POCATELLO, Idaho 97 The University of San Diego Toreros men’s football team fell 59-17 to the No. 24 Idaho State Bengals on September 12, 2026, at the ICCU Dome in Pocatello. Despite the loss, San Diego showed strength on the ground and controlled possession time throughout the contest.
The Toreros outrushed Idaho State by 235 yards to 178 and held the ball for 35 minutes and 21 seconds, winning the time-of-possession battle in every quarter. San Diego converted its only fourth-down attempt and gained 12 of its 17 first downs on the ground.
CJ Ceron scored the first touchdown of his collegiate career on a 53-yard run early in the fourth quarter, capping a 73-yard drive that also featured key runs from Omar Mbakwe. Dom Nankil contributed a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, while Emiliano Salazar kicked a 37-yard field goal to keep the Toreros within reach during the first half.
On defense, Tim Hays led the team with seven tackles. Dillon Kellner added five stops, including a sack and a pass breakup. Jaden Williams recorded a tackle for loss, and Ezekiel Swayne posted five tackles along with a pass breakup to disrupt Idaho State’s offense.
San Diego is scheduled to continue its road trip next week, facing Cal Poly on September 19, 2026, with kickoff set for 5 p.m.
CSB Take
While the University of San Diego Toreros men’s football team suffered a significant defeat against a ranked Idaho State Bengals opponent, their performance on the ground and ability to control possession reveal positive aspects to build upon. CJ Ceron’s first career touchdown run is a notable highlight that sparks optimism for the offense. Going forward, enhancing defensive resilience against high-scoring teams will be critical as the Toreros prepare for upcoming matches in the NCAA FCS schedule.
Source: Original report
