Boise State’s Quest For 2025 Conference Championship & CFP Win
August 24, 2025
Article By Nick Wade
The end of the 2024 football season marked a turning of the page for Boise State—a chapter that closed with confetti, heartbreak, and a swirl of transition. The Broncos had ridden a special group of players to the heights of the Mountain West and beyond. They did so on the back of historic performances, most notably from running back Ashton Jeanty, whose year was as dominant as any ever seen on the blue turf. Alongside Jeanty was defensive end Ahmed Hassanein, a relentless pass rusher whose motor and production embodied the defensive grit Boise State has prided itself on for decades. But football is not a game of standing still. Time, graduation, the NFL Draft, and the transfer portal conspire to shift every roster, even those at programs that cling to identity as fiercely as Boise State. The winter of 2025 brought with it one of the largest roster turnovers the Broncos have faced in recent memory. The names departing are well known; the production they take with them is staggering. Yet, for all that is lost, what emerges is equally compelling: a roster flush with transfers eager for a second chance, freshmen brimming with raw talent, and a coaching staff intent on proving that Boise State never rebuilds—it reloads. Before examining the new wave, it’s worth fully grasping the scale of what Boise State is replacing. Ashton Jeanty leaves behind numbers that look almost mythical on paper. In 2024 he rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, rewriting the record books and becoming only the second player in FBS history to cross the 2,600-yard threshold in a single season. More striking than raw totals was his share of Boise State’s offense: Jeanty accounted for 77% of the team’s rushing production. There was no Plan B. There was Jeanty, and there was everyone else. Hassanein, for his part, was a wrecking ball. He closed his career with 48 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks in 2024. Those numbers don’t simply disappear from a defense—they are ripped out, leaving coordinators to scramble for answers. Add in the departures of transfer wideouts like Prince Strachan (USC), experienced punter James Ferguson-Reynolds (Oregon), and linebacker Andrew Simpson (North Carolina), and the picture is clear: Boise State’s 2025 squad will be short on proven veterans. But history has taught us something about this program. When Kellen Moore graduated, the Broncos found their next leader. When Jay Ajayi left, another workhorse emerged. When Leighton Vander Esch declared, the defense found fresh energy. Boise State thrives in transition.
A New Chapter Begins: Maddux Madsen Leads Broncos into 2025
Enter Maddux “Maddog” Madsen, a quarterback who embodies the word “grit.” His numbers don’t leap off the page the way Jeanty’s or Hassanein’s do, but numbers aren’t what Madsen is about. He is about leadership, toughness, and an unwavering belief that the Broncos never flinch, no matter the roster shake-up. Madsen has played through pain, steadied games when chaos brewed, and above all, won. His presence under center gives Boise State something invaluable during a transition year: continuity. Even as new names filter into the lineup, Madsen provides a familiar face and voice in the huddle. He is the connective tissue between eras—the veteran who ensures that while faces change, the Bronco brand of football endures. Amid this wave of change, it is Maddog who steadies the ship. His leadership arrives not through highlight reel moments but the weight of calm in pressure, the kind that reassures teammates and anchors games. Madsen is the ledger line that ties Boise State’s past success to its future ambition.
Power and Precision: The Broncos’ Backfield Ready to Sustain and Explode
Replacing Jeanty’s 2,600 yards isn’t a one-man job. It’s a committee assignment, and the names in that committee are compelling: Sire Gaines, Malik Sherrod, Breezy Dubar, and Dylan Riley. Together, they are not aiming to match Jeanty’s output, they’re aiming to surpass it. A 3,000-yard season on the ground is not an unreasonable goal for this group, provided health and balance stay on their side. The offense, cut free of Jeanty’s singularity, turns instead to a stable of backs—each different, each essential. Sire Gaines, a redshirt freshman, flashed his power from the first game, registering 156 yards on just 20 carries, including both a rushing and receiving touchdown, before an injury sidelined him. His 7.8 yards per carry and ability in open space demonstrated the rare physicality and patience expected of a feature back. Malik Sherrod, now in his sixth year of eligibility, when healthy, brings a level of polish and ball security from Fresno State. Though his collegiate totals aren’t as eye-popping as Jeanty’s, his reliability—holding the ball, picking his spots, sustaining blocks—makes him a plug-and-play threat when needed. Breezy Dubar, the junior, specializes in burst and field-flipping speed. He doesn’t need volume; he needs one crease and the space to go from there. His role may feel supporting, but those kinds of flashes change the entire dynamic of a backfield. Then there’s Dylan Riley, a sophomore whose stat line is modest—135 yards on 22 carries, two touchdowns, but those numbers mask more than they reveal. His 6.1 yards per attempt are solid, and his kickoff return numbers—237 yards on nine returns with one touchdown—highlight versatility few athletes can match. The depth chart currently places Gaines and Sherrod above him, understandably so. But college football is often less about charts and more about seizing moments. Together, these four backs project beyond replacement; they hint at a new identity. Imagine Gaines powering, Sherrod orchestrating, Dubar electrifying, and Riley stabilizing—a quartet that could approach 3,000 collective rushing yards, rather than try to replicate Jeanty’s solo dominance. What makes Riley compelling, beyond his all-purpose ability, is how he complements rather than eclipses the others. His kickoff threat adds another dimension, making defenses account for him even when he isn’t getting a touch. That hidden value grows with each game until he becomes nearly indispensable—quietly, without needing a declaration.
The Wall of Boise State: Depth, Talent, and NFL-Caliber Protection
Following the departure of Jeanty, Boise State’s ground game could have been in jeopardy, but the offensive line ensures that the Broncos’ rushing attack remains a strength. Only Ben Dooley left for the NFL, joining the LA Rams, but the rest of the line returns with experience, and new additions bring both talent and size. Kage Casey anchors the line at left tackle, a 6’6”, 315-pound junior whose combination of length, agility, and technique earned him first-team All-Mountain West honors and a spot on the Walter Camp All-America second team last season. Preseason recognition on both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award watchlists reinforces what coaches and scouts already know: Casey has the frame, skill, and consistency to emerge as a top-25 NFL draft pick next spring. Alongside him, Mason Randolph holds the center position with the steady hand of a senior who communicates effortlessly with the line and quarterback alike. At left guard, Jason Steele brings tenacity and leverage, opening running lanes and sustaining blocks that allow backs to accelerate through the line of scrimmage, complemented by Tyler Keinath, whose mobility and power balance the interior. Roger Carreon at right guard provides veteran stability and the ability to adapt to different defensive fronts. At right tackle, Daylon Metroyer steps in as the starter, his size, athleticism, and technique giving the line a dynamic edge. Hall Schmidt, the senior, provides a supportive role, ready to step in as needed, and his presence ensures depth and consistency at the position. The combination of Metroyer’s starting ability and Schmidt’s reliability strengthens the right side of the line, a key factor in sustaining a potent rushing attack. Depth is further bolstered by Miles Walker, a transfer from Ohio State, whose experience in high-level competition gives Boise State flexibility at tackle positions, and Alma Taleni, the 6’7” Australian who offers raw size and the potential to dominate in short-yardage and gap situations. Young recruits Carson Rasmussen and Jacob Tracy provide competition and energy, keeping veterans sharp and the rotation fluid. With this level of experience, size, and depth, Boise State’s offensive line is more than a collection of players; it is the engine of the offense. They give the running backs—Gaines, Sherrod, Dubar, and Riley—the lanes and protection to sustain the ground game, control tempo, and consistently move the chains. In many ways, the line is the quiet hero behind the team’s potential for a 3,000-yard rushing season as a unit. The combination of proven starters, high-ceiling transfers, and promising young talent sets the stage for an offense that can maintain its potency regardless of which back is carrying the ball, and it is precisely this cohesion that positions Boise State to challenge for the Mountain West title and beyond.
Unproven but Promising: Chemistry and Speed to Drive the Passing Game
The departure of standout wide receivers Prince Strachan to USC and Cam Camper to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars has left Boise State’s receiving corps in a state of flux. With the 2025 season approaching, the Broncos are tasked with rebuilding a unit that was once a cornerstone of their offense. Leading the receiving group are Chris Marshall, a 6’3” junior transfer from Ole Miss and Texas A&M; Latrell Caples, a 6’ senior with a wealth of experience; Cam Bates, a 5’10” sophomore; and Ben Ford, a 5’10” senior. Supporting them are promising talents like Qumonte Williams, Quinton Brown, and Chase Penry. Despite the potential, besides Caples, the group remains largely unproven at the collegiate level, raising questions about how quickly they can produce in high-pressure situations. In contrast, tight end Matt Lauter stands as a proven cornerstone of the passing game and a future NFL draft pick. In 2024, Lauter recorded 47 receptions for 619 yards and seven touchdowns, consistently providing quarterback Maddux Madsen with a reliable target. Their connection was evident in high-stakes situations, including a 34-yard touchdown pass against Washington State, demonstrating their ability to execute when it matters most. Lauter’s combination of size, hands, and route-running precision not only stabilizes the offense but projects him as a top draft prospect in the coming year. As Boise State integrates the new receiving talent, the Madsen-to-Lauter connection will be pivotal. Lauter’s experience and consistency give Madsen a trusted target while the younger receivers develop, and the success of this tandem will be crucial in determining the overall effectiveness of Boise State’s passing attack in 2025. With Lauter leading the way, the Broncos have a strong foundation to build a passing game capable of complementing a powerful rushing attack.
From Top 50 to Top 30: Building a Championship-Caliber Defense
Boise State’s Fiesta Bowl defense was solid, but far from spectacular. The Broncos ranked thirty-sixth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just under twenty-two points per game, and sixty-first in total defense, giving up nearly three hundred and sixty-two yards a contest. That profile was good enough to win the Mountain West and reach the playoff quarterfinals, but it was not enough to topple the nation’s heavyweights. Penn State, their Fiesta Bowl opponent, offered a stark contrast. The Nittany Lions entered the matchup boasting the sixth-best total defense in the country and the eighth-best scoring defense, allowing barely over sixteen points per outing and fewer than two hundred and eighty-five yards. Against a team like that, every possession felt suffocating. Boise State’s offense had to labor for every inch, while Penn State’s unit thrived on field position and momentum. The gap was not one of effort or heart—it was statistical reality. For Boise State to return to the playoff in 2025 and not only compete but contend, the defense must climb out of the middle tier and into the nation’s upper echelon. A ranking in the low thirties or better in both scoring and total defense has to be the target. That kind of improvement would mean shaving a field goal here, a missed tackle there, turning an opponent’s touchdown drive into a punt or holding them to three instead of seven. The margins are thin, but in playoff football, those margins are everything. The expanded playoff gives Boise State a wider window, but the bar for winning in January remains brutally high. History shows that every team capable of hoisting a CFP trophy brings with it a defense capable of suffocating opponents. Boise State already has the offense and the quarterback to win close contests. What it needs now is a defense that can shorten games, dictate tempo, and keep the Broncos from having to score forty to win. If the unit can rise into that top thirty neighborhood, then the conversation shifts. The Broncos stop being a plucky outsider, happy to be included, and start becoming a legitimate contender to survive the gauntlet and make a run.
Boise State enters the 2025 season with a defense that carries both promise and a pressing sense of urgency. After finishing 50th nationally in total defense during the Fiesta Bowl, the Broncos recognize that climbing into the top 30 is essential if they hope to compete for another College Football Playoff. The team faces significant turnover, having lost key contributors including Drew Simpson to Bill Belichick’s North Carolina, Seyi Oladipo, Alexander Teubner, Rodney Robinson, Mike Callahan, Herbert Gums, and Sheldon Newton to graduation. These departures leave voids in every layer of the defense and amplify the pressure on returning players and newcomers to coalesce quickly. The Broncos have bolstered their roster with a mix of transfers and high school recruits. The challenge now lies in integrating these new players into the system swiftly to ensure continued defensive excellence.
At linebacker, Jake Ripp and Marco Notarainni are set to lead the unit. Notarainni, a senior, was named to the Preseason All-Mountain West First Team by both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, reflecting his leadership and playmaking ability. In the secondary, cornerbacks A’Marion McCoy and Jeremiah Erby, along with safeties Buck Benefield and Zion Washington, are poised to play pivotal roles. McCoy, a senior, received Preseason All-Mountain West First Team honors from both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, underscoring his status as a top-tier cornerback in the conference. Max Stege anchors the defensive end position. Dion Washington and David Latu share duties at nose tackle, bringing strength and technique that makes them a formidable interior tandem. Braxton Fely continues to anchor the defensive tackle spot, boasting second-team All-Mountain West honors from the previous season. At edge, Jayden Virgin-Morgan, a preseason All-American and watchlist candidate for national awards, leads the unit with ten sacks last season and is widely regarded as a future NFL draft prospect. Linebackers Marco Notarainni and Jake Ripp combine sideline-to-sideline range with football IQ, and Notarainni himself enters the season with preseason All-MWC acknowledgment for his leadership and tackling proficiency. In the secondary, cornerbacks A’Marion McCoy and Jeremiah Erby, along with safeties Buck Benefield and Zion Washington, return with accolades and proven ball skills, providing a veteran presence to guide an influx of new talent.
The Broncos’ roster is further bolstered by a wave of transfers and incoming high school talent, each bringing recognized potential. Edge rusher Sterling Lane and and Defensive End Malakai Williams, transferring from Arizona and Idaho respectively, are poised to make immediate contributions. True Freshman Edge Rusher Bol Bol’s size and athleticism has proved through fall camp to be too great not to red shirt and will also make an impact behind JVM.
Defensive line depth is strengthened with Dion Washington from Hawaii, David Latu from BYU, and Keanu Mailoto from Arizona, all of whom carry various levels for their athleticism and performance. The secondary sees an infusion of talent with transfers Demetrius Freeney, Jaden Mickey, Sherrod Smith, Derek Ganter Jr., and International Talent Arthur de Boachie, alongside high school standouts Ja’Bree Bickham, Josiah Alanis, Dominik Calhoun, Tahj Crutchfield, and others who have earned all-state or national-level honors. The influx of transfers, brings a wealth of experience and depth to the defense. However, the success of these new additions hinges on their ability to adapt quickly to Boise State’s defensive schemes. The Broncos’ defense faces the critical task of meshing as a cohesive unit early in the season. With the goal of maintaining a top-30 national ranking in total defense, the integration of new players and the continued development of returning starters will be essential. The leadership of seasoned players like Benefield, Fely, Notarainni, and McCoy will be instrumental in guiding the defense through this transitional phase.
Special Teams Spotlight: Stability in Snapping, Uncertainty in Kicking
While the offense and defense show promise, the Broncos’ kicking game represents the team’s most unproven component. Transfer kicker Colton Boomer from UCF brings potential, yet is largely unfamiliar with Boise State’s system. Punter Oscar Doyle faces similar challenges, stepping into a starting role for the first time with the Broncos. Fortunately, the snapping game is anchored by Mason Hutton, an award-winning long snapper whose 99.3% flawless snap rate in 2024 stabilized field goal and extra-point attempts. His consistency mitigates some of the risk posed by the untested kicking corps, though early-season cohesion will be critical to avoid special teams mishaps.
Rising Stars Ready to Shine: Next Wave of Broncos
Among breakout candidates, several players stand out as potential difference-makers. Dylan Riley, as previously mentioned, offers dual-threat capabilities that extend beyond traditional running back duties. Malakai Williams, transitioning from linebacker to defensive end, combines college experience with a natural pass-rushing instinct that projects to double-digit sacks. Demetric Whitlock, a 6’ transfer JUCO receiver, adds under the radar athleticism capable of disrupting opposing defenses. Franklin Johnson, a cornerback with elite speed and coverage skills, and Arthur de Boachie, trained at the NFL Academy, enhance the secondary’s depth and playmaking ability. Safety Ja’Bree Bickham, standing 6’2” and 182 pounds, recorded 92 tackles, five interceptions, and 18 pass breakups in high school, signaling immediate impact potential with too much size and talent to redshirt. Freshman Quinton Brown, a speedster at wide receiver who also contributes in specialized packages, adds an explosive dynamic.
Bronco Nation Unite: Bring the Chaos, Fuel the Chase for a Chip
As the Broncos take the field in 2025, every tackle, every yard, and every big play will be fueled not only by the talent and preparation of the players but also by the energy of Bronco Nation. From The Iconic Blue in the stands of Albertsons Stadium to living rooms across the country, fans are the heartbeat of this program. This is more than a season; it is a statement of resilience, ambition, and pride. The roster is full of rising stars, seasoned leaders, and untested talent ready to prove themselves, and they need the roar of the faithful to carry them through the highs and lows of each game. Now is the time to show up, paint the town Blue and Orange, and bring championship-caliber passion. Every cheer, every chant, every display of support sends a message to the players that the entire Bronco family stands behind them. This is our team, our identity, and our opportunity to write a new chapter in Boise State football history. Together, we can make 2025 a season to remember.