Where Legends Are Made- CFB26

[Deuce2223]

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BRONCOS FALL SHORT IN ROSE BOWL!!

GAME RECAP

Injuries and turnover plagued the Broncos in their quest for a win over the #1 seed Indiana, as the Hoosiers score 18 unanwered points in the 4th Quarter for the comeback win.

Boise State dominated the 1st Quarter taking a early (14-0) lead as Maddux Madsen throws a pair of touchdowns (7 yds to Matt Lauter and 1 yd to Ja'Bree Bickham).

Indiana got on the scoreboard early in the 2nd Quarter on a 1 yd TD run by SR RB Roman Hemby (87 ovr), but Boise State answers the score with Madsen's 3rd TD of the game as he finds Latrell Caples on a 27 yd bomb to make it (21-7). Indiana would settle for a pair of FG's to make it (21-13) with 2:22 to play but Madsen wasn't done as he hits Chris Marshall on a 12 yd TD pass to make it (28-13) with 1:06 to play.

Indiana however completes 2 big pass plays to close out the half by setting up a 41 yd FG by Nicolas Radici making it (28-16) going into the locker room.

Boise State despite 4 passing TD's in the 1st half still managed a solid half on the ground as well as Malik Sherrod (1 carry 19 yds) and Sire Gaines (16 carries 89 yds) produced over 100 yds but both backs were ruled out in the 2nd half leaving JR Jambres Dubar to take the bulk of the carries.

Dubar would manage just 15 yds on 18 carries in the 2nd half leading to Boise State forced to pass out of 3rd and long.. The Broncos would extend their lead on the opening drive of the 2nd half with a 19 yd FG by Colton Boomer and Madsen would mange his 5th passing TD of the day hitting Ja"Bree Bickham on a 8 yd score but a pair of INT's would lead to a 15 yd TD run by JR QB Fernando Mendoza (87 ovr) cutting the lead to (38-23) going into the 4th.

Mendoza the Cal Transfer never gave up despite 3 INT's on the day, continued to fire away setting up a 1 yd run by Lee Beebe Jr with 6:18 that made it (38-30) and then with 1:35 to play Mendoza found his SR TE James Bomba on a 18 yd score to make it (38-36).. The Hoosier would go for the 2pt play and Mendoza converts as he takes a big hit from Virgin-Morgan to tie the game (38-38).

Boise State had a chance to try and win it in regulation but Madsen is picked off for 4th time as he tries to get the Broncos in FG range. Instead it's Mendoza who comes up big with a pair of completions to set up Radici for a 41 yd game winner as time expires.

Mendoza ends the game 40/61 for 386 yds with 1 TD and 3 INT plus 25 yds rushing and 1 score. RB Roman Hemby had 21 carries for 57 yds and 1 TD and led the team with 11 rec for 87 yds

INDIANA-41 BOISE STATE-38

KEY BRONCOS

QB M. Madsen-42/65 (64%) 386 yds 5 TD 4 INT
RB M. Sherod-1 carry 19 yds
RB S. Gaines-16 carries 89 yds
RB J. Dubar-18 carries 15 yds
RB D. Riley-1 carry 11 yds
WR J. Bickham-12 rec 87 yds 2 TD
WR C. Marshall-8 rec 95 yds 1 TD
WR L. Caples-8 rec 97 yds 1 TD
WR C. Penry-4 rec 51 yds
TE M. Lauter-4 rec 34 yds
Defense-3 INT, 3 sacks, 12 TFL

[Deuce2223]

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OKLAHOMA WINS THE 2025 NATTY!!

HOW IT FINISHED

#5 Duke pulled off a (27-24) win over Florida in the Cotton Bowl to advance to the Semi Finals and a matchup with #1 Indiana in the Peach Bowl

#11 Oklahoma continued their upset role as they beat #3 Penn State (36-35) to advance to face #10 USC who also pulled off the upset beating #2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl (22-14)

The Sooners defeated USC (30-27) to setup a matchup with #5 Duke who beat Indiana (28-17).

The Sooners then beat Duke (20-17) to win the Natty.

[georgiafan]

I've been eyeing the Boise TE Kaden Anderson. How's he playing ? Also any chance you remember his deal breaker ?

[Deuce2223]

I've been eyeing the Boise TE Kaden Anderson. How's he playing ? Also any chance you remember his deal breaker ?

Play Stye.. So for me he is the smallest of my TE at 6'3 223.. He is a 70 Ovr as a RS FR TE and has the worse catch rating of the TE's on the roster so I actually play him as my FB because I like adding some I-Formation runs to my playbook He moves to a 75 Ovr as a FB..

[Deuce2223]

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COACHING NEWS

MILLER STAYS IN BOISE

Matt Millers first season as Co-Offensive Coordinator with Nate Potter was a huge success. The Broncos led the nation in Total Offensive Yards (7314 yds) and were #2 in Yards per game (487.6) behind Tennessee (504.7). Boise was ranked #5 in Passing yards (4883 yds) and 7th in Rushing yards (2481 yds) well scoring 36.8 PPG (Ranked #12).

Miller had multiple offers to offers to become a HC at both Troy and Hawaii and also turned down offers to become the OC at Nevada and New Mexico State.

BIG CHANGES AROUND THE NATION

Michigan got things going by firing Sherron Moore after a 9-4 season that saw the Wolverines go 6-3 in Big Ten play including a 37-27 loss to Ohio State. They did beat Ole Miss in the Citrus Bowl but it wasn't enough to keep his job.. Moore though landed on his feet as he will take over at BYU

Alabama was next.. The Tide rolled Kalen DeBoar out after just 2 seasons as Alabama finished 6-6 this past season including just a 2-6 record in SEC play.. DeBoar will look to regroup taking over at Georgia Tech who let Brent Key go after a 4-8 season.

Jedd Fisch (Washington), DeShaun Foster (UCLA), Johnathan Smith (Michigan State), Barry Odom (Purdue) T. Sanchez (New Mexico State) Jeff Choate (Nevada) Ryan Beard (Missouri State), Dell McGee (Georgia State), Gerald Parker (Troy) all joined Moore, DeBoar, Key on the unemployement line but not for long.

We also saw some major changes at several other schools.

Alabama is bringing Dabo Swinney home after leading Clemson to a ACC title this past season, Swinney is returning to his Alma Mater..

Clemson was quick to offer and hire Lane Kiffin away from Ole Miss to replace him.

Michigan offered Steve Sarkisian enough money to leave Austin to try his luck in the Big Ten, well Texas throws a bunch of money at Lincoln Riley to leave USC despite leading the Trojans to a playoff berth.

USC somehow fails to land anyone with a decent resume and settles for Barry Odom hoping his time at UNLV was no fluke

Other note worthy hires

Matt Campbell (Iowa State) heads to TCU
Lance Leipold (Kansas) heads to Wisconsin
Kalani Sitake (BYU) heads to Oklahoma State (Gundy left for the NFL)
Chuck Martin (Miami OH) heads to Illinois
Elah Drinkwitz (Missouri) heads to Utah (Wittingham retires)
Jim Mora (UConn) heads to UCLA
Butch Jones (Arkansas State) heads to Missouri
Ryan Silverfield (Memphis) heads to Minnesota
Clay Helton (Georgia Southern) heads to Michigan State
Jeff Traylor (UTSA) heads to Iowa State
Ryan Carty (Delaware) heads to Virginia
Michel Desomeaux (Louisiana) heads to Vanderbilt
Chris Creighton (Eastern Michigan) heads to Kansas
Joe Moorehad (Akron) heads to Temple
Sonny Cumbie (La Tech) heads to Purdue
Brent Key (Georgia Tech) ends up at Troy
Deshaun Foster (UCLA) ends up at Nevada
Jedd Fisch (Washington) ends up at Georgia State
Johnathan Smith (Michigan State) ends up at New Mexico State
PJ Fleck (Minnesota) goes to Michigan to become the OC
Timmy Chang (Hawaii HC) leaves to become Washington OC
Jay Norvelll (Colorado State HC) leaves to become TCU OC
Tony Elliott (Virginia HC) leaves to become Kentucky OC
Sonny ****s (TCU HC) ends up at New Mexico State as OC

FORMER BOISE STATE COACHES LOOKING FOR WORK

Former Boise State LB/HC Andy Avalos was fired from TCU after the school let go of the entire staff

Former Boise State QB/OC Bush Hamdan was fired from Kentucky as the OC

Former Boise State Special teams Coach Jeff Choate was fired from Nevada

[Deuce2223]

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BOISE STATE END OF YEAR RECAP

MAKING HISTORY


After a 15 game season we see 2 school records that are broken. JR QB Maddux Madsen breaks Ryan Dinwiddie's single season Passing Yards record setting it at 4712 yds and JR WR Chris Marshall showed why he was a former 5* All-American setting the Receptions record at 93.


KEY STATS

QB M. Madsen- 385/614 (62%) 4712 yds 40 TD 16 INT, 127 yds rushing 4 TD

RB M. Sherrod-283 carries 1244 yds (4.4 avg) 10 TD, 22 rec 207 yds 2 TD

RB S. Gaines-150 carries 868 yds (5.8 avg) 15 TD

RB J. Dunbar-40 carries 88 yds (2.2 avg) 3 TD

WR C. Marshall-93 rec 1396 yds 13 TD

WR L. Caples-92 rec 1071 yds 6 TD

WR J. Bickham-67 rec 763 yds 13 TD

WR C. Penry-11 rec 112 yds 1 TD

TE M. Lauter-79 rec 948 yds 4 TD

TE M. Wagner-18 rec 239 yds 1 TD


MLB- M.Notarainni-102 Tackles 6 TFL, 2 Sacks,, 2 INT

CB- J. Earby-91 Tackles, 5 TFL, 1 INT

CB A McCoy-67 Tackles 4 INT

SS D. Ganter (C. Rich)-67 tackles 3 TFL, 2 INT

FS T. Benefield-66 Tackles, 2 TFL 1 INT

DE J. Virgin-Morgan 62 Tackles 25 TFL 10.0 Sacks

DT D. Washington-55 Tackles 13 TFL 9.0 Sacks

DT B Fely- 53 Tackles 22 TFL 9.0 sacks


SAYING GOODBYE


Boise State graduates 19 Seniors including some key players like Sherrod, Lauter, Caples on the Offensive Side of the ball, and Notarainni, Earby, McCoy, Washington, Fely on the Defense

JOINING THE PORTAL

JR RB Jambres Dubar (79 ovr), JR MLB Jake Ripp (73 Ovr) RS SO QB Max Cutforth (71) and RS FR QB Kaleb Annett (64) as well as Center Jason Steele (71) and FS LJ Grant (69) have all joined the Portal.

With Cutforth and Annett both in the Portal BSU will have only Maddux Madsen returning at QB.

**On Postive Note**

RS JR DE Jayden Virgin-Morgan (90 Ovr) and RS FR RB Greg Ard (75 Ovr) both were talked into staying.

NFL BOUND

TE Matt Lauter was selected in the 4th Round, RB Malik Sherrod turned his lone season with the Broncos into a 6th Round selection and CB A'Marion McCoy was selected in the 7th.

The Big New here is LT Kage Casey (97 Ovr) was projected as a 3rd round selection but returns to Boise for his Senior season as he looks to improve his draft stock.

RECRUITING PREVIEW
Boise State will go into the off-season recruiting with 14 scholarships still available.. BSU lost out on 4* WR Devon Droogsma (Tennessee) and 3* SS Kevin Mayo (Missouri) late in the season. BSU currently has 15 players signed to this year's class (7-4*, 8-3*).. The Class currently ranks #19 Overall and #1 in the MWC.

[Deuce2223]

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The Headliner of the Portal has to be 5* QB Archie Manning leaving Texas after seeing his HC depart for Michigan., but Manning isn't the only starting QB looking for a new home.

Avery Johnson (Kansas State), Noah Fifita (Arizona), Roco Becht (Iowa State), Alonza Barnett III (James Madison), Marcell Reed (TAMU), Adam Matthews (San Jose State) Jackson Arnold (Auburn), Demon Williams JR (Washington), Brendan Sorsby (Cincy), Conner Weigman (Houston), Caden Veltkahmp (FIU) all are looking for new homes.

We also see several young guns looking for a quicker climb to the starting spot.. RS FR Tavien St Clair (Ohio State), RS FR James McCauley (Washington State) RS SO Austin Mack (Alabama) RS SO Michael Hawkins Jr (Oklahoma) RS FR Trey Owens (Texas) are also putting their names in the hat.

Issac Brown (Louisville), Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), Jason Ball (Ohio State), Dante Dowdell (Kentucky), AJ Turner (Minnesota), Wayshawn Parker (Utah), Justice Haynes (Michigan), Jay Haynes (Clemson), lead a very talented pool of 4* RB's (their is just to many to list)

**The Portal list is huge and would take a entire day to list. I think moving forward I will list 5* guy's and guy's who were maybe key starters on their team.

5* DE Keldric Faulk (Auburn), 5* DE Colin Simmons (Texas) and 5* LT Jordan Seaton (Colorado) join Manning as the other former 5* Recruits in the Portal.

[bayers3]

Maybe it isn't that odd, but I had a TON of those guys in the portal as well after the 2025 season.

[Deuce2223]

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NATIONAL RECRUITING RECAP

PORTAL MOVES
Former 5* AA QB Archie Manning jumped ship and is head to Florida (doesn't make alot of sense to me).

Texas also lost 5* DE Colin Simmons who signed with LSU. 5* DE Keldric Faulk (#1 player in the Portal) left Auburn for Georgia.. Georgia also landed 4* RB Isaac Brown from Louisville.

4* RB Ahmad Hardy (#7 Overall) left Missouri for Clemson, well 5* LT Jordan Seaton (#3 Overall/Colorado) signed with Penn State... The Lions also signed 4* LT Caleb Lomu (#8 Overall/Utah) landing the Top-2 0-Lineman in the portal.

4* WR Makai Lemon (#12/USC) signed with Colorado., 4* QB Avery Johnson (#13/K-State) signed with Ole Miss, 4* WR Zachariah Branch (#16/Georgia/USC) also signed with Colorado.

4* QB Noah Fifita (#18/Airizona) signed with Clemson, 4* Rocoo Becht (#19 Overall/Iowa State) landed at Tennessee as did 4* Alonza Barnnett III (James Madison)

TOP-25 CLASS'S

#1 Georgia-33 (3-5*,29-4*, 1-3*)
#2 Texas-34 (3-5*, 21-4*, 10-3*)
#3 Michigan-32 (3-5*, 20-4*, 9-3*)
#4 Clemson-34 (2-5*, 25-4*, 7-3*)
#5 LSU-34 (2-5*, 22-4*, 10-3*)
#6 Notre Dame-33 (2-5*, 15-4*, 16-3*)
#7 Tennesse-30 (2-5*, 15-4*, 13-3*)
8 Ohio State-31 (1-5*, 26-4*, 4-3*)
#9 Oklahoma-30 (2-5*, 14-4*, 14-3*)
#10 Penn State-27 (2-5*,15-4*, 10-3*)
#11 Alabama-34 (23-4*, 11-3*)
12 Florida-32 (1-5*, 15-4*, 16-3*)
#13 Oregon-33 (17-4*, 16-3*)
#14 Miami FL-32 (16-4*, 16-3*)
#15 Auburn-33 (15-4*, 18-3*)
#16 Pitt-22 (1-5*, 14-4*,7-3*)
#17 Indiana-32 (15-4*, 16-3)
#18 Boise State-33 (15-4*, 17-3*, 1-2*)
#19 Ole Miss-32 (2-5*, 8-4*, 22-3*)
#20 USC-29 (15-4*, 14-3*)
#21 Washington-30 (1-5*, 12-4*, 17-3*)
#22 Illinois-33 (12-4*, 17-3*, 4-2*)
23 Nebraska-31 (1-5*, 9-4*, 20-3*, 1-2*)
24 Texas A&M-29 (1-5*, 9-4*, 19-3*)
#25 Baylor-26 (11-4*, 14-3*, 1-2*)

[bayers3]

This is funny, Fifita signed with Clemson in my game as well.

[Deuce2223]

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BRONCOS LAND #18

Boise State makes a statement



Coach Spence Danielson has quickly made a name for himself over the past 2 seasons leading Boise State to 2 straight playoffs with his “Kind of Guys” .. Danielson, not shy about his Faith and belief in God, has built a culture at Boise State that is different from many schools across the nation and big time recruits are taking notice..


Boise State has always been known as an Offensive powerhouse and last season was no different, but both Danielson (a former DC) and current DC Erik Chinander (former 4 year Nebraska DC) are here to prove that this team can also be a Defensive powerhouse, as both coaches bring in a ton of talent via the Transfer Portal including multiple players from Alabama.


Coach Danielson “Since the arrival of the Transfer Portal, bigtime SEC and Big Ten programs have tried and poached some of our best players away from Bosie.. We decided it was time to return the favor.. Any time you have Coaching changes, you have players looking for a place they can feel connected to.. I think E.C. and I did a great job this off-season finding guys we believe can make a major impact on our starting unit.”


Former 4* SS Bray Hubbard (#9 Overall Transfer/Alabama), 4* FS Koi Peach (#6 Overall Transfer/Minnesota) and 4* CB Zabien Brown (#50 Overall Transfer/Alabama) completely help rebuild the Secondary.


4* Center Roderick Kearney (#52 Overall/Florida), and 4* RT Andrew Sprague (#143 Overall/Michigan) help rebuild the O-Line giving Nate Potter 3 legit NFL prospects next season.


4* RB Abu Sama III (#116 Overall/Iowa State) will join Gaines as a featured duo in the backfield replacing Malik Sherrod


But most of all Boise State landed not just 1 or 2 QB’s in the portal but 3 big time prospects.


4* Tavien St. Clair (#78 Overall/Ohio State) and 4* Austin Mack (#151 Overall/Alabama) give the Broncos 2 completely different styles of QB’s behind Maddux Madsen with St Clair listed as a Duel Threat well Mack is a 6’6 Pocket Passer. Both are expected to challenge each other for the #2 job well 3* Tanner Applewhite (#356 Overall/Florida State) gives the team additional depth.



With the addition of these players from the Portal plus a couple other 3* Depth pieces Boise State filled 33 scholarships this season landing (15-4* 17-3* and 1-2*) finishing with the #1 Recruiting Class in the MWC and the #18 Overall.

SPRING GAME POSITION CHANGES

Athlete TJ Bryant played both TE and LB last season but the 6'3 232lb 3* will move to Defense playing as the SAM LB moving forward.

Former TE Kaden Anderson is moving to FB next season.. Anderson spent most of last season as the Broncos lead blocker in the I-Formation but will officially move after another strong performance this spring.

MARSHALL RETURNS

Former 5* All-American (Ole Miss/TAMU) Chris Marshall had a breakout season last year finishing with a school record 93 receptions for 1396 yds and a tie for the most TD's (13). Marshall tested the Transfer Portal, but returns after not getting the offer he wanted.

**Former RB Jambes Dunbar signed with South Carolina and Backup QB Max Cutforth signed with Purdue

BRONCOS CUT 8 TO GET TO 85

The Broncos released JR FB Kyle Spangler (67 Ovr), RG RS SO Eyitayo Omontingubon (63) DE RS SO Roman Caywood (68) DT SR Mason Jacobsen (65) CB RS JR Jaylen Webb (71) CB RS SO Treyvon Tolmaire (70) FS RS JR Sam Brooks (70) PK SR Jarrett Resser (65)

[Irish87]

This has been great to follow along.

[Deuce2223]

I appreciate the follow.. I am looking forward to next season and the move to the Pac-12. I am still trying to finalize what I want to do with conferences. There is a part of me that wants to bring back the OG's because battling Oregon, USC, Washington every year would be a big time challenge,. Right now the way the Pac-12 is going I feel like Boise State will just roll to the Championship every year.

[Deuce2223]

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NCCA MAKES MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

The landscape of College Football changes every year and with the additions of Delaware and Missouri State, the FBS now has 136 teams, the most in NCAA history.. In the past 2 years we have seen major changes with the collapse of the Pac-12 with Oregon, Washington, USC, UCLA all leaving for the Big Ten, Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, Colorado joining the Big 12 and Cal and Stanford heading to the ACC..


The moves have cost schools hundreds of thousands in travel expenses, regional rivalries have died and fans have struggled to support their favorite schools on the road.


Well that all changes today.. Under the guidance of Bryan Jungling the Head of the Conference ReAlignment Committee. The NCAA announces today the return of the Power 5 as the Pac-12 joins the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC.. All Power 5 Conferences will consist of 16 teams with 8 teams in each division.. The American, CUSA, MAC, Mountain West and Sun Belt will now consist of 11 teams, with Hawaii as the only team that will compete as an Independent.


Over the course of the next 3 seasons the NCAA will monitor the teams with the best records in the Group 5 and the teams with the worst records in the Power 5 and implement a regulation.


The Best teams from the MWC will have a chance to replace the worst teams from the Pac-12 or Big 12, well other teams located in the American/CUSA and MAC will have opportunities to join the ACC, SEC, or Big Ten depending on regional matchups, well the Sun Belt Champion could join the the SEC..


Jungling

“Boise State and Tulane the past couple years have proven they deserve a chance to compete at the highest level and they have shown the ability to do so both on the field and off the field.”

Regulation will not just be based off Win and loss’s.. Teams will get a point system Win’s, Conference Championships, Bowl wins, Playoff appearances all will count toward the point value system but we also be looking at how the teams perform off the field in terms of recruiting ranking nation wide as well.

Teams will be awarded 50 points if they win 7 games and a additional 10 points for 8 and 9 wins. If they win 10 they will start with a base of 100. If a Team wins the Conference title they get 50 points and If the team wins a non playoff Bowl game its 25 points and a Playoff win equals 50 for each win..

Any team who finishes inside the Top-50 from 26-50 gets 50 points added to their total, and team inside the Top-25 gets 50 plus whatever they finish so Top-25 gets 75, Top-10 would be worth 90, #1 Overall Class gets 100..

Here is a look at the new Conferences.

PAC-12
Oregon
Oregon State
Washington
Washington State
Utah
BYU
Boise State
Colorado

Arizona
Arizona State
Cal
Stanford
USC
UCLA
Fresno State
San Diego State

"How will Boise State do in a conference in which they now face Oregon, Washington, Utah, BYU, Colorado every season and can Fresno State and San Diego State compete with the rest of Cali or will one or both school head back to the MWC allowing Colorado State or UNLV a shot at the Pac-12"

BIG 12
Baylor
North Texas
Texas Tech
Texas
Texas A&M
SMU
Houston
TCU

Kansas
Kansas State
Tulsa
Oklahoma State
Oklahoma
UTSA
Rice
Sam Houston

"Oklahoma, Texas and TAMU are the favorites to dominate, but what abut TCU, Baylor, or Texas Tech.. Can Sam Houston, Tulsa, North Texas win enough games or will they be replaced by Texas State, New Mexico or Colorado State?

BIG TEN
Ohio State
Illinois
Nebraska
Michigan
Michigan State
Cincinnati
Minnesota
Wisconsin

Indiana
Notre Dame
Penn State
Iowa State
Pitt
Iowa
Northwestern
Purdue

"Ohio State and Michigan will continue to battle it out in the North, well Notre Dame joins Penn State, Indiana in the South. How will the Iowa schools do Could we see a team dominate the MAC and make a jump or what about a team from the American North, like Navy, or UConn"

ACC
Duke
North Carolina
Boston College
Rutgers
Syracuse
Wake Forest
NC State
Maryland

Miami
UCF
USF
Louisville
Virginia
Virginia Tech
West Virginia
Georgia Tech

"Miami and Georgia Tech get left out of the move to the SEC but for the Hurricanes it could be a blessing as they look to dominate the ACC South.. Duke was a Top-4 seed going into Championship Week before their loss to Clemson. Can they make a run at a ACC Football Championship again. Lots of teams looking for a chance to replace Rutgers, BC, Wake Forest, USF and UCF.. Will be interesting to see what happens in 2030.

SEC
Tulane
Georgia
LSU
Tennessee
Auburn
Vanderbilt
Arkansas
Alabama

Florida
Florida State
Clemson
Ole Miss
Miss State
Missouri
Kentucky

*Tennessee and Clemson will likely switch divisions with each other next year so Clemson plays Georgia and Tennessee plays Florida every year.

"Can Tulane hang with the Big Boys.. Can Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas hold off teams like Louisiana, Memphis, Southern Miss from making a push to replace them.?"

AMERICAN
Navy
Temple
Appalachian State
UMass
East Carolina
Coastal Carolina
FIU
FAU
UConn
Charlotte
Army

CUSA
James Madison
Southern Miss
Liberty
Western Kentucky
Middle Tennessee
Northern Illinois
Delware
Old Dominion
Marshall
Memphis
Missouri State

MAC
Buffalo
Miami OH
Toledo
Kent State
Eastern Michigan
Western Michigan
Central Michigan
Bowling Green
Ball State
Ohio
Akron

SUNBELT
Jacksonville State
Kennesaw State
Georgia Southern
Georgia State
Arkansas State
South Alabama
UAB
La Tech
Troy
Louisiana
UL Monroe

MWC
UNLV
Colorado State
Air Force
New Mexico
New Mexico State
San Jose State
Wyoming
Utah State
Texas State
UTEP
Nevada

INDY
Hawaii

[Deuce2223]

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2026 TOP-25 PRESEASON POLL

(Overall/Offense/Defense)

#1 Georgia (97/99/96)

#2 Ohio State (94/94/96)
#3 Penn State (91/91/91)
#4 Clemson (89/89/89)
#5 Indiana (79/79/79)
#6 Florida (87/86/89)
#7 Oklahoma (86/86/86)
8 Miami FL (87/86/89)
#9 Oregon (92/91/94)
#10 Duke (74/74/76)
#11 USC (86/86/86)
12 Iowa State (81/81/81)
#13 Illinois (77/76/79)
#14 Nebraska (82/81/84)
#15 Kansas (81/81/81)
#16 Boise State (81/81/81)
#17 Kansas State (82/81/84)
#18 Ole Miss (83/81/86)
#19 Tulane (74/74/74)
#20 Baylor (81/79/84)
#21 Michigan (94/94/94)
#22 LSU (91/91/91)
23 SMU (76/76/76)
24 Texas A&M (84/84/86)
#25 Pitt (81/81/81)

"I am not sure why Indiana, Illinois, Duke and Tulane are in the Top-25 and why Michigan is ranked so low as a 94 Overall. Tennessee (89 overall), Alabama (91 Overall), Notre Dame (91 Overall) Texas (89 Overall) all seem like logical replacement teams that have some street cred."

[K0ZZ]

Good luck with year 2, the rebuilt PAC-12 is going to
be a tough one for sure.

[Deuce2223]

Good luck with year 2, the rebuilt PAC-12 is going to
be a tough one for sure.

Thanks.. Yeah I thought about just leaving the Pac-12 how its going to be in real life with Texas State and then maybe adding like UTSA, Tulane, Memphis, but Fresno State becomes like a 65 Overall, Washington State is a 67 Overall, San Diego State is a 68 Overall, leaving Oregon State (76 Overall) as really the only challenge for Boise State (81 Overall) in the Pac-12, so by bringing back Oregon, Washington, USC, UCLA as well as Colorado, BYU, Utah, I feel like it is worthy of a Power 5 conference title.

[Deuce2223]

2026 MEDIA GUIDE

THE TEAM

(Overall Rating) RS=player already Redshirted (R)=player is redshirting this season


QB
SR Maddux “Mad Dog Madsen (86)

“Madsen threw for a school record 4712 yds last season along with 40 TD’s and 16 INT’s leading the Broncos to a 1st Round playoff win over Oregon and a matchup with Indiana in the Rose Bowl. If Madsen can cut down on the INT’s the Broncos could make a 3-Peat run a the playoffs and Madsen could push for a roster spot on a NFL roster

RS JR Austin Mack (82)

Mack started his career at Sacramento State then moved to Washington before going back into the Portal and transferring to Alabama before joining the Portal again and making the jump to Boise.. Listed at 6’6 237lbs, Mack also will play on the Boise State Basketball team.

RS FR Tavien St Clair (82)

St Clair is a former 5* All-American coming out of high school who signed with Ohio State but after watching teammate Julian Sayin throw for 5102 yds with 47 TD and 5 INT last season for the Buckeyes, St Clair started looking for a job where he could shine.. St Clair could very well be the best QB to ever follow in Kellen Moore’s footsteps and will have 3 years to showcase his talent with the Broncos unless he hits the Portal for a higher profile school

RS FR Tanner Applewhite (77)

Applewhite was a late addition in the Portal from Florida State. Similar in size and skills to Madsen he will have his work cut out for him to beat out St Clair for the starting job next season as well as Mack for the backup job.

(R ) FR Klayton Keizer (74)

A 4* Recruit Keizer was viewed as the potential replacement for Madsen before St Clair announced he was coming to Boise.. Now he will look to challenge Applewhite for the backup job should he stick around

(R ) FR Brian Epenesa (64).

A 3* Recruit who likely won’t stick around or could see a position change should the rest of the QB’s stay on the roster next season

RB

RS SO Sire Gaines (85)

“Gaines appears ready to take on the #1 role vs sharing it with Sherrod and Jeanty the past 2 years, but he will have some help in Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III. Gaines led the Broncos with 15 TD’s on 150 carries for 868 yds last season

RS SR Abu Sama III (88)
Sama III followed in Malik Sherrod’s footsteps joining the Broncos via the Portal for his final season.. Sama III had 73 carries for 493 yds (6.8 avg) with 9 TD’s last season for Iowa State showing some big play potential. He also will help in the passing game as he scored 2 TD’s on 6 receptions last season.

RS FR Greg Ard (78)

Ard a former 3* redshirted last season but will look to find a role as the #3 RB vacated by the transfer of Jambres Dubar to South Carolina.

RS SO Dylan Riley (76)

Riley saw limited PT (2 carries for 9 yds and 4 KR for 90 yds) last season but He is expected to contribute more on Special teams this year as well as push Ard for some carries

FB

RS SO Kaden Anderson (75)

Anderson originally came to BSU as a TE but he has moved fulltime to FB as the Broncos look to implement more I-Formation into their playbook

WR

RS SR Chris Marshall (80)

Marshall a former 5* Recruit who transferred from Ole Miss and TAMMU after become a star in the JUCO ranks finally found a home at Boise State last season stepping up as the Broncos #2 WR finishing the season with 92 receptions for a team high 1396 yds and scoring 13 TD’s. Marshall explored his options in the transfer portal but returns as Maden’s #1 target this season.

RS SR Chase Penry (79)

Penry was originally slated to be the Broncos #3 WR last year but battled some injuries that limited him to just 11 rec for 112 yds and 1 TD.. He did however manage to make his mark on special teams with 20 KR for 503 yds (25.1 avg). With the graduation of Latrell Caples, Penry will look to finally get a chance at a starting WR role this season.

SO Ja’Bree Bickham (78)

You could say that Bickham was the MVP of the 2025 season. As a True Freshman Bickham stepped into the #3 WR role last season and became a star finishing with 67 receptions for 763 yds and tying Marshall with a team high 13 TD’s. Bickham appears to have locked down the #2 role this season and is expected to become the Broncos #1 target next season with the graduation of Marshall and Penry.

RS SO Cameron Bates (76)

Despite being active last season Bates didn’t see the field but with the graduation of Ben Ford, Bates is expected to take over as the Broncos #1 Kick and Punt returner and will fill the role as the Broncos #4 WR

Coach Matt Miller and the Broncos had a very successful recruiting season in the WR this past year signing 4-4* Recruits, with a wide range of size and talent. 6’4 Ezekiel Fogg (74) will be active this season as the team’s #5 WR and a potential redzone threat as the Broncos tallest WR on the team.

FR Dennis Moses (76), FR Keilan Bettis (75) and FR Arthur Wing (74) will all redshirt this season.. With Penry and Marshall set to graduate they will battle Bates and Fogg next year for starting roles.

TE

RS JR Matt Wagner (78)

Wagner served as the Broncos #2 last year behind Matt Lauter who went on to be a 4th round Draft pick after a 80+ 800 yd season as the Broncos #1 TE.. Now it’s Wagner’s turn to shine.. He showed potential with 18 rec for 239 yds (13.3 avg) and 1 TD last season

RS SR Austin Terry (77)

Terry moves into the #2 role and will look duplicate similar #’s as Wagner did last season

RS JR Ewan Arechaederra (73)

A 3* transfer from CAl, Arechaederra is the smallest of the TE on roster at 5’11 205lbs but he is also more of a blocker and will likely spend the season backing up Anderson at FB.

RS FR Clayton Boswell (68)

Boswell is the biggest of the TE at 6’7 246lbs he is more of a 6th 0-Lineman then a pass catcher. He will likely fill the role of an extra blocker on goal line runs.

0-LINE

LT- RS SR Kage Cassy (92)

LG- RS SR Roger Carreon (77)

C-RS JR Roderick Kearney (86)

RG-RS SR Hall Schmidt (82)

RT-JR Andrew Sprague (86)


LT/RT-SR Daylon Metoyer (76)

RG/LG/C-RS SR Jake Steele (75)

RG/LG-RS JR Miles Walker (73)

Casey returns for his final season as he looks to improve his 3rd round Draft grade.. Schmidt moves to RG giving way to Michigan transfer Andrew Sprague to start at RT well Florida transfer Rod Kearney takes over at Center with the graduation of Mason Rudolph. With 3 returning starters and 2 talented transfers the starting unit is among the best in the Pac-12.

Metoyer and Steele are veterans who have seen plenty of action and are ready to start if needed.

D-Line

DE-RS SR Jayden Viirgin-Morgan (91)

Virgin-Morgan posted a team high 25 TFL and 10 Sacks for a 2nd year in a row and had plenty of offers in the Portal but returns to lead a talented Boise State Defense yet again.

DE-RS SR Sterling Lane II- (80)

Lane a Arizona Wildcat transfer last season recorded 23 tackles with 8 TFL and 5 sacks spelling Morgan on the edge.. Now he will be called to start on the opposite side and could benefit from teams looking to double the V-M.

DT-David Latu (82)

Latu transferred from BYU last season backing up Braxton Fely at DT.. Fely has graduated taking his double digit TFL and 9 sacks with him, so now Latu gets a chance to start after recording just 12 Tackles with 3 TFL and 1 Sack last year

RS JR M. Madrid (75), RS FR Bol Bol (72), RS JR Max Stege (77) and RS FR Matt Westry (74) will be the primary backups . All 4 players redshirted last season as BSU graduated out the previous backups.

LB

Boise lost it’s starting LB’s to graduation so now it’s up to a new group of players to rise and take on new roles

JR Clay Matrineau (80) and RS FR Mana Tuioti (80) will battle it out in the “Mike” role, well True Freshman 4* Recruit Denton Baer (77) and RS SR Pierre Washington (75) will take on the Sam and Will roles.

SR Chase Martin (75) and RS FR Ramsey Snell (74) will be the primary backups well 3* Athlete TJ Bryant (78) will redshirt this season as he adjusts to his new role on Defense after being originally recruited as a TE.

DB
CB- JR Zabien Brown (89)

CB- SR Jaden Mickey (83)

CB- RS SR Demetrius Freeney (77)

CB- RS FR Dominik Calhoun (75)

CB- RS JR Frankyln Johnson Jr (72)


FS-JR Koi Perich (93)

FS-SR Ty Benefield (87)

FS-RS JR Boen Phelps (75)

FS-RS FR Torell Robinson (72)


SS-SR Bray Hubbard (92)

SS-RS SR Derek Ganter Jr/ *C. Rich in game (78)

SS-RS SO Travis Anderson (70)


Benefield and Ganter Jr both started last year with Ganter Jr a Eastern Washington transfer posting 67 Tackles and 2 INT.. Now the Broncos add former Alabama transfers Bray Hubbard (69 tackles, 2 INT) and Minnesota transfer Koi Perich (76 Tackles 2 INT) come in to push both players for PT as BSU will likely employ 5 DB’s in the starting unit this season.


Brown (34 tackles 2 INT) also comes in from Alabama and will join former Tide teammate Hubbard in the starting lineup. Jaden Mickey will continue his role as the team’s Nickle/Dime DB in which he shined with 41 Tackles and 2 INT last season.

ST
PK-SR Colton Boomer (77)

Boomer was key player in the Broncos success last season hitting 16/21 FG’s (76%) including a 52 yd long. Of his 5 misses 4 of them were attempts over 50 yds.. He was also 70/71 on Extra Points and recorded 60 TB out of 103 Kickoff’s.

P-JR Patt Taggart (68)

Taggart as a Sophomore recorded 49 punts or 2008 yds (41.0 avg) with a long of 61 yds.

ROSTER BREAKDOWN

Boise State will go into the season with a full 85 man roster, with 21 Seniors, 16 Juniors, 12 Sophomores and 36 Freshman.. The Coach Staff will likely look to fill 25 Scholarships this season with 17-20 of those coming via the high school ranks with the rest o the scholarships saved for the transfer portal as well as any scholarships that open via Broncos joining the portal (My plan is not over recruit but with the portal and deal breakers I need to prepare for not leaving myself short at positions either)

THE SCHEDULE

Week 1 at #9 Oregon
Week 2 "Bye"
Week 3 vs Utah State
Week 4 at Western Michigan
Week 5 at #11 USC
Week 6 vs Arizona
Week 7 vs BYU
Week 8 at Utah
Week 9 vs Washington State
Week 10 at Oregon State
Week 11 vs Memphis
Week 12 vs Colorado *Senior Day*
Week 13 at Washington

The Broncos 2 toughest games come on the road including a Week 1 rematch with Oregon in Eugene and the Trojans in Week 5. Non-Conference play brings former MWC rival Utah State to Boise in Week 3, a Week 4 Bronco Bash vs Western Michigan and a Week 11 matchup vs Memphis allowing for a late season home game to boost recruiting visits.

Week 12 the Buff's and Coach Prime will visit "The Blue" for Senior day with the Broncos finishing their season in Seattle against the Huskies.. Boise State has never defeated the Huskies on the road so that game could be a playoff killer.