Boise, Idaho isn't exactly where you'd expect to find the heartbeat of modern college football's ground game. But here we are. If you’ve watched even ten minutes of a game at Albertsons Stadium, you know the deal. The blue turf is basically a conveyor belt for NFL-caliber talent.
Ashton Jeanty didn't just break records in 2024; he shattered the idea that a "Group of Five" back couldn't be the best player in the country. He finished with 2,601 rushing yards. Think about that for a second. That's nearly 200 yards a game, every game, for 14 weeks. He was the Heisman runner-up for a reason. Now that he’s taking handoffs for the Las Vegas Raiders after being picked 6th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, everyone is asking the same thing.
Who's next?
Honestly, the "next man up" philosophy at Boise State isn't just a locker room cliché. It's a verified tradition. From Ian Johnson’s Statue of Liberty play to Jay Ajayi’s "Jay-Train" era and Doug Martin’s "Muscle Hamster" days, the Boise State running back position is the most prestigious gig in the Mountain West.
Life After Jeanty: The 2025-2026 Backfield
Replacing a guy who averaged 7.0 yards per carry is impossible. You don't "replace" a unicorn. You pivot. Heading into the 2026 season, the Broncos aren't relying on one superstar to carry the rock 370 times. They’re building a stable.
📖 Related: LA Rams Home Game Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
The name you're going to hear a lot is Malik Sherrod. If you follow Mountain West football, you remember him from Fresno State. He was a nightmare to tackler there, and now he’s the "elder statesman" in Boise. He’s only 5'8", but he plays like he’s 220 pounds. He brought over 2,000 all-purpose yards of experience with him when he transferred in, and he's basically the lightning to the rest of the room's thunder.
Then there’s Sire Gaines.
Gaines is the "what if" story of last year. He was a 17-year-old true freshman lighting it up against Georgia Southern before a nasty injury ended his season early. He’s healthy now. He’s 217 pounds of pure downhill aggression. People in the building say his ceiling is as high as anyone's.
The New Faces in the Room
The transfer portal has been busy. Boise State didn't just sit on their hands while Breezy Dubar and Greg Ard headed for the exit. They went out and snagged Juelz Goff from Pitt and Harry Stewart III from Kansas.
- Juelz Goff: A redshirt freshman with serious track speed.
- Harry Stewart III: A 220-pound bruiser from the DFW area (a pipeline Boise loves).
- Dylan Riley: A sophomore who already proved he can handle the rock, averaging nearly 6 yards a carry in his limited 2024-2025 action.
It’s a different vibe this year. It’s less about one guy getting 30 touches and more about a "Core Four" rotation that keeps defenses exhausted.
👉 See also: Kurt Warner Height: What Most People Get Wrong About the QB Legend
Why Does Every Boise State Running Back Succeed?
Is it the water? Probably not. It’s the scheme and the culture. Spencer Danielson and offensive coordinator Nate Potter have kept the "blue-collar" identity alive. They run a pro-style gap scheme that creates clear lanes, but it requires a back with elite vision.
People always mention the "Blue Turf" advantage, but that’s mostly psychological. The real advantage is the offensive line. Even with Kage Casey heading to the NFL, the Broncos have been aggressive in the portal, landing guys like Tyler Ethridge to keep the road-grading tradition alive.
The Jeanty Effect on Recruiting
Before Ashton Jeanty, Boise State was a great program. After Jeanty, it became a destination. Every high school back in Texas and California saw a kid stay at a G5 school, reject massive NIL "bribes" from Power Four programs, and still become a top-10 NFL pick.
That matters. It’s why guys like Sire Gaines chose Boise over bigger schools. They saw that the Boise State running back spot is a direct flight to the league.
✨ Don't miss: Juan Carlos Gabriel de Anda: Why the Controversial Sportscaster Still Matters
What to Expect in the 2026 Season
Expect a lot of "Pony" sets. That’s coach-speak for having two running backs on the field at the same time. With Sherrod’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and Gaines’ ability to pass-protect, they can get creative.
- The Lead Dog: Malik Sherrod will likely lead the team in touches early on.
- The Goal Line Hammer: Watch for Harry Stewart III or Sire Gaines in short-yardage situations.
- The X-Factor: Dylan Riley has the "home run" speed that can turn a 5-yard dive into a 60-yard sprint.
The Broncos aren't trying to find the "new" Ashton Jeanty. They’re trying to build a rushing attack that no one can scout for because the style changes every time a new back rotates in. It's a headache for defensive coordinators, and honestly, that’s exactly how Boise State likes it.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Keep a close eye on the Spring Game depth chart. While the "OR" designation is common on Boise State depth charts, the distribution of carries in the first two quarters will tell you who the coaching staff trusts on third down. If Malik Sherrod is taking the bulk of the pass-blocking snaps, he’s your locked-in starter. Also, watch the transfer portal window in May; if the Broncos don't add another veteran, it means they are fully confident in the young legs of Goff and Stewart.