Boise State Football: A New Era for the No. 1 Jersey
Boise State fans, get ready for a fresh face donning the iconic No. 1 jersey this season. The number, typically reserved for quarterbacks, wide receivers, and other speedsters, has found an unlikely new home on the back of redshirt junior linebacker Boen Phelps.
This shift comes after former running back Jambres “Breezy” Dubar, who wore No. 1 from 2023 to 2025, moved on. Dubar's tenure was marked by limited field time due to injuries and playing behind Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty.
Phelps' journey to wearing No. 1 wasn't straightforward. Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson initially balked at the idea.
“A linebacker wearing No. 1?”
he recalled thinking. But Phelps, with a determined smile, convinced the coaching staff that he was ready to earn it.
The agreement was clear: Phelps could wear the jersey if he became a standout playmaker and showed marked improvement during spring practice. And he’s done just that.
Emerging as a leading force among the linebackers, Phelps is the only sure starter for 2026. Last season, he started nine games, tying for third on the team with 66 tackles and ranking fourth in quarterback hits.
However, the linebacker unit faced challenges with tackling, leading to more big plays than desired. Phelps is focused on addressing this issue by refining his tackling technique-lowering his pad level and using his shoulders and chest effectively. Improving his game knowledge and reading plays better are also on his agenda.
“For him, it’s about diagnosing the box and getting those reads clearer between play-action and the run game,” explained defensive coordinator Erik Chinander. “His physicality within the box is key.”
Phelps credits his growth to spending more time understanding the linebacker role. Initially arriving at Boise State as a walk-on defensive back, his transition to linebacker has deepened his grasp of footwork, hand positioning, and pass rushing.
“We do a great job with walkthroughs here,” Phelps noted. “Seeing and doing it repeatedly makes it stick. Once you see it, you’ll never forget it.”
As Phelps steps onto the field with No. 1 on his back, Boise State fans can expect a season where tradition meets new potential, with Phelps ready to make his mark.