Boise State Faces One Huge Transfer Question Entering Camp

As Boise State football gears up for the 2026 season, the spotlight shines on how a record influx of 19 transfers could shape the Broncos' quest for gridiron glory.

Boise State’s transfer haul this offseason is the biggest in program history, and the Broncos are counting on a few of those newcomers to hit the ground running when camp opens.

Spencer Danielson and his staff added 19 transfers, including JUCO players, to patch holes across the roster. That group includes eight offensive transfers, 10 defensive transfers and a long snapper, with some players brought in to help right away and others expected to develop before making a bigger dent down the line.

The clearest immediate bet on offense is Tyler Ethridge. The CSU-Pueblo transfer arrived before spring ball and quickly built a strong grip on the left tackle job. At this point, he looks like the favorite to start there this fall.

Beyond Ethridge, the offensive newcomers appear more likely to fill out the rotation than lock down full-time starting roles. Juelz Goff and Harry Stewart were added to deepen the running back room, and both are working to carve out steady playing time.

Goff missed the spring game because of an injury, but his Pitt film stands out. Stewart, meanwhile, was one of the spring’s brighter performers and should have a role in the offense.

At receiver, Boise State brought in Darren Morris and Akeem Wright from lower levels. Morris brings straight-line speed and should see work at Z behind Cameron Bates.

Wright offers a more classic X-receiver profile, with the ability to win contested catches and serve as a quarterback’s trusted target. His spring started slowly as he adjusted from JUCO, but he finished strong and will be in the mix for a starting spot.

The defense has a few transfer names that could matter fast, too. Mikaio Edward at defensive tackle and Roman Tillmon at safety/nickel both came out of spring with real starting consideration.

Edward looks like the best option on the roster to mirror what Braxton Fely brought as an interior pass rusher, and even if he doesn’t start, he could still be a major snap-eater this season. Tillmon, who started every game for South Dakota last year, played free safety there, but the staff believes his skill set fits nickel in this defense.

That experience matters, especially with Boise State set to break in four new starters in the secondary.

Another defensive newcomer to watch is JeRico Washington Jr. The former Kennesaw State corner was an All-CUSA selection two seasons ago and led the nation in pass breakups last season.

He opened spring slowly, like several of the transfers, but finished in strong form and carried that momentum into the summer. With Sherrod Smith and Jaden Mickey already in place, Washington could wind up as the third cornerback, a role that can still carry major value.

Davon Banks played more than 400 snaps in that kind of spot in 2024.

Kyle Hall is also in the mix for a starting safety job. The College of San Mateo transfer impressed during spring as a 6-foot-2, 205-pound defensive back who moves well and showed good instincts on crossers. Safety has not typically been a deep rotation spot for Boise State, but that could change under new defensive backs coach Terrence Brown.

At linebacker, Logan Brantley drew steady praise all spring, and Danielson said he expects Brantley to compete for a starting role this fall. Cam Jamerson and Taebron Bennie-Powell also flashed at times, though they look more likely to begin as special teams contributors than full-time defenders.

Special teams could get immediate help from two more transfers. Jeremyah Lane, a return specialist from Brevard College, arrives with two kick return touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns on his résumé and will compete for the starting return job.

Caden Kellow, a redshirt senior from Weber State, is in line to replace longtime long snapper Mason Hutton. Kellow started every game last season and, according to PFF, had zero bad snaps.

There are still transfers Boise State hasn’t seen in practice yet, and others who could still force their way into the picture. But based on spring, these are the newcomers most likely to make an instant impact this fall.

Boise State’s complete transfer class: Jeremyah Lane, WR/KR (Brevard College)

Ashton Kershner, OL (San Jose City College)

Tyler Ethridge, OT (CSU-Pueblo)

Mikaio Edward, DT (Central Washington)

Andrew Rheubottom, DT (De Anza College)

Adonte Medley, DT (College of the Canyons)

Logan Brantley, LB (Kansas)

Zyhaire Lewis, LB (Chaffey College)

Roman Tillmon, DB (South Dakota)

Cam Jamerson, DB (TCU)

Taebron Bennie-Powell, DB (Notre Dame)

JeRico Washington Jr., DB (Kennesaw State)

Kyle Hall, DB (College of San Mateo)

Caden Kellow, LS (Weber State)

In Other News...

Matt Wagner May Decide How Dangerous Boise States Offense Becomes

Boise State heads into its first season in the Pac-12 with a familiar name positioned to matter more than ever. Matt Wagner has spent the past two years behind Matt Lauter as the No. 2 tight end, but he now looks set to step into the lead role after a season in which he appeared in every game, started 10 times and contributed on both the edge and in the passing game.

The Broncos have reason to think Wagners next step could help define how dangerous the offense becomes in its new league. He already has preseason all-Pac-12 recognition, and the expectation is that his footprint in the passing game will grow this fall, giving Boise State another weapon as it tries to establish itself against a tougher schedule. [Read more 🡒]