WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The College of Idaho's historic postseason run came to an end Saturday afternoon, as the Yotes fell 36–27 to unbeaten Keiser in the NAIA national semifinals at KU Football Stadium.
College of Idaho (11–2) delivered one of its strongest offensive halves of the season, scoring three touchdowns in a span of less than 13 minutes in the second quarter to seize a 21–9 halftime lead. In his final game in a Yotes uniform, senior tight end Torey Watkins was an offensive force, finishing with four receptions for 145 yards and two long touchdown catches.
Quarterback Caden Young also found the end zone twice on the day, accounting for four total touchdowns while leading a balanced and explosive Yotes attack. Watkins opened the scoring for College of Idaho with a 48 yard strike from Young early in the second quarter, then struck again minutes later on a 71 yard touchdown that capped another quick drive. Young added a 65 yard touchdown run late in the half to extend the lead.
Keiser (12–0) responded with steady adjustments after the break, leaning on quarterback Shea Spencer and a deep receiving corps to chip away at the deficit. The Seahawks outscored College of Idaho 27–6 in the second half, taking the lead for good midway through the fourth quarter on a 44 yard touchdown pass before adding a decisive score just 51 seconds later.
The Yotes answered once more when Young capped a 90 yard drive with an 8 yard rushing touchdown to pull College of Idaho within two, but Keiser responded immediately to seal the outcome.
Young finished 14 of 25 passing for 281 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 131 yards and two more scores. Rylie Byington added 75 yards on the ground as the Yotes totaled 500 yards of offense against one of the nation's top defenses.
The loss closed a season that will stand among the finest in program history. In each of the Yotes' three playoff games, at least one College of Idaho player scored two touchdowns. Travis Marieiro did so in the second round, Rylie Byington in the quarterfinals and Torey Watkins on Saturday, while Young also found the end zone twice in the semifinal, highlighting the balance and depth of the Yotes offense.
Beyond the postseason run, the Yotes made history during the regular season, becoming the first Frontier Conference West Division champions. College of Idaho finished conference play undefeated, setting a new benchmark for the program and underscoring the growth and consistency that carried the Yotes to the national semifinals.
