Big Sky 2025: Who Will Rise and Who Will Falter?
- Colby Peterson
- Aug 15
- 8 min read
It’s shaping up to be a year of fresh faces across the Big Sky Conference, as teams gear up for the 2025 college football season. Of the 12 teams slated to compete, 10 will start the year with a new quarterback under center, following graduations and transfers that reshaped rosters in 2024. Here’s a closer look at where Cal Poly and Eastern Washington stand heading into the new campaign.
Cal Poly Mustangs
2024 Record:Â 3-8 (2-6 Big Sky)
Key Matchups:Â @ Stephen F. Austin, @ Sacramento State, vs. UC Davis, @ Montana, vs. Montana State, @ Northern Arizona
Offense:Â 79th in FCS last year
Cal Poly enters 2025 with a rare return at quarterback. Redshirt Junior Bo Kelly looks to build on his 2024 season, where he threw for 1,162 yards and six touchdowns. Kelly is poised to be the leader of a Mustang offense that will need consistency after losing top contributors in the backfield and at wide receiver.
The rushing attack sees Zion Hall, the team’s second-leading rusher in 2024 with 256 yards and one touchdown, stepping into the feature back role after Aiden Ramos transferred to Mount San Antonio College. At wide receiver, seniors Michael Briscoe and Logan Booher are expected to replace Giancarlo Woods as the go-to targets in Cal Poly’s pass-heavy system. Briscoe is coming off a 538-yard, four-touchdown season, while Booher recorded 347 yards and two touchdowns last year.
Defense:Â 99th in FCS last year
The Mustang defense returns most of its starting defensive line, including 6-foot-3 Ethan Rodriguez, who earned All-Big Sky honorable mention in 2024. However, the unit will feel the loss of four-time All-Big Sky and All-American Elijiah Ponder, who recorded 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks last season. In the secondary, 2nd team All-Big Sky safety Mason Rivera returns to stabilize a group that finished 10th in the conference in passing defense. Facing road tests against Utah, Stephen F. Austin, Sacramento State, Montana, and Northern Arizona, plus home games against UC Davis and Montana State, the Mustangs will need improved defensive play to reach a winning record.
Eastern Washington Eagles
2024 Record:Â 4-8 (3-5 Big Sky)
Preseason Media Poll:Â #8
Preseason Coaches’ Poll: #9
Key Matchups:Â @ Incarnate Word, @ Northern Iowa, @ Montana State, vs. Idaho, vs. Sacramento State, @ Montana
Offense:Â 6th in FCS last year
Eastern Washington enters the 2025 season searching for a new quarterback after Redshirt Junior Kekoa Visperas entered the transfer portal. Graduate student Jared Taylor is expected to start, bringing a dual-threat skill set with 708 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 320 passing yards and six touchdowns last year. He will compete with Redshirt Sophomore Nate Bell, who saw limited action in 2024.
The Eagles will also need to replace the explosive playmaking of First Team All-Big Sky WR Efton Chism III, who signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent after totaling 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024. Promising Redshirt Freshmen Jaxon Branch and Boden Gardner are expected to step into the spotlight. TE/FB Landon Cooper, a Redshirt Senior, will also anchor the tight end room after All-Big Sky Honorable Mention Jett Carpenter transferred to Nevada.
Defense:Â 119th in FCS last year
Second-year Defensive Coordinator Eric Sanders returns, bringing his NFL and Stanford experience to implement a complex defensive scheme. While the defensive line has few returning players, it could be among the deepest units on the roster, led by Redshirt Junior Isaiah Perez and Redshirt Sophomore Tylin Jackson. The secondary faces challenges after losing Second Team All-Big Sky safety Derek Ganter, Jr. to Boise State, leaving All-Big Sky Honorable Mention CB DaJean Wells to anchor the backfield.
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Idaho Vandals
2024 Record:Â 10-4 (6-2 Big Sky)
Preseason Media Poll:Â #4
Preseason Coaches’ Poll: #5
Key Matchups:Â @ Incarnate Word, @ Northern Iowa, @ Montana State, vs. Idaho, vs. Sacramento State, @ Montana
Offense:Â 43rd in FCS last year
The Vandals enter 2025 with quarterback questions after Redshirt Sophomore Jack Layne followed Coach Eck to Albuquerque. Redshirt Freshman Jack Wagner stays in Moscow, competing with Fresno State transfer Joshue Wood for the starting QB role.
Idaho’s rushing attack remains deep with Redshirt Seniors Elisha Cummings and Nate Thomas, plus Redshirt Sophomore Art Williams. The wide receiver corps features Sophomore Tony Harste, Redshirt Freshman Marquawn McCraney, and Montana State transfer Lonyatta Alexander Jr., aiming to provide balance in the passing game.
Defense:Â 68th in FCS last year
Under new Defensive Coordinator Cort Dennison, Idaho simplifies its schemes for continuity. Despite the loss of several All-Big Sky performers, Honorable Mention LB Isaiah King returns to anchor the unit. Freshman DB Hysan Dalton transfers in from Furman to help a secondary that will be tested on the road and in Big Sky matchups.
Idaho State Bengals
2024 Record:Â 5-7 (3-5 Big Sky)
Key Matchups:Â @ Southern Utah, vs. Montana, @ Montana State, vs. Northern Arizona, @ UC Davis, @ Idaho
Offense:Â 15th in FCS last year
Idaho State loses All-Big Sky WRs Jeff Weimer and Christian Fredericksen, as well as starting QB Kobe Tracy. The QB battle features Redshirt Junior Jordan Cooke and Redshirt Freshman Jackson Sharman, while RB1 duties fall to Redshirt Senior Dason Brooks, who had 506 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2024. The offensive line remains intact, giving hope for better rushing production.
Defense:Â 115th in FCS last year
The defense struggled last season, allowing 467.1 yards per game. New DC Grant Duff brings experience from Weber State, and the defensive line aims to improve despite losing DL Logan George to Ohio State. Idaho State will lean on returning players to stabilize the unit.
Montana Grizzlies
2024 Record:Â 9-5 (5-3 Big Sky)
Key Matchups:Â vs. North Dakota, vs. Idaho, @ Sacramento State, vs. Montana State
Offense:Â 26th in FCS last year
Montana replaces key departures including QB Logan Fife, WRs Junior Bergen and Keelan White, and OL Brandon Casey. Second Team All-Big Sky RB Eli Gillman returns, looking to build on 1,104 yards and 15 touchdowns. Redshirt Senior WR Michael Wortham and QBs Keali’i Ah Yat and USC transfer Jake Jensen provide depth in skill positions.
Defense:Â 57th in FCS last year
The Griz welcome 19 transfers, including nine on the defensive line, to offset the loss of multiple All-Big Sky defenders. Keep an eye on LB Peyton Wing (Portland State) and LB Elijawah Tolbert (Eastern Illinois) as leaders on a revamped defense.
Montana State Bobcats
2024 Record:Â 15-1 (8-0 Big Sky)
Key Matchups:Â @ Oregon, vs. South Dakota State, @ Northern Arizona, vs. UC Davis, @ Montana
Offense:Â 2nd in FCS last year
Montana State returns as preseason favorites after a 15-1 season. Sophomore RB Adam Jones leads the backfield after rushing for 1,172 yards and 14 touchdowns. Senior RB Julius Davis and Junior RB Jared White provide depth. The offensive line will look to fill gaps left by departed All-Big Sky linemen.
Defense:Â 15th in FCS last year
The Bobcats lost several defensive standouts, including DE Brody Grebe and LB McCade O’Reilly, but All-Big Sky DL Paul Brott and Kenneth Eiden IV provide continuity. Secondary reinforcements include Nevada transfer CB Bryson Parker.
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
2024 Record:Â 8-5 (6-2 Big Sky)
Preseason Media Poll:Â #5
Preseason Coaches’ Poll: #4
Key Matchups:Â @ Southern Utah, vs. Incarnate Word, vs. Montana State, @ UC Davis, vs. Idaho
Offense:Â 36th in FCS last year
QB Ty Pennington returns for a second season, along with top target WR Colby Katsis. RBs Seth Cromwell and Darvon Hubbard anchor the running game, while the offensive line looks to improve after a second-to-worst sacks-against record.
Defense:Â 18th in FCS last year
The Lumberjacks’ secondary remains a strength despite six transfers, led by Redshirt Senior DB Mikale Greer. LB corps features All-Big Sky Honorable Mentions Ammon Allen and Brandon Wong, while DL Micah Carreon anchors the line.
Northern Colorado Bears
2024 Record:Â 1-11 (1-7 Big Sky)
Preseason Media Poll:Â #12
Preseason Coaches’ Poll: #12
Key Matchups:Â @ South Dakota, @ Idaho, @ Sacramento State, vs. UC Davis, vs. Montana State, @ Northern Arizona
Offense:Â 113th in FCS last year
UNC looks for progress under 3rd-year Head Coach Ed Lamb. QB competition includes Redshirt Junior Peter Costelli and LSU transfer Eric Gibson Jr. RB1 is up for grabs, with Sophomore Mathias Price leading the pack. TE Fisher Clements adds a potential game-changer.
Defense:Â 118th in FCS last year
The Bears struggled stopping the run last season. Sophomore Safety Cam Chapa earned All-Big Sky Preseason recognition, leading a secondary expected to improve under experience and development.
Portland State Vikings
2024 Record:Â 3-8 (3-5 Big Sky)
Key Matchups:Â vs. Tarleton State, @ North Dakota, vs. Northern Arizona, @ Idaho, vs. Sacramento State, vs. Montana
Offense:Â 37th in FCS last year
QB Dante Chachere graduated, leaving Senior CJ Jordan and Sophomores John-Keawe Sagapolutele and Gabe Downing to compete for the starting role. WR Branden Alvarez and TE Tanner Beaman lead the receiving corps.
Defense:Â 123rd in FCS last season
Portland State allowed 297.1 passing yards per game last year. LB Peyton Wing, Michael Montgomery, and S Tyreese Shakir departed, leaving room for young players to emerge. Sophomore DB Isaiah Green is a preseason All-Big Sky hopeful.
Sacramento State Hornets
2024 Record:Â 3-9 (1-7 Big Sky)
Key Matchups:Â @ South Dakota State, vs. Central Arkansas, vs. Montana, vs. Idaho, @ UC Davis
Offense:Â 30th in FCS last year
New Head Coach Brennan Marion leans heavily on the transfer portal. QBs Jaden Rashada and Cardell Williams join a revamped offense, while RB Jamar Curtis and Senior RBs Savion Red, Sam Adams II, and Rodney Hammond Jr. provide depth. WR Curron Borders and TE Damien McDaniel lead the receiving corps.
Defense:Â 101st in FCS last year
The Hornets will feature a mix of returning talent and transfers, including LB Je’kob Jones and LB Dylan Gooden, while LBs Derek Houston and Fata Puloka return to anchor the unit. DL depth is bolstered via the portal with Kris Ross, James Gillespie, and Syncere Massey.
UC Davis Aggies
2024 Record:Â 11-3 (7-1 Big Sky)
Key Matchups:Â @ Mercer, vs. Southern Utah, vs. Northern Arizona, @ Idaho, @ Montana State, vs. Sacramento State
Offense:Â 5th in FCS last year
With QB Miles Hastings and RB Lan Larison gone, Senior Grant Harper is expected to take the helm. RB Matteo Perez steps into a larger role, while WR Sam Gbatu Jr., TE Winston Williams, and OL Ernesto Nava and Eli Simonson provide stability.
Defense:Â 62nd in FCS last season
Senior DB Rex Connors and LB Porter Connors return as league standouts. Grad students DL Jacob Psyk (Harvard) and Derrell Porter (Dartmouth) join the line, aiming to sustain UC Davis’ elite rush defense.
Weber State Wildcats
2024 Record:Â 4-8 (3-5 Big Sky)
Preseason Media Poll:Â #9P
reseason Coaches’ Poll: #8
Key Matchups:Â @ McNeese State, @ UC Davis, vs. Sacramento State, vs. Montana, @ Montana State, vs. Northern Arizona
Offense:Â 19th in FCS last year
QB options include Sophomore UTSA transfer Jackson Gilkey, Redshirt Freshman Cash McCollum, and Junior Akron transfer Dijon Jennings. RBs Davion Godley, Major Givens, and FB Colter May lead the backfield. OL Gavin Ortega anchors the line.
Defense:Â 76th in FCS last year
Defensive line lost Co-DC Grant Duff and DEs Kemari Munier-Bailey and Brayden Wilson, creating opportunities for younger players. Pass defense, led by returning DBs, is a focal point for improvement.