The Idaho State Bengals have built a proud legacy in college athletics, excelling in both football and basketball. From historic victories to standout players, their journey reflects perseverance and skill. Fans of Idaho State Bengals football and Idaho State Bengals basketball continue to celebrate the team’s milestones, making the Bengals a respected program in collegiate sports.
College Sports Established
1901
Location
Pocatello, Idaho
College Name
Idaho State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1901 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1963 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1948 - 1958 / Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
1901 - 1947 / Independent
Nickname
Bengals - The Idaho State Bengals have a long and storied history of success in the NCAA. But what many may not know is that their nickname has an interesting origin story.
Idaho State Bengals Origin
The name “Bengals” was chosen by the school’s first athletic director, Dr. Robert Fife, who wanted to honor his alma mater—the University of Cincinnati—by using its mascot to inspire Idaho State's new moniker. He thought it would be a great way to pay homage to his former school while also giving ISU something unique and memorable at the same time!
Dr. Fife chose this particular animal because he believed it symbolized strength, courage, and ferocity. These qualities he hoped would characterize ISU athletics into their future endeavors on the playing field or court! The Bengal tiger is native only to India but can still be seen throughout Asia today - which makes sense given how far-reaching Dr.'s vision was for ISU sports teams when selecting this name back in 1931!
As such, if you are ever cheering on your favorite team from Idaho State University – whether they are playing football or basketball – remember that behind every roar, there lies a deep connection between two universities separated by thousands of miles: one rooted firmly in Ohio soil while another proudly stands atop Pocatello hillsides with prideful spirit blazing each day brightly anew!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1990
- 1991
- 2016
- 2018
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Idaho State Bengals men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship.
In the 1990 season, the Idaho State Bengals men’s basketball team won the Big Sky Conference championship. Led by head coach Herb Williams and star player Lawrence Butler, the team finished the season with a 25-5 overall record and a perfect 16-0 conference record. They advanced to the NCAA Tournament but lost in the first round to the University of ... -
Idaho State Bengals women’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference
In 1991, the Idaho State Bengals women’s basketball team won the Big Sky Conference championship. This was the first conference championship for the women’s basketball program at Idaho State. The team went on to participate in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the first round to the University of Texas. The team was led by head coach Julie Holt, ... -
Idaho State Bengals football team wins a share of the Big Sky Conference championship.
In 2016, the Idaho State Bengals football team had an impressive season, finishing with an overall record of 8-4 and a 6-2 conference record, which was good enough for a share of the Big Sky Conference championship. This was the first time the Bengals had won a conference championship since 2002. Led by head coach Mike Kramer, the team had ... -
Tanner Gueller – Idaho Pro Football Player
Tanner Gueller (2015-2018): Gueller was a football player at Idaho State and holds multiple school records as a quarterback. He went on to play professionally in the Canadian Football League.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Idaho State Bengals History
The Idaho State Bengals have a rich history in NCAA sports, excelling in both Idaho State Bengals football and Idaho State Bengals basketball. Known for their intense rivalry with the Idaho Vandals, the Bengals have been a consistent presence in college athletics. Over the decades, they have captured multiple conference championships, made numerous bowl game appearances, and produced legendary players like Hall-of-Famers Merlin Olsen and Steve Young.
In the early years, the Idaho State Bengals football program competed primarily in lower division levels before moving to Division I (now FCS) in the 1970s. They joined the Big Sky Conference, where they remain today. During this period, the Bengals had moderate success, including a historic upset over Utah State Aggies, considered one of the biggest victories in Big Sky history. Despite strong talent, playoff experience was limited, leading to several losing seasons through the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The turnaround began in 1986 under legendary head coach Larry Smith. He guided the team to its first postseason appearance since 1973 and secured consecutive conference titles in 1987 and 1988. These achievements cemented his legacy among Idaho State Bengals football fans nationwide.
Since then, the Idaho State Bengals program has continued to grow. Under current head coach Rob Phenicie, the Bengals have made multiple postseason appearances, including three straight bowl games since 2013. Their consistent performance highlights why the program is respected within the Big Sky Conference and the wider FCS community.
The Idaho State Bengals basketball program has also made significant strides over the years. With several conference tournament appearances and standout players, the team has built a reputation for competitiveness and resilience. Both football and basketball programs have helped Idaho State maintain a strong presence in collegiate sports.
Bengals Achievements
In recent years, the Idaho State Bengals football team has achieved notable victories and high-ranking finishes in the Big Sky Conference, while the basketball team continues to compete at a high level with strong postseason showings. These accomplishments reflect the program’s commitment to excellence and player development.
Today, the Idaho State Bengals are a symbol of perseverance and success in college athletics. From their humble beginnings nearly eight decades ago to their current status as a competitive FCS program, the Bengals’ legacy continues to grow, inspiring fans of Idaho State Bengals football and Idaho State Bengals basketball alike.
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