Idaho Stuns No. 1 Montana State, Earns Pop-Tarts Bowl Team of the Week Honor

By Habari Sports
October 5, 2026

DALLAS — An 80-yard drive, a touchdown as time expired, and a winning two-point conversion delivered a historic victory for the Idaho Vandals—and national recognition from the Football Writers Association of America.

Idaho defeated top-ranked Montana State 35-34 on Friday night at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, snapping the defending Football Championship Subdivision champions’ 19-game winning streak.

The comeback earned Idaho the Pop-Tarts Bowl Crazy Good Team of the Week honor for games played during the weekend of October 3, the FWAA announced Monday. The organization’s All-America Committee selected the Vandals for the award.

A Final Drive That Changed Everything

Idaho trailed 34-20 in the fourth quarter before rallying for its first-ever victory over a No. 1-ranked opponent.

With 49 seconds remaining and no timeouts, quarterback Joshua Wood directed an 80-yard drive that ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Jezioro on the final play.

The touchdown brought the Vandals within one point. Wood then powered into the end zone on the two-point attempt, completing the comeback and securing the 35-34 victory.

Idaho improved to 1-4 overall and 1-1 in Big Sky Conference play.

Wood and Jezioro Lead the Offense

Wood completed 19 of 25 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a rushing touchdown. His winning two-point conversion supplied the final points of the night.

Jezioro recorded six catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns, establishing career highs in receiving yards and touchdown receptions.

The defense also played a decisive role. Cruz Hepburn led Idaho with 13 tackles, and the Vandals held Montana State scoreless over the final 13 minutes, keeping the comeback within reach.

A Rare National Honor for an FCS Program

Idaho becomes the 109th different program to receive the award and only the fourth to earn it while competing in the FCS.

The Vandals join Appalachian State (2007), North Dakota State (2013) and Yale (2014 and 2025). Idaho’s selection represents the fifth honor awarded to an FCS team and the 330th overall across the award’s 25 seasons.

The recognition adds another milestone to a victory that ended one of the nation’s longest winning streaks and delivered Idaho’s first win of the season.

Weber State Awaits

The Vandals visit Weber State on Saturday, October 10, looking to build on their breakthrough performance.

The FWAA has recognized a National Team of the Week since the 2002 season. Weekly candidates are evaluated by its All-America Committee, with supporting data analysis from the Iron Football app.

Each honored team receives assorted Pop-Tarts and a custom-crafted game ball from Big Game USA, the Dallas-based manufacturer of handcrafted American-made footballs.

Founded in 1941, the FWAA consists of approximately 1,200 members who cover college football, including journalists, broadcasters, publicists, and executives involved in the sport.

Source: Football Writers Association of America announcement, October 5, 2026.