From Top Seed to Underdog: Boise State Braces for New CFP Era and a Last Mountain West Ride

When the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee unveiled its revamped 12-team format earlier this month, the announcement stirred immediate reaction across the sport. Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey was among those weighing in publicly, offering a pointed remark on social media:

“Please call it the Boise State policy… legacy is important… would make us feel better.”

That comment captured the sentiment within Bronco Nation, a feeling that a program which spent years forcing its way into the national spotlight is once again being asked to prove itself under tougher terms.

A Fundamental Change in the CFP Format

The new CFP model eliminates automatic byes for top conference champions. Instead, first-round byes will go to the four highest-ranked teams overall, regardless of conference affiliation.

The implications are significant for teams like Boise State. In 2024, the Broncos secured a Mountain West title and were slotted third under the old system. Under the new rules, ESPN’s re-seeding shows they would have dropped to ninth, missing out on a bye and facing a more difficult road through the playoff bracket.

Dickey has publicly suggested that this shift could create additional barriers for Group of Five programs, noting that Boise State and others will likely face greater challenges in accessing top-tier postseason positioning.

Boise State’s Response and the Fan Perspective

The Broncos’ fan base quickly rallied around Dickey’s comments, with many interpreting the CFP changes as a direct response to Boise State’s rise. Supporters pointed to the school’s consistent success and its ability to defy national expectations as reasons why the new rules feel targeted.

That defiant tone, equal parts frustration and pride, has long defined Boise State’s football culture.

Sustained Success in the Mountain West

Boise State has captured five Mountain West championships since the league began holding a title game in 2013: 2014, 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2024. Last year’s 21–7 win over UNLV took place at Albertsons Stadium in Boise and drew a record-setting crowd of 36,663 fans, the largest ever for a Mountain West title game.

The Broncos finished the season 12–2, closing with a loss to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl. Still, the campaign was a historic one, marking the program’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff.

One Final Run in the Mountain West

The 2025 season represents Boise State’s final year in the Mountain West Conference before joining the Pac-12 in 2026. That transition adds intensity to an already meaningful campaign.

Quarterback Maddux Madsen is expected to lead the offense after returning from injury and entering the year as the projected starter.

The Broncos' receiving corps features returning veteran Latrell Caples, promising sophomore Cam Bates, and Colorado transfer Chase Penry. Former Texas A&M receiver Chris Marshall also remains a potential breakout threat if eligible.

Boise State’s marquee non-conference matchup will be on October 4 at Notre Dame, a nationally televised contest on NBC.

A New Chapter: Boise State Enters the Pac-12

The Broncos’ move to the Pac-12 is widely seen as a transformative opportunity. Dickey has described the jump as “transformational” for the program, one that opens doors in recruiting, increases national visibility, and boosts revenue potential.

However, questions remain about the long-term stability of the Pac-12. The league continues to reshape itself amid shifting membership and media negotiations. How quickly Boise State can adapt to the conference’s demands will be a storyline to watch.

Conclusion: Resilience in the Face of Change

Boise State has built its national profile by challenging conventions and exceeding expectations. The new CFP structure presents fresh obstacles, but the Broncos’ history suggests they won’t be easily deterred.

As Dickey put it: “When the system is created to keep you down, you fight like hell to break it.”

That fight has defined Boise State for the past two decades, and it’s far from over.