The countdown to college football’s new season is already ticking, and Boise State’s opening test will come on Sept. 5 when the Broncos travel to face Oregon. The matchup marks the start of a campaign that could reshape the landscape of the Group of 6.
A New Era for the Broncos
Boise State enters the year as a member of the revitalized Pac‑12 Conference, a league that has seen its reputation rebound after years of realignment. The Broncos’ placement in the conference opens a fresh pathway to the College Football Playoff, a chance that seemed distant just a few years ago.
Preseason analysts have already placed Boise State near the top of the Group of 6 hierarchy. CBS Sports ranks the Broncos at No. 33, the highest spot for any G6 team, while Josh Pate’s College Football Show lists them at No. 25, the only G6 program on that particular board. Phil Steele’s rankings put Boise State at No. 47, again the leading G6 school, and ESPN’s Football Power Index predicts a four‑point edge over an average neutral‑field opponent.
The latest College Football Playoff format now guarantees a berth for the highest‑ranked Group of 6 team, a rule change that has amplified the Broncos’ prospects. If the early rankings hold, Boise State could not only secure a playoff spot but also challenge the traditional powerhouses for a national championship.
Fans and commentators alike are watching closely as the Broncos prepare to translate preseason optimism into on‑field performance. With a schedule that blends traditional rivalries and new conference battles, Boise State’s season could become a defining story of the year.