Boise State’s remarkable rise to the 3rd seed in the final playoff rankings has stunned college football enthusiasts. Before the season began, few would have believed that a Group of Five (G5) team like Boise State could reach such heights, especially considering the longstanding debate over the strength of their schedule. While their overall schedule may have been relatively easy, one game stands out—an intense clash with Oregon, the No. 1 team in the nation. Although the Broncos narrowly lost 34-37, the close margin against such a powerhouse team highlighted their capability to compete at the highest level.
This performance has been a testament to the team’s talent and strategic roster building, which has been heavily influenced by the transfer portal. College football has undergone significant changes with the portal, allowing teams to improve quickly. Boise State’s head coach, Spencer Danielson, capitalized on this by securing key players who transformed the roster. Among the notable additions was backup quarterback Malachi Nelson, who contributed 128 yards in his limited appearances. On defense, cornerback Jeremiah Earby made a significant impact with 26 solo tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble.
The wide receiver corps also saw major improvements. Cam Camper became a standout performer with 55 receptions, over 800 yards, and four touchdowns. Chris Marshall added depth, including three key receptions in the Southern Eagles game. These additions have allowed Boise State to rise to prominence and compete effectively against major programs.
Interestingly, this season has seen a shift in the dominance of SEC teams. Georgia is the only SEC representative in the top four, sitting at the 2nd seed, while the other spots are occupied by Oregon, Arizona State, and Boise State. The ability to recruit effectively through the transfer portal has been crucial in leveling the playing field, enabling teams like Boise State to build rosters capable of competing with traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas.
Boise State’s success this season was capped off with a Mountain West (MW) title win against UNLV. A key contributor to this achievement has been running back Ashton Jeanty, who is now a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. Jeanty’s performance has been pivotal in driving the Broncos’ offense and solidifying their position as serious playoff contenders.
As the playoffs approach, the Broncos face an intriguing scenario. Their potential opponent will be determined by the outcome of the SMU vs. Penn State game. Penn State, with an 11-2 record, has had a strong season, with their only losses coming against top teams like Oregon and Ohio State. In contrast, SMU, ranked 75th in strength of schedule, has not faced many challenging opponents. While their victory against Clemson in the ACC title game showcased their skill, it remains to be seen whether they can handle a team like Penn State.
For Boise State, drawing SMU in the playoffs would likely result in a favorable matchup, potentially leading to a blowout win. However, if they face Penn State, it will be a tougher challenge. The Nittany Lions, led by coach James Franklin, have demonstrated resilience and could pose significant problems for the Broncos. Their back-and-forth battle with Oregon earlier in the season is a testament to their competitiveness, and they will undoubtedly bring that intensity if matched against Boise State.
This season has already been a historic one for the Broncos, proving that with strategic roster building and standout performances, even a G5 team can challenge the college football elite.