Honestly, if you're looking at the Boise State football team roster right now, you’re seeing a program that is basically in the middle of a massive soul-search. We’re deep into January 2026. The blue turf is likely covered in a thin sheet of Treasure Valley frost, and Spencer Danielson is staring at a depth chart that looks nothing like the one that took the Broncos to the College Football Playoff just over a year ago.
It’s different now.
The era of Ashton Jeanty is officially a memory—a spectacular, record-breaking memory that ended with him tearing up the NFL as a rookie for the Las Vegas Raiders. You've probably seen the highlights. But for the folks in Boise, the "Jeanty hangover" is real. Replacing a guy who was a finalist for NFL Rookie of the Year isn't just about finding a new running back. It’s about a complete identity shift.
The Quarterback Room: A California Takeover
Let’s talk about the signal-callers because that’s where the drama usually starts. Maddux Madsen is the veteran presence, the guy with "nerves of steel" who helped steer the ship through the 2025 season. But the buzz right now? It's all about the new blood.
Boise State just pulled off a recruiting heist that would make a Vegas casino boss blush. They signed Cash Herrera and Jackson Taylor.
Herrera is a fascinatng story. He was a three-star recruit out of La Jolla, California, who was originally Big Ten bound. He decommitted from Indiana and chose the Blue over Power Four offers. Why? Because the kid wants to play. He’s 6'2", north of 200 pounds, and has a cannon for an arm. Then you've got Jackson Taylor from Thousand Oaks. These two are basically the future of the program.
It wasn't all sunshine, though. Losing guys like Tradon Bessinger to Iowa and seeing Bryson Beaver flip to Oregon and then hit the portal... it hurts. Recruiting in 2026 is basically a high-stakes game of poker where the cards keep changing colors.
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Why the 2026 Signing Class is Weirdly Historic
People keep saying this is the "highest-rated class in program history." On paper, that's true. They're ranking around No. 51 nationally, which is wild for a Group of Five school.
- Terrious Favors: A four-star wide receiver from Georgia. Think about that. A kid from Atlanta chose Boise, Idaho. He’s got that "take the top off the defense" speed that the Broncos have lacked since... well, since the early Chris Petersen days.
- Kole Cronin: A 6'6" monster on the offensive line from Reno. You can't coach height, and you definitely can't coach the mean streak this kid plays with.
- Adam Auston: A linebacker from Oklahoma who picked Boise over half the Big 12.
Life After Jeanty: The Committee Approach
You can’t replace 2,000 yards of production with one human. It’s impossible.
The current Boise State football team roster suggests a "running back by committee" vibe for the upcoming season. Sire Gaines showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, and Malik Sherrod brings that "six-year senior" wisdom that coaches crave.
But watch out for Juelz Goff. He’s a transfer from the portal who just committed in mid-January. He’s got that low center of gravity and "one-cut-and-gone" style that reminds some scouts of a younger, rawer version of the guys who used to thrive in this system.
Honestly, the running game is going to look "kinda" different. Less "give it to 2 and watch him disappear" and more "let's use four different guys to wear you down by the fourth quarter."
The Defensive Rebuild: Swiping from the Portal
Defense in Boise has always been about "The Hammer." But lately, it’s been about the portal.
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The Broncos lost some massive pieces. Ahmed Hassanein is in the NFL. Andrew Simpson headed to North Carolina to play for Bill Belichick (yeah, that still feels weird to say). So, how do they fix it?
They went and got Jaden Mickey, a corner from the portal who brings Power Four experience. They also landed Mikaio Edward, a 280-pound defensive lineman who is basically a human roadblock.
The Under-the-Radar Names
If you want to sound smart at the sports bar, talk about Ty Benefield. He’s the heart of the secondary now. He’s a junior safety who is starting to pop up on NFL scout radars. He’s rangy, he hits like a truck, and he’s basically the quarterback of the defense.
Then there’s Gage Casey at left tackle. He’s a redshirt junior now, and if the Broncos are going to protect their young quarterbacks, he’s the most important person on the field.
The Swedish Connection and International Flavor
One of the coolest things about the new roster is Gustaf Henriks Ras. He’s an edge rusher from Stockholm, Sweden.
Yeah, Sweden.
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He’s 6'4", 235 pounds, and he’s essentially a blank slate of raw athleticism. The coaching staff is obsessed with his "twitch." If he can learn the nuances of the American game quickly, he could be the biggest "steal" of the 2026 class.
What the Fans are Actually Worried About
Look, the roster is talented. But is it "Pac-12 Ready"?
With the conference realignment chaos finally settling, Boise State is moving into a new era. The competition is getting stiffer. You aren't just playing New Mexico and Wyoming anymore; you're looking at a schedule that requires depth.
The biggest concern? The kicking game. Losing Jonah Dalmas—the literal GOAT of Boise State kickers—is a massive hole. Colton Boomer is the projected starter, but replacing the most accurate kicker in school history is a lot of pressure for a guy just stepping into the spotlight.
Key Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're tracking this team, here’s what you actually need to know:
- The Quarterback Battle is Real: Don't assume Madsen is the safe bet. Herrera and Taylor weren't recruited to sit on the bench for three years.
- Speed is the Priority: The signing of Terrious Favors and AJ Logan shows a clear shift. The staff wants more "explosive" plays and less "grind-it-out" drives.
- The Portal is a Two-Way Street: For every Jaden Mickey they bring in, they’re losing a Bryson Beaver. Retention is the new recruiting.
- The Schedule is Brutal: Opening against South Florida and Eastern Washington is fine, but that October trip to Notre Dame? That’s where we’ll see if this roster has the "E-E-A-T" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) to compete at the highest level.
Your Next Steps for Following the Broncos
- Watch the Spring Game: This is where Cash Herrera will likely make his "debut" in front of the fans. Pay attention to how the ball comes off his hand compared to Madsen.
- Monitor the Transfer Window: The "post-spring" portal window is usually when Boise State picks up a disgruntled Power Four linebacker or two.
- Check the NIL Numbers: Like it or not, NIL is how this roster stays together. Keep an eye on the "Owyhee Collective" to see which stars are getting the biggest pushes.
The Boise State football team roster isn't just a list of names; it's a living, breathing experiment in how to build a powerhouse in the modern era of college football. Whether they can turn this "historic" recruiting class into another 12-win season remains to be seen, but the foundation is undeniably there.