Boise State football fans are in for a treat as the dynamic duo of Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley gears up to make waves in the revamped Pac-12. Last season, these two powerhouses combined for a staggering 2,201 total yards and 21 touchdowns, setting the stage for a thrilling 2026.
Head coach Spencer Danielson is planning to share the workload between the 217-pound powerhouse Gaines and the lightning-fast Riley during spring practice, which kicked off Thursday. While some running backs might balk at splitting carries, especially in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness deals, both players are embracing the strategy. Riley, now a junior, acknowledged that other programs might have offered him more lucrative deals, but he’s committed to Boise State.
In today’s football landscape, sharing the backfield is a common strategy, even at the highest levels. Gaines and Riley are no strangers to this approach.
Their chemistry dates back to 2018 when they dazzled defenses with the 12-and-under Moreno Valley Falcons in Southern California. Plays like the 24 Cross Club, where one fakes a handoff and the other charges into open space, left opponents guessing.
Gaines fondly recalls, “That play was money every time.”
The duo also thrived on the 28 Toss, with Gaines clearing the path as Riley sprinted behind him. Riley affectionately dubbed them “Lightning and Thunder.” While Boise State might not frequently use two-back sets, the team is confident in their ability to handle short-yardage situations and break open big plays.
Riley is eyeing a personal milestone this year, aiming to surpass his 1,125 rushing yards from last season. Gaines, who racked up 811 yards in 2025, shares the ambition for both to hit the 1,000-yard mark.
Joining them in the running back room are freshman Keilan Chavies and redshirt sophomore transfers Juelz Goff (from Pittsburgh) and Harry Stewart III (from Kansas). While Goff is sidelined for spring practice due to injury, Danielson is ensuring Stewart and Chavies get their opportunities.
Ultimately, it’s the Gaines and Riley show this spring. With the offense relying heavily on its ground game to support redshirt senior quarterback Maddux Madsen, the running backs are poised to set the tone. As Gaines puts it, “If Riley needs a break, I’m there, and vice versa.”
The running back room’s mission is clear: establish the offense’s rhythm. “It starts up front, and it starts with us,” Gaines asserts. With the run game firing early, the Broncos are confident in their path to victory.