As I sit down to analyze the current state of Idaho State University football, I can't help but draw parallels to the contract situations we've seen in professional sports recently. Just last week, I was reviewing the Cignal case where players Molina and Meneses were approaching their 2024 contract expirations, and it struck me how similar challenges affect college programs. At ISU, we're seeing our own version of contract negotiations and team building that will shape the program's future.

The Bengals have been quietly building something special in Pocatello, and having followed this program for over a decade, I can confidently say this might be their most promising squad since their 2014 playoff appearance. Coach Charlie Ragle enters his third season with what I consider his most complete roster yet - we're talking about 18 returning starters, including 9 on offense and 8 on defense. These numbers matter because continuity in college football is everything, especially when you're competing in the tough Big Sky Conference.

What really excites me about this year's team is the quarterback situation. Tyler Vander Waal returns for his senior season after throwing for 2,347 yards last year, and I've been particularly impressed with his development during spring practices. His connection with wide receiver Caden Johnson has become something special - Johnson caught 48 passes for 701 yards last season, and I predict those numbers will jump to at least 65 receptions and 900 yards this year. The offensive line returns four starters, which gives me confidence they can improve upon last season's 28.3 points per game average.

The defensive side tells an equally compelling story. Watching linebacker Paea Moala develop over the past three seasons has been a privilege - he led the team with 98 tackles last year, and I expect him to break the 100-tackle mark this season. The secondary features what I believe is the best cornerback duo in the conference with Hunter Hays and Christian Alvarado combining for 7 interceptions last season. These aren't just numbers - they represent the kind of defensive identity that wins championships in this league.

Now, let's talk about the schedule because this is where things get really interesting. The Bengals open against San Diego State on August 31st, and while many see this as a guaranteed loss, I think they've got a real shot at covering the spread, if not pulling off the upset. The non-conference schedule includes what I consider two very winnable games against Northern Iowa and Lindenwood before diving into conference play. The October 19th matchup against Montana is what I've circled on my calendar - that game could determine whether this becomes a playoff season or just another building year.

Recruiting has been another area where I've noticed significant improvement. The 2024 class included what I consider three potential immediate contributors in defensive end Marcus Williams from Texas, offensive tackle Jake Thompson from California, and local product running back Sam Richardson from Highland High School. These young players represent the program's commitment to blending local talent with national recruiting, something I believe is crucial for sustained success in the FCS.

The facilities upgrades deserve mention too. The ICCU Practice Fields have transformed how this team prepares, and having visited multiple Big Sky programs, I can honestly say these are among the best in the conference. The weight room expansion completed last spring added 2,500 square feet of training space, which might not sound like much, but in the world of college athletics, these investments pay dividends in player development and recruitment.

Looking at the broader picture, ISU football represents what I love about FCS football - programs that build through development rather than just collecting transfers. While the transfer portal has become increasingly important, Coach Ragle's staff has maintained what I consider the perfect balance between developing high school recruits and strategically adding transfers. This season, they've added two key transfers who I expect to contribute immediately: linebacker Jordan Knapke from Boise State and wide receiver David White from Utah State.

As we approach the season, my prediction is that the Bengals finish 8-3 overall and 6-2 in conference play, which should be enough for their first playoff appearance since 2014. The pieces are there - experienced quarterback, solid defense, favorable schedule. But more than that, there's a sense of momentum around this program that you can feel when you're around the facility. It reminds me of the energy before their 2002 and 2003 playoff runs, though this team arguably has more talent top to bottom.

The challenges remain, of course. Depth at certain positions concerns me, particularly along the defensive line where an injury or two could really test their rotation. And the special teams unit needs to improve after ranking in the bottom third of the conference in both punt and kick returns last season. But these are manageable issues for a staff that has shown they can develop players throughout the roster.

What ultimately makes me optimistic about ISU football is the cultural foundation they've built. Having spoken with numerous players and coaches over the years, I've noticed a distinct shift in the program's identity - they're no longer just hoping to compete but expecting to win. This mentality, combined with the tangible improvements in talent and facilities, creates what I believe is the perfect storm for a breakthrough season. The Bengals might not be national championship contenders yet, but they're certainly positioned to become a consistent force in the Big Sky, and that's exactly the kind of progress that makes college football so compelling to follow year after year.