Boise State Broncos: Who Will Lead in Receiving in 2026?

The Boise State Broncos enter the 2026 season with a wide-open race for the leading receiver spot. After a disappointing 2025 campaign where no standout emerged, the Broncos lost their top four receivers—Latrell, Chris Marshall, Matt Lauter, and Chase Penry—to graduation or transfers. With a revamped coaching staff and new talent, the competition is fierce.

Who are the top contenders?

Ben Ford is the leading returner in receiving yards, despite missing seven games in 2025. The junior showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 15.5 yards per catch and scoring five touchdowns. If healthy, Ford could be the go-to target for quarterback Maddux Madsen, especially with his ability to stretch the field. However, his injury history remains a concern.

Matt Wagner, the team’s leading returning receiver in catches, is another strong candidate. With 24 receptions in 2025, Wagner is poised for a bigger role after Matt Lauter’s graduation. His spring performance suggests he could replicate Lauter’s production, making him a dark horse for the top spot.

Breakout candidates to watch

Rasean Jones, a true freshman from Rocky Mountain High School, turned heads during spring camp. His explosive playmaking ability could inject new life into the Broncos’ passing game. If Jones can translate his spring success to game day, he could quickly become a favorite target for Madsen.

What does this mean for Boise State’s offense?

The uncertainty at receiver reflects a broader transition for the Broncos. With new wide receivers coach Alvis Whitted and a mix of transfers and freshmen, the passing game could look very different. The Broncos open the season against the Oregon Ducks on September 5, 2026, and how the receivers perform will set the tone for the year.