Boise State just landed a major piece for its secondary, and it comes in the form of a hard-hitting, high-IQ safety with proven production at the collegiate level. Roman Tillmon, a transfer from the University of South Dakota, has officially committed to the Broncos, bringing with him experience, leadership, and a nose for the football that Boise’s defense will welcome with open arms.
At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Tillmon isn’t the biggest safety you’ll see, but don’t let the measurables fool you - this guy plays like a heat-seeking missile. Last season alone, he racked up 116 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
That kind of stat line doesn’t just happen by accident. It speaks to a player who reads the game well, flies to the ball, and knows how to finish plays.
So when Tillmon hit the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for programs across the country to come calling. Hawai‘i, Iowa, Nebraska, Toledo - all wanted in.
But Boise State was one of the first to pick up the phone. That early interest turned into a visit, and from there, the Broncos started to separate themselves.
“I instantly felt a connection with the coaches - not just football, but outside of football,” Tillmon said. That connection, especially with head coach Spencer Danielson, proved to be a game-changer.
“Coach Danielson really loves his players and wants to grow them mentally, physically, and spiritually. That was huge for me.”
Faith is a central part of Tillmon’s life, and he made it clear that Boise State’s culture - one that embraces that same foundation - played a big role in his decision. “They had a love for Christ, and that was just a plus on top of everything else,” he said.
But it wasn’t just the people that sold him. The city, the campus, the facilities - all of it made an impression.
“The school is very nice. The city is extremely clean.
The facilities were top notch,” he said. “It was almost like a no-brainer when I got there.”
Still, Tillmon didn’t commit on the spot. He took a visit to Coastal Carolina, and it was on the plane ride home from that trip when things finally clicked.
“I felt like God kind of showed me, like, ‘Hey man, this is where you need to be.’” He landed, made the call, and told Boise State he was ready to be a Bronco.
Head coach Spencer Danielson’s response? Fired up. “He told me he loved me and couldn’t wait for me to get down there and get straight to work,” Tillmon said.
And that work starts now. The Broncos’ secondary is in transition, with Ty Benefield off to LSU and Zion Washington graduating.
That leaves a clear opening - and Tillmon knows it. But he also knows nothing is handed out in college football.
“I know I’m going to have to come in and immediately work and show people who I am and what I’m about,” he said. “But I know I’ll definitely have an opportunity to come in and play.”
Tillmon’s not just bringing physicality - he’s bringing football IQ, too. “I’ve grown the most in becoming a more knowledgeable ballplayer,” he said. “Watching film and really understanding the game on a higher level.”
That mindset should mesh well with Boise State’s new defensive backs coach, Terrence Brown. The two have already connected, and Tillmon came away impressed.
“He’s a great coach. He really enjoys what he does, and I think he gets the best out of his players.”
Brown’s attention to detail and passion for the game stood out right away, and Tillmon is eager to dive in and learn from him. “I’m just really excited to get in there, get in that room and get to work with him and further my game,” he said.
One area of Tillmon’s game that could expand in Boise? Blitzing.
“At South Dakota I didn’t really blitz that much,” he said. “The chance to maybe get in there and blitz - and get a sack for the first time in my career - that’s very intriguing to me.”
Boise State’s defense has never been shy about bringing pressure from the back end, and Tillmon’s versatility could be a weapon in that scheme. He’s got the range to cover and the physicality to come downhill - a combination that should fit nicely in the Broncos’ aggressive system.
And while Tillmon is focused on the work ahead, he’s also soaking in the moment. He knows what it means to wear the blue and orange - and to play on that iconic blue turf he grew up seeing on TV.
“It looks even better in person,” he said. “Pictures don’t do it justice.
The stadium looks amazing, the fan base looks insane. I definitely think it’s cool - and I’m excited to finally get the chance to play on it.”
For Bronco Nation, Tillmon brings more than just talent. He brings leadership, maturity, and a love for the game that’s impossible to fake.
“They’re getting a player who works hard, a God-fearing player,” he said. “They’re getting a player who really loves the game of football and is willing to put everything into being a Bronco.”
With a new chapter beginning in Boise, Roman Tillmon is ready to make his mark - and if his past production is any indication, he’s going to be a name to watch in the Mountain West this fall.