POCATELLO — The 2025 Idaho State Bengals kick off their season, Saturday at UNLV, with cautious optimism. After a two-win improvement from 2023 to 2024, the Bengals finished last year 5–7 and aim to take another step forward under third-year head coach Cody Hawkins.

Continuity is a key theme heading into the season. Hawkins returns with junior quarterback Jordan Cooke, giving Idaho State rare stability at two of the most critical positions in a college football program.

“With Coach Hawkins’ leadership, the team has developed steadily and is getting votes to finish well in the Big Sky standings,” said athletic director Pauline Thiros. “The focus is on sustained progress. We really must stack good years on top of each other.”

The Bengals are expected to remain aggressive on offense. The r

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