Boise State isn’t handing out a depth chart before Saturday’s Week 1 trip to No. 2 Oregon, but the Broncos don’t exactly need one to know which newcomers are ready to play big minutes at Autzen Stadium.
The offseason transfer haul should be all over this game. From the offensive line to the secondary, Boise State brought in a group that looks ready to contribute right away, and several of those players are already slotted into major roles.
Start up front with left tackle Ethridge, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound Division II transfer from Colorado State-Pueblo who arrives as a fourth-year senior and is expected to anchor the blind side. Boise State also added Edward, a 6-foot-1, 301-pound defensive tackle who made an immediate impression after coming over from Central Washington. The fourth-year junior was a spring practice standout and won a starting job in fall camp.
Another interior line piece, Esty, transferred in after three seasons at Oregon State and is set to serve as a key backup inside. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman gives Boise State more size and depth in the middle.
At linebacker, Brantley is in the mix to start alongside Boen Phelps. The 6-foot, 235-pound transfer spent three seasons at Kansas before landing with the Broncos.
The back end of the defense has its own set of transfer additions ready to jump in. Tillmon, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back who spent his first three seasons at South Dakota, locked down the starting nickelback spot in his first year with Boise State.
Washington Jr., who posted five interceptions in three seasons at Kennesaw State, is expected to see plenty of snaps at cornerback alongside Jaden Mickey and Sherrod Smith. Hall, a 6-foot-2, 209-pound junior who starred at College of San Mateo, should also get action at safety.
Boise State’s offense has transfer help, too. Goff, a 5-foot-9, 200-pound redshirt sophomore who started at Pittsburgh before heading west, is the Broncos’ No. 3 running back behind Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley.
Morris, who spent four solid years at Southern University, is in the Week 1 receiver rotation after arriving for his final college season. Wright, a fourth-year senior from De Anza College, earned a starting role at wide receiver after a strong fall camp and brings big-play ability with a sharper route-running profile than he had before.
All told, the Broncos are leaning on a transfer class that is already woven into the lineup as they head into one of the toughest openings possible.
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Maddux Madsen Faces A Boise State Test That Suddenly Feels Bigger
Maddux Madsen is about to step into the kind of opener that can shape a season before it really gets going. Boise States final season opener against No. 2 Oregon brings the Broncos their toughest early measuring stick, and it also sets up a very direct evaluation of where Madsen is after a full offseason as the starter. Offensive coordinator Nate Potter has made clear the challenge is less about volume than precision, with the quarterback needing sharper decisions and a quicker release to handle a defense that will not give him much time to settle in.
The backdrop makes it a little heavier, too. Madsen has already had his share of difficult afternoons against Power Four opponents, and those games have left plenty of room for improvement as Boise State looks for a cleaner start. For a program that has built its identity on making big games feel manageable, this matchup asks whether Madsen can turn the page quickly enough against one of the nations best teams, or whether the Broncos will be left waiting for answers after the first whistle. [Read more 🡒]
Boise State Walks Into One Of Oregons Most Hyped Game Day Looks
The Oregon-Boise State season opener is already drawing plenty of attention, and the Ducks are leaning into the moment with a throwback look for the 2026 matchup. Oregon will wear a classic combination of a Gang Green jersey, yellow pants and a yellow helmet with a green O, a nod to the programs history that fits into the teams ongoing Generation O series.
For Boise State, it adds another layer to a road game that figures to come with a little extra theater before kickoff. Oregon is also pushing its longtime Stripe-Out tradition, asking fans to wear green or yellow in line with the seating sections, which should make the atmosphere even louder when the Broncos arrive. [Read more 🡒]
Boise State Could Catch Oregon At A Very Different Strength Than Expected
Boise States road to an early test against Oregon may look a little different than expected after the Ducks spent the offseason juggling a run of injuries at key spots. Oregon still has enough talent to be dangerous, but the picture is less settled than usual as it heads toward the 2026 season, with some players working back and others still waiting on clearer timelines.
Dillon Greshams neck injury leaves his return date uncertain, linebacker Brayden Platt is likely to be limited for a while after a spring injury and receiver Evan Stewart and safety Trey McNutt are still coming off injuries from 2025. Dave Iuli has been practicing and should be ready for the opener, but for Boise State the larger question is how much cohesion Oregon can build by then, especially if the Ducks are still sorting through health issues on both sides of the ball. [Read more 🡒]