Boise State Football Preview 2026: Can the Broncos Rule the New Pac-12?

Boise State’s 2026 football preview centers on the program’s move into the “new” Pac-12 and the pressure to set an immediate standard of dominance. The Broncos arrive with a history of conference titles stretching back through the Big Sky, Big West, WAC, and Mountain West, including seven championships in 14 seasons and three consecutive titles. The article argues that, given the early composition of the updated Pac-12, Boise State effectively controls its own expectations: compete and win the league. Offensively, Boise State’s coordinator Nate Potter is working with quarterback Maddux Madsen, who returned to throw for 289 yards and three touchdowns in the Mountain West Championship after an injury in the previous late-season stretch. The offense averaged 424 yards and 30 points per game in 2025 even when a key running back was absent. The ground game remains intact with Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines combining for close to 2,000 yards and 18 scores, while the passing attack must replace departing receivers and improve accuracy.