Idaho Vandals ready to build off last season's success

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Idaho Vandals are going into their third season under head coach Jason Eck, which means they are also in the hunt for their third-consecutive playoff appearance.

But with Coach Eck, just an 'appearance' isn't enough.

When it was announced Eck's contract would be extended through the 2028 season, one of the first thing's he said he wanted to do was bring a Big Sky Championship to Moscow.

"It's inevitable, we are going to win a championship... bring a Big Sky Championship to Moscow... it's a matter of time and hopefully we can get it done sooner, and urgently."

Although Idaho has lost quite a few key pieces throughout its roster, Eck said he still has the weapons to stay a winning team and he's ready for them to step up to the plate.

"For us to win a championship, we've got to be the best defensive line and our o-line's got to keep growing and make a big step from where we were last year," said Eck.

It's a huge goal for Eck's third season and it wouldn't be an easy feat. The loss of quarterback Gevani McCoy to Oregon State and also a core group of receivers moving after last season has allowed for new faces to step into the spotlight.

Defensive lineman Keyshawn James-Newby said he's confident the players who were once supporting actors are able to step into lead roles.

"I'm not really worried about them. I think they are going to do just fine... They are great players and they're going to take that step up and show that leadership on the offensive side," said James-Newby.

The Vandals begin fall camp on July 31 and their first game kicks off against Oregon on August 31 in Autzen Stadium.

COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.