The blue turf in Boise usually feels like a fortress, but lately, the revolving door of the NCAA transfer portal has made the walls feel a little thinner. If you've been refreshing Twitter (or X, whatever) every ten minutes since the winter window opened on January 2, 2026, you've probably felt that familiar pit in your stomach.
It's chaotic.
One day you're celebrating a big bowl win, and the next, your leading tackler is packing his bags for the SEC. That’s just the reality of the boise state transfer portal situation right now. But before anyone starts claiming the "Golden Era" is dead and buried, we need to actually look at the math and the names. Spencer Danielson isn't just reacting; he's shopping with a very specific list.
The Big Departures: Losing Ty Benefield and the Secondary Shakeup
Honestly, the news that safety Ty Benefield committed to LSU on January 6 was a gut punch. You can't sugarcoat losing your leading tackler. Benefield was the heart of that secondary, and seeing him head to Baton Rouge to play for Lane Kiffin (who seems to be the "Portal King" of 2026) is a tough pill for Bronco Nation to swallow.
But it wasn't just him.
The secondary is basically being rebuilt from scratch. With Jeremiah Earby, A’Marion McCoy, and Zion Washington all out of eligibility, and Benefield gone, the back end of the defense looked like a ghost town for a minute. Then you have Chris Marshall, the talented but mercurial wide receiver, who decided to follow the SEC siren song and commit to Arkansas.
It feels like a lot. 18 players in the portal is a big number. However, if you look closer at the 12 players who actually saw the field last year, only two—Benefield and Marshall—were consistent starters. Most of the other names, like quarterback Kaleb Annett or running back Jambres "Breezy" Dubar, were depth pieces looking for a clearer path to playing time.
Rebuilding via the Boise State Transfer Portal: The New Arrivals
Spencer Danielson has been vocal about not just taking anyone. He wants "Bronco fit" guys. So far, the 2026 haul is heavy on defensive back depth and special teams stability.
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On January 13, the Broncos landed Cam Jamerson, a 6-foot-1 cornerback from TCU. He redshirted last year, but he was a highly touted three-star recruit out of Texas. He’s got the frame Danielson loves. He’s joined by JeRico Washington Jr. from Kennesaw State and safety Taebron Bennie-Powell from Notre Dame.
Key 2026 Portal Additions (The "Plug-and-Play" Crew)
- Tyler Ethridge (OT, CSU-Pueblo): This might be the most underrated get. With Kage Casey off to the NFL, Ethridge (6-foot-3, 308 lbs) is a "plug-and-play" candidate at tackle.
- Mikaio Edward (DL, Central Washington): A Division II standout with seven sacks last season. He’s 280 pounds of raw power coming in to beef up the interior.
- Roman Tillmon (S, South Dakota): A tackling machine who put up 93 total stops last year. He’s likely the direct replacement for the Benefield/Washington hole.
- Juelz Goff (RB, Pitt): With Ashton Jeanty gone to the Raiders (6th overall pick, casual), the RB room needs fresh legs. Goff had five touchdowns as a redshirt freshman and brings ACC experience.
The Post-Jeanty Era and the NIL Elephant in the Room
Let's talk about the 2,601-yard elephant in the room. Ashton Jeanty being drafted 6th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in April 2025 was the best marketing Boise State ever had, but it also left a crater in the offense.
The boise state transfer portal strategy for 2026 reflects a team that knows it can't just rely on one superstar to bail them out. They are spreading the talent. Adding Darren Morris from Southern University at wide receiver gives Maddux Madsen a veteran target, which he desperately needs since Latrell Caples and Matt Lauter are finally out of eligibility.
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Then there's the money.
Boise State legal studies professor Sam Ehrlich has been busy tracking the legal mess that is NIL. While some fans worry that Boise can't compete with the "bags" being handed out at Power Four schools, the coaching staff is leaning into culture. You've probably heard the "Standard" talk. Some say it's slipping; others say it's just evolving. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. The Broncos aren't out-bidding LSU for Ty Benefield. They are, however, out-hustling mid-tier schools for high-upside guys like Logan Brantley from Kansas.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Portal
There’s this idea that every player leaving is a disaster. It’s not.
In the 2026 cycle, Boise State had a crowded QB room. When Danielson announced they weren't seeking a portal QB because they were happy with Madsen and the freshmen (Cash Herrera and Jackson Taylor), it was a signal. It told the guys in the room: "We trust you." Naturally, Kaleb Annett saw the writing on the wall and entered the portal. That’s not a program in decline; that’s a program managing its roster.
The real challenge isn't the number of players leaving; it's the timing. The window closes on January 16. By that point, Danielson needs to have his core locked in.
Actionable Insights for Bronco Nation
If you're following the boise state transfer portal saga, keep your eyes on the remaining roster spots. As of mid-January, the Broncos are estimated to have about four open scholarships left.
- Watch the Trenches: While the secondary got the most attention, the offensive line depth is still thin. Look for one more graduate transfer on the O-line before the spring.
- The Field Safety Spot: Derek Ganter Jr. is expected to start at strong safety, but the field safety position is still an open competition between Bennie-Powell and Tillmon.
- NIL Stability: Don't expect Boise to win bidding wars for five-star transfers. Their success depends on finding "down-transfers"—players from the P4 who didn't play much but have high-level traits.
- The "Jeanty" Effect: Use the success of Ashton Jeanty to recruit. The staff is already doing this with Harry Stewart III and Juelz Goff. They are selling the "RB High" image hard.
The sky isn't falling. It's just changing colors. Losing starters to the SEC is the tax you pay for being a top-tier Group of Five program in 2026. The real test won't be who left in January, but who steps up on that blue turf come September.
Next Steps for Followers:
Monitor the final 48 hours of the winter portal window ending January 16. The staff is likely to prioritize one more veteran wide receiver or a depth piece at linebacker to compete with Boen Phelps and Jake Ripp. Check the official 2026 roster updates for jersey assignments of the ten confirmed transfers to see who is already on campus for spring ball.