The Portland State Vikings kick off their 2026 football season with opening practice on Wednesday at Stott Community Field under new Head Coach Chris Fisk. With a roster of 108 players and a year marked by significant turnover, the Vikings hope to improve from last year's 1-11 record. Their first game is set for August 29 against UC Davis in a Big Sky Conference matchup, just a month away. Coach Fisk comes from a successful tenure at Central Washington, and he aims to bring a winning culture back to Portland State. The team is emphasizing both offense, bringing back seven starters, and building defense from a largely new cast.

By the Numbers
  • Vikings have 108 players on the roster for 2026.
  • Out of 67 new players, 34 are freshmen and 33 are transfers.
  • Only 29 letterwinners and one returning defensive starter remain from last year's team.
State of Play
  • New Head Coach Chris Fisk is implementing a fresh strategy with a revamped coaching staff.
  • The Vikings are preparing for tough competition in a reshaped Big Sky conference with new teams like Utah Tech.
  • Health is a priority, with eight players returning after missing all/most of last season due to injuries.
What's Next

As the Vikings prepare for their inaugural practice, the anticipation grows for their opening game against UC Davis. Following that, they will face three non-conference games before resuming Big Sky play. The team aims to leverage the mix of experienced skill players and new recruits to start the season strong. Coach Fisk鈥檚 approach and strategies will be a primary focus as the season develops.

Bottom Line

This season marks a pivotal time for Portland State football as they embrace a new era under Coach Fisk. With significant changes in the roster and leadership, there is a blend of hope and uncertainty, specifically regarding their ability to improve upon a challenging previous season. The team's performance in early practices will be crucial as they aim to establish momentum heading into the regular season.