Idaho State football began its spring practices for the 2026 season this week, with defensive coordinator Grant Duff saying on Mar. 19 that the team is showing clear growth compared to last year.
Duff said the defense has made significant progress in both confidence and understanding of their roles. “Going into year two, we’ve got much higher expectations. 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 gotta solidify a couple spots before we get to fall camp,” Duff said.
The linebacker group returns experienced players such as Nate Reynolds and Jackson Irwin. “Nate Reynolds, all-conference guy last year. Team captain Jackson Irwin, a guy that came in and made an immediate impact. He’s really dangerous off the edge as a pass rusher,” Duff said. He also mentioned younger players like Ryder Holt and Jacob Perez who are competing for playing time this season.
Duff discussed new additions at linebacker, including Kai Callen, who transitioned from wide receiver. He explained that athletes who played skill positions in high school often adapt well to defense: “They’re used to being playmakers, and they usually understand a great amount of football because the team’s usually centered around them.” Duff also highlighted Devin Rodriguez as an emerging talent: “Big believer in Devin Rodriguez. Those guys are just playmakers… Really young, up and comers that have a lot of spark.”
Reflecting on last season’s challenges, Duff acknowledged areas for improvement: “I was disappointed in myself a little bit early on… Those first couple games, we gave up way too many rushing yards and it hurt us in critical situations.” He pointed to a turning point during the UC Davis game when the defense improved significantly in the second half.
Looking ahead to the rest of spring practice, Duff emphasized growth across physical ability and football intelligence: “We gotta get bigger, faster, stronger, smarter… That IQ just comes with a million repetitions in the film room.” He also stressed integrating new players by helping them understand how they fit into the system.
Duff wants his defenders to take ownership of their roles rather than rely solely on coaching decisions: “I want them to take some mastery and ownership in the defense… Last year we were a little too robotic at times.” He added that coaches must also improve communication: “Coaches are teachers. It’s not what we know, it’s what our players will understand. We’ve gotta communicate that to them in a clear, concise manner.”
The Bengals’ next spring practice is scheduled for Monday, March 31 inside the ICCU Dome. All practices are open to the public unless otherwise noted.
