Boise State entered the 2025 campaign with a clear ambition: contend for a Pac‑12 title and force its way into the College Football Playoff conversation. The optimism, however, was quickly tempered by a series of season‑ending injuries that have stripped the Broncos of several key contributors.
Cornerbacks Jeremiah Earby, A’Marion McCoy and wide receiver Ben Ford have all been lost for the year, while quarterback Maddux Madsen and receiver Chris Marshall have missed significant time due to their own setbacks. The cumulative effect has been a depleted depth chart that forces the coaching staff to reshuffle responsibilities on both sides of the ball.
The lineman who could make the difference
At the heart of the offensive line is senior guard Roger Carreon, the most experienced player on the unit. He has logged 34 career appearances with 26 starts, including a 2024 season in which he played 855 offensive snaps and earned an all‑Mountain West honorable‑mention nod. In the latest Pro Football Focus pass‑protection rankings, Carreon sits fourth among Mountain West guards, having allowed just 14 quarterback pressures.
Carreon’s role extends beyond raw statistics; he is the primary run blocker and the vocal leader who helps coordinate the line’s assignments. Head coach Spencer Danielson has repeatedly praised his work ethic, and after missing spring practice due to injury, Carreon was cleared for fall camp, raising hopes that he will be fully available for the upcoming season.
The stakes of Carreon’s health are amplified by the inexperience that will surround him. Center Mason Randolph has exhausted his eligibility, and left tackle Kage Casey has already been drafted by the Denver Broncos, leaving the line with limited continuity. If Carreon were to miss time, the burden would shift to quarterback Maddux Madsen, who would face heightened pressure to compensate for a less stable front.
The broader implication is clear: the Broncos’ offensive line is a question mark entering conference play. Depth will be tested against rivals who boast more seasoned fronts, and the team’s ability to control the tempo will hinge on how quickly the line can gel without its most veteran anchor.
Looking ahead
Boise State’s path to a Pac‑12 title will be dictated by the availability of its key players. While the injury toll has been steep, the coaching staff remains optimistic that Carreon’s leadership and experience can provide the stability needed to navigate a demanding schedule. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Broncos can translate that optimism into on‑field success.