Boise State’s football program is poised to step onto a larger stage as it joins the Pac‑12, a move that follows a decade of dominance in the Mountain West. The Broncos have captured seven conference titles, three of them in a row from 2023 through 2025, and the transition is being framed as both a reward and a test.
A new chapter for the Broncos
The offense, however, arrives with questions. Senior quarterback Maddux Madsen, whose career rating sits at a modest 136.9, will be charged with reviving a passing attack that managed only three plays of 50 yards or more last season. The departure of the team’s top four receivers compounds the challenge, forcing the coaching staff to lean on younger talent and unexpected options.
On the line, the Broncos retain two starters in Roger Carreon and Jason Steele, providing a measure of continuity. Yet the interior will be reshaped by the arrivals of Tyler Ethridge and Stewart Taufa, who are expected to fill the remaining spots and keep the unit cohesive.
The running game offers a bright spot. With workhorse Sire Gaines and speedster Dylan Riley set to shoulder the bulk of the carries, the ground attack is projected to remain a reliable engine that can control the tempo against tougher defenses.
Perhaps the most pressing concern is the pass rush. Last year only two players recorded more than three sacks, and while Jayden Virgin‑Morgan led the team with 9.5 sacks in 2024, the depth behind him appears thin. Additional pressure will need to come from emerging contributors such as Braxton Fely and Roman Caywood if the Broncos are to stay competitive in conference play.
Coaches and analysts alike stress that adaptation will be key. The move to the Pac‑12 brings tougher schedules, broader recruiting footprints and heightened media scrutiny. If the Broncos can blend their proven run philosophy with incremental improvements on both sides of the ball, the transition could become a foundation for future success rather than a stumbling block.