Idaho State

The Idaho State Bengals embody fierce competitive spirit and underdog resilience at Idaho State University in Pocatello. Their storied legacy centers on one of the greatest March Madness upsets in history when the 1977 Bengals defeated UCLA 76-75 to reach the NCAA Elite Eight. Competing across 15 varsity sports, Idaho State boasts three NCAA team championships and 19 individual NCAA titles. Their wrestling program dominated the Big Sky Conference with eight titles between 1967 and 1984, establishing Idaho State as a premier wrestling hub. The ICCU Dome, with an 8,000-seat basketball capacity, provides a raucous home environment steeped in tradition since 1970. The Bengals' fight song “Growl, Bengals, Growl” rallies players and fans alike. Intense rivalries, including the Battle of the Domes with Idaho, ignite fan enthusiasm. Basketball and women’s basketball recent successes, including a 2021 conference tournament title, underscore Idaho State’s ongoing commitment to championship excellence. Proud orange and black colors symbolize the determination and fierce pride ingrained in Bengal athletics.