As the Boise State Broncos prepare for the 2025 football season, the departure of star running back Ashton Jeanty to the NFL has left a major opening in their offense. His absence leaves fans with one big question: Who will step up as the Broncos’ next lead back?
Sire Gaines (freshman):
“I learned everything from Ashton,” said Boise State freshman running back Sire Gaines. “How to play running back, and how to be a better man both on and off the field.”
Last season, Gaines made his debut for the Broncos at just 17 years old, showing a lot of promise before an injury cut his season short. He redshirted to preserve his eligibility, which now gives him four more years to make his mark.
Gaines built a strong reputation in high school with a solid mix of speed, agility and power that turned heads and made him a top recruit. His eye for finding gaps in the defense, and his quickness allows him to burst through them. Gaines’ 6 foot, 209 pound frame gives him the strength to break tackles, and his versatility as both a rusher and receiver makes him a major asset.
Now that he’s fully recovered from his injury, Gaines is ready to prove he can be the next star in the Broncos’ offense. With the spring game on April 19 fast approaching, Gaines is excited to finally hit the field again and show fans what he’s capable of.
“First, I want to give God all of the glory for my success,” Gaines said. “I want to become a better leader for my team … and to become one of the best backs in the nation.”
While Gaines is expected to take center stage, he certainly won’t be alone in the backfield. Several other running backs are also expected to play key roles this season:
Jambres Dubar (junior):
At 6 feet and 205 pounds, Dubar comes from Anna, Texas. As a highly rated prospect out of high school, he was a four star recruit who drew interest from programs like Texas A&M and Oklahoma.
Over the past two seasons with Boise State, he has seen limited action but has shown flashes of potential during his opportunities on the field. Dubar is recognized for his balanced running style, combining adequate speed with the ability to break tackles. His experience with the Broncos’ system provides him with an understanding of the playbook and offensive strategies, which could be a big advantage as he competes for increased playing time.
Dylan Riley (sophomore):
Standing at 5 feet, 10 inches and 190 pounds, Riley offers a different dynamic to the Broncos’ running game. Known for his quickness and elusiveness, he has mainly contributed on special teams but has the potential to be an effective change-of-pace back.
Riley’s agility allows him to navigate through tight spaces, and his lower center of gravity helps him maintain balance after contact. As he continues to develop, he may become a valuable asset in passing situations and outside running plays.
Malik Sherrod (transfer):
Adding experience to the backfield, Sherrod joins the Broncos from Fresno State for his final year of eligibility. Standing at 5 feet, 8 inches and 177 pounds, he brings a veteran presence and a proven track record.
During his time at Fresno State, Sherrod demonstrated reliability and consistency, contributing both as a runner and receiver. His familiarity with Mountain West competition and defensive schemes could provide the Broncos with a strategic advantage.
Broncos will be back
Boise State’s offense has always been about balance — using the run game to set up clutch passes and control the tempo. With some younger players likely taking the lead in 2025, the coaches will probably rely more on the running game early on to provide some stability and give the passing game a chance to develop.
Boise State’s offensive line has four confirmed returning starters (Kage Casey, Mason Randolph, Roger Carreon and Hall Schmidt), giving the team a solid foundation to build on. Their experience will be key in opening up lanes and protecting the backfield. By having talented linemen and rising stars like Gaines, Boise State has the pieces in place for a dynamic and powerful offense this season.
“Our biggest strength [this next season] is our coaches and our brotherhood … Everybody has a special role to make this team successful,” said Gaines.
Transitioning from a record-setting running back like Jeanty to a new starter presents challenges. The upcoming season’s non-conference schedule includes matchups against Power Five opponents, testing the strength of the Broncos’ offense early. Ball security, pass protection and consistency will be key areas of focus for the new starter.
As the 2025 season approaches, Gaines stands out as a promising leader for Boise State’s backfield. His physical attributes and skill set make him a key player, but with a talented running back group, the Broncos have plenty of options.
With a solid offensive line and rising talents like Gaines, Boise State has the potential to not only be a powerful force in the Mountain West but also become one of the most exciting and unpredictable teams in the nation.
