If you’re writing off Boise State for the 2025 College Football Playoff race simply because Ashton Jeanty is now wearing silver and black in Las Vegas, you might want to pump the brakes.
Why Boise State’s Post-Jeanty Era Could Be Even More Explosive in 2025
Jeanty’s departure to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders leaves massive shoes to fill. He posted the highest-graded season ever by a Group of Five running back in RB+ history (96.86, A). But according to analysts, what remains in Boise might just be even more promising than expected.
“There are slightly more questions around the defense, with significant departures, but with Ty Benefield and A’Marion McCoy marshalling the secondary, and Dion Washington arriving from Hawaii to shore up the defensive front, there is no reason to believe that the Broncos are just going to capitulate this fall,” PFSN’s Oliver Hodgkinson said.
Jeanty’s dominance wasn’t built alone. In 2024, the Broncos’ offensive line earned the second-highest grade among all Group of Five teams (82.97, B-) and finished top-30 nationally. Several key starters from that unit return in 2025, giving Boise State a strong foundation to lean on.
This returning continuity up front may be the single biggest X-factor in keeping the offense productive. It could also make it easier to replace Jeanty’s 2,601 total yards and 29 touchdowns.
Often overshadowed by Jeanty’s heroics, quarterback Maddux Madsen quietly led the Mountain West in passing yards (3,018) and touchdowns (23) last season. He’s not just efficient, he’s the highest-graded returning QB in the Group of Five (82.1, B-).
Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Nate Potter, Madsen is expected to take another leap forward. With weapons like Sire Gaines in the backfield and a deep receiving corps, Boise State may shift from a run-heavy identity to a more balanced, dynamic offense.
While replacing Jeanty one-for-one is impossible, Boise State’s running back room is stacked with depth and upside. According to EA Sports’ College Football 26 ratings, Malik Sherrod (88 overall) enters as the lead back, coming off a strong run at Fresno State.
Sherrod may lack NFL size (5’8″, 177 lbs) and upside, but his experience and versatility make him a reliable option. Behind him are three breakout candidates and two wildcards who could emerge as stars. The collective goal? Replace Jeanty’s monster production with a five-man rotation that keeps defenses guessing.
On defense, Boise State does face some questions, especially after key departures. However, Ty Benefield, A’Marion McCoy, and Hawaii transfer Dion Washington bring experience and leadership to both the secondary and the front seven.
Schedule-wise, Boise avoids a long trip to Hawaii and has the advantage of hosting UNLV and Fresno State at home. A marquee non-conference showdown at Notre Dame gives the Broncos a golden opportunity to boost their national profile.
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Boise State’s 2025 outlook might lack Jeanty’s star power, but what they return in key areas–quarterback, O-line, and depth–may result in a more complete, unpredictable, and dangerous team. And that could be exactly what they need to crash the playoff conversation.
One thing I’d say is that the WR room got a lot thinner with the loss of 3 top receivers for various reasons. Bolt, Camper, Straughan are all gone. That’s going to be a really rough spot because it already was a room full of drops and terrible 50/50 ball catch percentages.
The Boise State offensive coordinator is Nate Potter. Matt Lauter is a tight end.