Defense Dominates as Idaho State Bengals Hold 2026 Spring Football Game in Pocatello
Idaho State Defense Makes a Statement in Pocatello
POCATELLO — The Idaho State Bengals held their annual spring football game on Monday, and if the performance was any indication of what is to come in the fall, it is the defense — not the offense — that may define this program’s 2026 season.
For several years running, the Idaho State offense has commanded the spotlight during spring ball, showcasing a high-powered, explosive attack capable of putting up big numbers. This year, second-year defensive coordinator Grant Duff and his unit had other ideas. The defense thoroughly controlled the afternoon, limiting offensive production and generating turnovers in a performance that drew considerable attention from fans and coaches alike.
“Going into year two, we’ve got much higher expectations,” Duff said. “The guys are way more confident, way more competent in what we’re asking them to do. We’re very excited, very energetic, and just got to solidify a couple spots before we get to fall camp.”
The defensive unit looked fast and athletic throughout the game, bringing an intensity that onlookers noted had been absent for some time. Titan Saxton recorded an interception that drew the loudest crowd reaction of the afternoon — a highlight that illustrated the kind of game-changing ability the defense now appears to possess. The defensive secondary looked polished and assignment-sound, while the defensive front generated consistent pressure that, under live-game rules, would have translated into sacks and tackles for loss on multiple possessions.
It is worth noting that spring game rules are modified to protect players from injury — running backs and quarterbacks face limitations on contact and pocket escapes, and defenders are reined in on certain tackle attempts. Even accounting for those restrictions, observers agreed the defensive display was too dominant to be explained away by the ruleset alone.
Head Coach Hawkins Praises Unit, Offense Shows Bright Spots
Head coach Hawkins did not hold back his enthusiasm for what Duff has built in Pocatello.
“I think everybody there, including myself, you can see just how stout our defense is going to be,” Hawkins said. “We’re really good up front. We’re really long and fast in the secondary, and I’m really excited about what that unit is going to do in the fall.”
Hawkins also credited Duff with establishing a culture of excellence within the defensive room. “First and foremost, just kind of the standards and the attitude in the room — the excellence that he expects, the way that he prepares, and then what he allows the rest of the staff to do,” Hawkins said.
The reaction was not limited to the coaching staff. Nathan Hayes, a recent Idaho State graduate in attendance, said the defensive performance caught him off guard. “I thought the offense was going to be able to move the ball a lot easier,” Hayes said. “Seeing a great defense is pretty exciting.”
While the defense stole the day, the offense was not without its own highlights. Wide receivers Tommy Poe and Simeon Brown stood out with consistent hands and demonstrated the big-play ability the Bengals will need from the position in the fall. The quarterback rotation featured Jordan Cooke, Davis Harsin, and sophomore Wyatt Horton, each showing flashes, though the modified contact rules make sweeping evaluations difficult at this stage.
Of note is the continuity advantage Cooke brings as a fourth-year quarterback operating within the same offensive system — a rarity in today’s transfer-portal era. That familiarity with the scheme positions him as a seasoned, system-savvy signal-caller entering a critical season for the program.
“We still have to improve and meet that challenge because we know that there’s a standard here of how we play offense,” Hawkins said. “And to win a championship here, we need to lead on defense. And we’re getting darn close to that. And we just need to make sure we can keep pace on O.”
Southeast Idaho sports fans have had no shortage of exciting athletic stories this spring. Marsh Valley’s Lydia Townsend has emerged as one of the nation’s top pole vaulters, while communities across Bannock County have rallied around local athletic events, including the 4th District Rodeo that recently took over Pocatello.
What Comes Next
The spring game represents a single snapshot of a program still months away from its opening kickoff. Younger players gained valuable reps in a game environment, and the cohesion Hawkins and his staff have built on both sides of the ball was visible to those paying close attention. The defense has announced itself as a unit with championship-level aspirations. The offense, for its part, found playmakers who can contribute when the lights come on in September. Fall camp will be the next major opportunity for the Bengals to sharpen their depth chart and answer the remaining questions the spring game raised. For Idaho State fans in Pocatello and across Bannock County, the early returns give genuine reason to look forward to the 2026 season.