Boise State Football: Post-Spring Transfer Portal Wrap-Up

Boise State’s post-spring roster movement featured significant changes across key positions, most notably at running back following the departure of star Ashton Jeanty to the NFL. The Broncos also saw a wave of activity in the transfer portal, with 18 scholarship players exiting and 11 arriving. Now that the portal window is closed, the 2025 roster is coming into clearer focus.

Here’s what’s changed—and what it means for the season ahead.

Ashton Jeanty to the NFL

Boise State will open the 2025 season without one of the most dynamic players in program history. Ashton Jeanty, the nation’s top returning all-purpose back, was selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft. His departure marks the end of an era—and a new beginning for the Broncos' backfield.

Transfers Out: 18 Scholarship Departures

Boise State lost 18 scholarship players following its Mountain West championship season. While not all departure details have been publicly confirmed, the most significant losses include:

• Malachi Nelson (QB) – Transferred to UTEP after one season in Boise.

• Prince Strachan (WR) – Transferred to USC, where he’ll compete in a Power Five passing attack.

A number of defensive contributors, depth players, and special teams personnel also left the program, reflecting a broader roster reset heading into summer.

Transfers In: 11 Additions Bolster Key Units

The Broncos responded to those departures with an experienced transfer class of 11 players, including FBS and Power Five veterans expected to compete immediately.

Name	Position	Previous School
Malik Sherrod	RB	Fresno State
Jaden Mickey	DB	Notre Dame
Colton Boomer	K	UCF
Demetrius Freeney	DB	Arizona
Hunter Higham	LS	Hawaii
Evan Kiely	K	Sacramento State
David Latu	DL	BYU
Keanu Mailoto	DL	Arizona
Miles Walker	OL	Ohio State
Dion Washington	DL	Hawaii
Malakai Williams	EDGE	Idaho

Notable impact addition:

Malik Sherrod, a former Fresno State standout, arrives with experience and versatility. He’s expected to lead a revamped running back unit following Jeanty’s exit.

Depth Chart Notes and Running Back Outlook

The biggest shift this offseason is in the backfield. With Jeanty off to the NFL, Sherrod steps in as the projected feature back. He’ll be pushed by returning sophomore Jambres Dubar, who showed flashes last season, along with depth options like Kaden Dudley, Sire Gaines, and Ethan Mikita.

No major walk-on surprises or dramatic shifts in the depth chart have emerged publicly as of May 12.

Notable Returners

Despite the roster turnover, Boise State brings back veteran leadership at several key positions:

• Maddux Madsen (QB) – Set to take full control of the offense.

• Latrell Caples (WR) – Senior leader in the passing game.

• Austin Bolt (WR) – Versatile target with upside.

  
  

Defensive Line Boost: Fely Returns

One major post-spring development: Braxton Fely, a second-team All-Mountain West defensive tackle in 2023 who briefly entered the portal, has decided to return for his senior season. His return gives Boise State a proven presence up front and significantly strengthens the defensive line depth chart.

Roster Overview

Category	Key Names/Notes
Transfers Out	18 players, incl. Malachi Nelson (QB, UTEP), Prince Strachan (WR, USC)
Transfers In	11 additions, incl. Malik Sherrod (RB), Jaden Mickey (DB), Colton Boomer (K)
Key Returners	Maddux Madsen (QB), Caples, Bolt
Depth Chart Movement	RB room reshaped post-Jeanty with Sherrod and Dubar leading
Defensive Update	Braxton Fely returns to anchor the D-line

Final Word

Boise State’s roster has changed, but not crumbled. The departure of Jeanty and others is notable, but the return of foundational players and the arrival of experienced transfers have positioned the Broncos to stay in contention in the Mountain West. The next test begins with summer workouts and a competitive fall camp.