The Yotes are back on the field.
The College of Idaho begins its fall practice schedule Thursday in preparation for its season opener against Lincoln University on Aug. 24. The first two games of the season, at Simplot Stadium, will kick off at 7 p.m., the first time the football team will host night games since the program was restarted in 2014.
Head coach Mike Moroski has been there every step of the way in the program’s revival, entering his 11th season as head coach. But last season, he took the Yotes to new heights, reaching the NAIA semifinals for the first time in school history.
Even during last year’s run to the semifinals, the Yotes had their bumps. The College of Idaho allowed over 500 yards of offense to Montana Tech in a 44-35 loss on the road in September. An opportunity to win the Frontier Conference slipped away in the regular season finale, losing at Southern Oregon 31-16.
Having to go on the road for all three of their playoff games last season, the Yotes look to pave an easier path to the National Championship this fall. But even if they have to travel late in the season, they’ve proved they can get the job done away from Caldwell.
The key to their success this season starts with senior quarterback Andy Peters. The Timberline High grad enters his third year starting for the Yotes, having enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023.
He rewrote the record book, setting single-season school records in passing yards (3,442), completions (251) and touchdowns (31). Adding 840 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, he put the lower body injury he suffered at the end of the 2022 season behind him, becoming one of the premier dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.
The emergence of Peters has shifted the Yotes’ focus on offense to the passing game. They had been known for their excellent run game in years past. While the College of Idaho still aims to have a balanced offense, they know where their strengths lie.
Wide receiver Jon Schofield, who accounted for 26 touchdowns last season, has graduated, but plenty of other weapons return. Brock Richardson, John Kreps and Jase Applebee highlight the returning wide receivers. Throw in Idaho transfer Tommy Hauser, who impressed during spring practices, and the passing game shouldn’t miss a beat.
Two starters return on the offensive line, one being senior tackle Brett Gydesen, a four-year starter. Junior Ashton Patterson is the other returner at guard.
Defensively, seven of the eight leading tacklers from last year are back, including leading tackler Willie Nelson. The senior linebacker is one of the leaders on a defense that returns eight starters. Safety Jacob Arms highlights the returning players in the secondary. He was fourth on the team last year with 56 total tackles.
In addition to the returning talent, the Yotes have picked up more through the transfer portal and incoming freshman class. Two transfers expected to make big impacts this fall are Kyler Williams and Jeremiah Chukwudobe. Williams, a redshirt sophomore, comes in from Boise State at defensive tackle. He was an all-state player at Highland High School. Chukwudobe, a senior running back, spent last season at UC Davis.
As for the freshman class, defensive lineman Makani Manuwai and tight end Preston Chamberlin are two players who could see some early playing time.
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