losses. The historical data shows a high frequency of victories for the Wildcats at home in Ogden, with a home record of 26-7 against the Bengals. Conversely, the Wildcats hold an away record of 24-10 in their travels to face Idaho State.
Rankings and Recognition
The victory also highlights individual and team achievements for the Wildcats. Following the win, Robert Young was named the Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. This recognition comes as the team enters the FCS Top 25 rankings following their third consecutive win.
Prior to this recent success, the program has experienced various periods of dominance and struggle. Historical records show the Wildcats' longest losing streak occurred from Oct. 25, 2003, to Nov. 23, 2013, lasting 11 games. In contrast, their longest win streak spanned from Nov. 9, 2024, to Nov. 15, 2025, also covering 11 games.
Evolution of Stewart Stadium
The victory took place at a facility that has undergone significant transformations since its inception. The Weber College football stadium was dedicated on Sept. 18, 1953, at the Harrison campus. Before the dedication of the stadium, the football team played at several locations, including Lorin Farr Park, Ogden Stadium, and Affleck Park.
At the time of its 1953 dedication, the stadium featured permanent and metal bleachers capable of seating 3,700 people, along with a press box. The facility has since seen numerous expansions to accommodate growing crowds. In 1965, the east bleachers were expanded to increase seating to 10,000, and in 1966, the addition of permanent bleachers on the west side, including new locker rooms and training facilities, increased capacity to over 17,000.
Facility Upgrades and Expansion
The stadium has also undergone significant modernization and renaming. On June 11, 1997, the Wildcat Stadium was renamed the Elizabeth Dee Shaw Stewart Stadium following a $4.2 million donation from the Stewart Foundation for a sky box suite expansion. These suites opened in Sept. 2001 and included 25 box suites, club seating, and a president's box.
In Fall 2019, a new athletic complex was dedicated on the north side of the stadium. This complex includes several facilities: the Barbara and Rory Youngberg Football Center, the Sark’s Boys Gateway, the Stromberg Strength and Conditioning Complex, the Marquardt-Kimball Plaza, and the Behnken Plaza. The stadium has also transitioned from grass to turf and updated its lighting and scoreboards over the years.
Legacy of Champions
The 1968 Weber State football team also remains a part of the program's celebrated history. The team held a 50th anniversary reunion to celebrate their Big Sky Championship, featuring events such as a pre-game meal at the Stewart Stadium Sky Suites complex and halftime recognition on the field. This reunion, held in Sept. 2018, allowed former players to honor their championship legacy.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Wildcats continue to build on their recent momentum. The team's recent performance, including the victory over Idaho State, underscores the program's ability to compete at a high level within the FCS, as reflected by their recent climb into the national rankings.
