A new era, a new coaching staff, and lots of new players will be the trademark for Vikings Football in 2026. But there are also a lot of veterans making the adjustment during spring football. Forty-nine returners, including 30 letterwinners are learning new schemes on offense and defense.
 
In talking with three Viking veterans, to a man they all said "it's just football" but then acknowledged there was still a lot to learn and develop with a new staff and new style of play, despite their experience.
 
"It is just football, but learning a new offense, it takes a couple of practices to get in the groove," said junior Tanner Beaman, an All-Big Sky Conference tight end who is coming back from a redshirt season due to injury. "The coaches are doing a great job of selling everything to us and getting us to play at a fast tempo on offense.
 
"It's a really focused practice. We are in and out of periods really quick and getting the ball snapped as soon as we can. Practice has been super efficient and we are getting a lot of work in."
 
On the defensive side, senior linebacker Jaxton Helmstetler said there has been a lot of learning of new ideas on and off the football field.
 
'It's just football, but the scheme is very different so it is taking some time to get it perfect," he said. "But the defense is coming. It is a lot of studying for sure, but it's coming along and I get to play downhill a lot, which is what I like."
 
Offensive lineman Tristan Lewis echoed those thoughts, and threw in the same familiar comment at the end.
 
"There is technique adjustment (to the new offense) and that will take time and reps, but at the end of the day it is still football," said Lewis.
 
First-year Coach Chris Fisk expressed early on that success in football is predicated on success in the run game; being dominant running the ball on offense, and stopping the run on defense. Those are the values his staff is espousing to the players.
 
"(Offensive line) Coach (Alex) Kastens told me it was going to be a high run-driven offense, and that starts with the front guys," Lewis said. "Through winter conditioning and getting to know each other in meetings, we established the grit and know we have to lead and be the heart of this offense."
 
Helmstetler, a middle linebacker coming off a 71-tackle season in 2025, likes where the defense is going.
 
"We have been feeding off the new coaches quite a bit," he said. "The program is playing with a lot of discipline. We are keeping everybody accountable and keeping the juice up. Discipline, effort and bringing the juice every day is important."
 
In the end it is all about team, and all three Vikings said that is the key to future success.
 
"We have to buy into what the coaches are teaching. They have coached at really high levels. We need to listen to what they are coaching, buy into the program and play for each other," said Beaman.
 
"I am working on chemistry with the guys (on the offensive line)," Lewis said. "In my third year now, I have stepped into a leadership role this spring and I think the guys respect me and we are going to be a tight group. I've seen guys come and go, and some go for the wrong reasons, but I know the guys here – their hearts are in it, they will lay it on the line with me and I trust those guys."
 
SPRING GAME UPDATE: PRE-GAME TAILGATE, BLEACHERS, AND FUN, SATURDAY, MAY 9 AT STOTT FIELD
The Portland State Football Spring Game Date, Time and Location have changed for this spring. Originally scheduled on May 8 at Hillsboro Stadium, the Spring Game has been moved to May 9 and Stott Community Field on campus. The game will begin at 1 p.m.
 
Portland State Football will be bringing in bleachers to accommodate more than 1,000 fans. There will be a pre-game Tailgate Party including food for all fans.
 
OTHER SPRING STORIES ON VIKINGS FOOTBALL
The Pads Are On, The Hitting Begins
Portland State Offensive Preview
Portland State Defensive Preview
Vikings Football Officially Enters The Fisk Era With First Spring Practice
 
SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Sat., Apr. 18, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tues., Apr. 21, 8-10 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 23, 8-10 a.m.
Sat., Apr. 25, 2-4 p.m.
Tues., Apr. 28, 8-10 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 30, 8-10 a.m.
Sat., May 2, Scrimmage at Kiggins Bowl, 10 a.m.-Noon
Tues., May 5, 8-10 a.m.         
Thurs., May 7, 8-10 a.m.
Sat., May 9, Spring Football Game, Stott Community Field, 1 p.m.
 
Football practice at Stott Community Field