MOSCOW — On the eve of his sixth fall camp in Moscow, tight end Jake Cox could hardly sleep. Rising at 1, 3, and 5 in the morning, the veteran pass-catcher described a sensation that refuses to fade with tenure. It never gets old, that Christmas morning feeling. Sixth year, I still feel it,
Cox said. That nervous, electric anticipation greeted the Idaho Vandals as 56 returners and 55 newcomers took the field for the program’s opening day of fall camp under first-year head coach Thomas Ford Jr.
For a roster rich with experience and built on back-to-back FCS quarterfinals appearances, the transition from summer conditioning to football drills marked an immediate tone shift. Under the guidance of Ford, who stepped into the top job following Jason Eck’s departure for New Mexico, the Vandals cranked up stadium-style music and flew through position group drills and seven-on-seven mini-scrimmages. They’re tired of lifting weights and running, they just want to play football,
Ford observed after practice. So today, I think you got to see some of that energy.
The Joshua Wood Ascension
The defining tactical storyline of the opening week centers on Fresno State transfer quarterback Joshua Wood. Following a fierce spring competition, Ford all but officially crowned Wood the starter entering August, a projection reinforced by the newcomer's stellar execution during the early-week sessions in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.
By Day 4 of camp, Wood was operating the offense with cool, calm authority. Offensive coordinator Matt Linehan praised the sophomore signal-caller’s rapid integration into the playbook. He understands the game, but being able to dissect the game, read coverage, see the picture better. ... I can see him getting better day-by-day,
Linehan noted. Highlights included a pair of 7-on-7 touchdown strikes to redshirt freshman wide receiver Ryan Jezioro, a 20-yard seam connection to Cox, and a 45-yard launch on the run to sophomore Tony Harste while avoiding defensive pressure.
Behind Wood, the quarterback depth chart remains a live laboratory. Returners Jack Wagner and Nick Josifek join redshirt freshman Holden Bea and Rocco Koch in battling for backup reps. While the first-team offense consistently clicked in intermediate and short passing sets designed to serve as basketball-style layups
for the offense, defensive coordinator Cort Dennison’s complex scheme still manufactured moments of disruption, including an interception by redshirt freshman cornerback Aaron Kinsey off a tipped ball and a blitz-reaction pick by freshman safety Brody Michael.
Roster Construction and Preseason Accolades
The Vandals' offensive foundations appear sturdy up front, featuring a projected starting line of Layton Vining at center, Leon Evans at right guard, Kiegan Henson at right tackle, senior Nate Azzopardi at left guard, and Charlie Vliem at left tackle. Azzopardi joined linebacker Isiah King and defensive tackle Zach Krotzer on the All-Big Sky Conference preseason team, though King is being managed carefully through limited reps early in camp.
Special teams also received a national spotlight when junior kicker Cameron Pope was named to the 2025 Fred Mitchell Award preseason watch list. Pope converted 17 field goals last season—including a 50-yard long—and hit 37 PATs, cementing a weapon of immense value as the Vandals prepare for narrow margins.
The Cross-Palouse Horizon
With precisely one month separating the opening practice whistle and the August 30 kickoff against long-time rival Washington State at Gesa Field in Pullman, the Vandal coaching staff is balancing high-velocity installation with physical preservation. Full pads loom large on the immediate calendar, offering the defense a chance to level the playing field against an explosive Vandal offense.
Sources
These sources formed the evidence pack for this article. Links open the original publisher; inclusion does not imply endorsement.
- dnews.com original
- lmtribune.com original
- freep.com original
- LARRY LAGE | Associated Press original
- spokesman.com original
- cdapress.com original
- govandals.com original
