Boise State Broncos Face Key Position Battles Ahead of 2026 Season

The Boise State Broncos are set to open their 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Oregon, and with several key positions up for grabs, the team is looking to fill the gaps in fall camp. The Broncos, who recently made the move from the Mountain West to the Pac-12, are returning six starters on offense and five on defense.

What are the top position battles to watch?

The wide receiver room is one of the most competitive positions, with returning quarterback Maddux Madsen working with a new-look group. Leading receiver Latrell Caples and possession receiver Chase Penry both exhausted their eligibility last year, while Chris Marshall transferred to Arkansas. Ben Ford, who is coming off a torn ACL, could be limited at the start of fall camp, but if healthy, he will likely earn a starting role.

Who will step up at cornerback?

The Broncos lost their starting cornerback tandem of Jeremiah Earby and A’Marion McCoy, but first-year defensive backs coach Terrence Brown has several pieces to work with. Jaden Mickey is expected to make the move from nickelback to cornerback, and Kennesaw State transfer JeRico Washington Jr. and returning junior Sherrod Smith are the frontrunners to start opposite Mickey.

How will the offensive line shape up?

Three of the starting spots are likely locked in with returners Jason Steele, Roger Carreon, and Daylon Metoyer, but the Broncos have a pair of openings at left tackle and center. Colorado State-Pueblo transfer Tyler Ethridge emerged as the clubhouse leader to start at left tackle during spring practice, while redshirt freshman Stewart Taufa and Oregon State transfer Zander Esty are the top two candidates to start at center.

Who will fill the safety roles?

Boise State also lost both starting safeties from last year’s team, but coach Brown and head coach Spencer Danielson are excited about the group’s depth. Derek Ganter Jr. appeared in all 14 games with two starts last year and will likely be a full-time starter in 2026. Fellow returnee Travis Anderson was a spring practice standout who could also start.

What's the situation at backup quarterback?

Madsen is locked in as the starter, but spring practice featured a fierce competition for the No. 2 quarterback role between returning junior Max Cutforth and true freshman Cash Herrera. Cutforth made three starts as an injury replacement for Madsen last season and finished the year 95 of 167 (57 percent) passing for 1,044 yards and six touchdowns.

The Broncos will look to fill these key positions in fall camp as they prepare for their first season in the Pac-12.