The Boise State Broncos have moved their 2027 home matchup against the Western Illinois Leathernecks to the season opener, both schools announced Thursday.
Boise State had previously been scheduled to host Western Illinois on September 25, 2027, a matchup we reported last month. According to the release, the contest has been shifted forward and will now be played on August 28, 2027, at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
The date adjustment aligns with the NCAA’s June decision to adopt a uniform 14‑week regular season beginning in 2027. Under the new model, FBS programs may begin most seasons during what is currently known as Week Zero—the weekend before Labor Day—which will become the standard Week 1.
Boise State is currently playing its first season as a member of the Pac-12 Conference. The Broncos have never squared off with Western Illinois, who competes in the Ohio Valley Conference in the FCS.
With the shift, the Broncos now have their non-conference schedule set for the 2027 season. After hosting Western Illinois, the Broncos will hit the road to play Appalachian State on Sept. 4. Boise State is also slated to host USF on Sept. 11 before traveling to face Marshall on Sept. 18.
The Pac-12 opponents for 2027 have not yet been announced, but they could be the same as 2026 with the locations swapped. If that holds, Boise State would host Colorado State, Fresno State, and Washington State, while visiting Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, and Utah State.
Boise State is the third known non-league opponent for Western Illinois for the 2027 season. The Leathernecks are also scheduled to visit Oklahoma State (Sept. 4) and host Dayton (Sept. 11).