More than four months since the Boise State Broncos last played on the Blue — the Broncos are officially looking forward to the 2025 season.
The Broncos played in the annual Spring Game at Albertsons Stadium on April 19, with the offense wearing blue and the defense in orange for the four-quarter scrimmage. For this game, free general admission and parking were offered to Bronco Nation.
“Awesome to get out in front of Bronco Nation,” Head Coach Spencer Danielson said in a post-game press conference. “I think we talked about 7,000 fans [in attendance]. Seeing them come in April to support their team and I talked to our team about it — Bronco Nation is the greatest fan base in the country.”
In addition to traditional scoring, the game included a unique format: seven minute quarters with a running clock with the offense earning a point for 16 or more yard passes and 12 or more yard rushes. The defense also earned three points for turnovers and fourth down stops, two points for 3-and-outs and sacks.
The Bronco offense defeated the defense 45-27.
In this game, the running back’s performed well, totaling 136 rushing yards.
Sophomore running back Dylan Riley ran for two touchdowns and 20 rushing yards. Sixth year Fresno State transfer running back Malik Sherrod also found the endzone, scoring on a 65-yard rushing touchdown early as the Broncos look to begin a new chapter without Heisman runner-up and 2025 NFL projected first round pick Ashton Jeanty.
“We are going to run the football,” Danielson said. “I believe in that as an offense, I believe in that as a team — the more you can run the football against an opposing defense, you wear them out and that opens up the pass game. We want to be 50/50 balance this year, rush to pass.”
Another running back, junior Jambres Dubar, also showcased his skills finishing the game with 41 yards on nine carries. Redshirt freshman Sire Gaines didn’t play as he’s still recovering from an injury sustained last season.
“Within our run game, we’re here to pound the ball through anything,” Riley said in a post-game press conference. “Fourth and one, pounding it, every time we [Boise State running backs] step on that field, we’re going to try to run that ball and punish teams cause that’s how we’re going to establish every game.”
From the defensive side, the Broncos also showcased explosiveness, totaling six sacks and nine tackles-for-loss.
Linebacker redshirt junior Jake Ripp ended the game with two sacks. For this year’s six-week spring practice session, Ripp has had the opportunity to play at both the edge rusher and linebacker position.
“We [the defense] just want to prove that we’re going to be better than last year,” Ripp said of the defense’s mindset in a post-game press conference. “We want to make it farther than last year — that’s our whole goal and with guys leaving, it’s a big opportunity for guys to step up in their rooms like the d[efensive] line and linebacker room.”
On the offensive side, redshirt junior quarterback Maddux Madsen threw for 4-7 for 35 yards. Redshirt freshman quarterback Kaleb Annett made a strong case for the role of backup quarterback, throwing six for 10 with 77 passing yards and scoring the offense’s only passing touchdown. In total, five Boise State quarterbacks played, totaling for 155 passing yards.
This Spring Game also gave Bronco Nation the opportunity to see progress of the North End Zone Project, which is projected to be completed by August 2026.
The Broncos will begin the 2025 season in Tampa, Florida on Aug. 28 vs. University of South Florida, as they have their eyes set on returning to the College Football Playoff.
