Welcome back Big Sky football fans. It is year two of the Big Sky Podcast Networks weekly power rankings. I will do my best to fill the shoes of Brian Marceau from last year, but he is working on something special for you all.

With only eight teams playing this spring, it will be curious how much movement occurs. On top of that, the conference has brand new faces at seven of the eight starting quarterback positions, one new head coach in Beau Baldwin and one new color scheme at Idaho.

Reminder this is a “Power Ranking.” It means different things to different people. Some view it as the best team, some view it as hottest team at the moment. Meaning at the end of the year the team that wins the conference may not be No. 1 in our rankings.

1. Weber State Wildcats - 136 (17 First place Votes)

The obvious preseason favorite and collecting all the available first place votes. The Wildcats are in a great spot for their 4th straight conference title. The question is if they’re in the running for their first national title.

2. Eastern Washington Eagles - 116

The No. 1 contender in the Sky to share the title with Weber. They received all but three 2nd-place votes. They also avoid Weber in this six-game conference schedule and have a harder schedule than the Wildcats. This being a power ranking, it will be interesting to see if they can jump Weber before season ends as most dangerous team in the Sky!

3. Idaho Vandals - 90

As the Idaho podcast guys, even we can admit it’s strange to see Idaho ranked this high! It’s a product of the five schools that dropped out, mainly. That being said, we have high hopes for this team and find this to be a fair placement. Let’s see what happens after this week’s matchup of our front seven vs Walter Payton favorite Eric Barriere.

4. UC Davis Aggies - 76

Picked as the only true challenger to Eastern back in 2019, the last time we played football. The Aggies have taken a bit of a step backwards. New quarterback, new play-caller same Dan Hawkins. Much like they were in ’18, these ponies seem to play better as a darkhorse than as a front runner.

5. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks - 62

Finally no Case Cookus at QB in Flagstaff. The past two recruiting classes have been very strong and it appears some members of BSPN have belief this team is not going to take a step back without Cookus, as they are ranked middle of the pack as usual. Can they climb?

6. Cal Poly Mustangs - 50

Beau Baldwin is back in the Big Sky. The triple-option overhaul just seems a year too early to consider Poly a true contender. Expect Coach Baldwin and his QB1, either Fresno State transfer Hunter Raquet or returning starter Jalen Hamler, to play more of the spoiler role this season. Watch out, EWU and Weber.

7. Idaho State Bengals - 26

The Bengals have lost just about everyone from the successful 2018 campaign which saw them flirt with a playoff position for most of the season, and blowout of in-state rival Idaho in the ICCU Battle of the Domes. The team consists of almost all new faces in important positions, and because of that BSPN members need them to prove it before bumping them up higher.

8. Southern Utah Thunderbirds - 18

Last year our panel of geniuses picked Sacramento State in last place. So maybe we go two-for-two on last-place picks that go on to win a share of the Big Sky title.