Boise State’s $350K Special Teams Rebuild: Will the Broncos Turn Their Weakest Link Into a Playoff Weapon?

Garrison Gridiron
Apr 9
2 min read

As the Boise State Broncos gear up for their final season in the Mountain West Conference, significant attention is being directed toward revitalizing their special teams unit. Following a 2024 season marked by challenges in kick and punt coverage, the Broncos are implementing strategic changes to enhance performance in this critical phase of the game.

Addressing 2024 Performance Metrics

In the 2024 season, the Broncos faced notable difficulties in their special teams performance:

Kickoff Return Defense: The team allowed 677 yards on 30 returns.
Punt Return Defense: Opponents accumulated 161 yards on 9 returns.

These figures underscored the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the special teams strategies.

Leadership and Compensation

Boise State brought in Stacy Collins as the Special Teams Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach prior to the 2024 season. Collins is earning $350,000 annually, making him one of the highest-paid non-coordinators in program history.

Boise State Special Teams Coordinator Stacy Collins breaks down spring practice priorities

Spring Practice Initiatives

This spring, Collins has emphasized daily reps, tackling fundamentals, and lane-discipline drills in both punt and kickoff coverage. His messaging has focused on attention to detail, execution, and accountability across all special teams units.

Revamping the Return Game

The Broncos are evaluating several players for return duties:

Dylan Riley: The sophomore running back showcased his potential with a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown against Utah State in 2024.
Malik Sherrod: The Fresno State transfer has emerged as a dynamic option, displaying shiftiness and burst during spring reps.
Kayden Chan: The redshirt junior wide receiver is also in the mix and has earned additional looks during return drills.

Kicking Competition

With all-time points leader Jonah Dalmas having moved on, the competition to replace him is heating up:

Colton Boomer: The UCF transfer, who kicked a game-winner against Boise State in 2023, brings high-pressure experience and has been active in spring work.
Evan Kiely and Jarrett Reeser: Both returning specialists are in the running and bring familiarity with the system.
Roland Podesta: The Australian freshman punter, currently rehabbing from injury, is expected to join the mix later this offseason.

Strategic Objectives

The Broncos are aiming to dramatically improve field position impact, with a goal of pinning opponents inside the 10-yard line on 90% of placement punts—up from 70% last season. Additional focus areas include tackling efficiency, block engagement, and directional punting schemes.

Looking Ahead

With Boise State set to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026, the 2025 season is more than a sendoff, it’s a proving ground. Special teams will play a vital role in whether the Broncos enter the Power Five era as contenders or question marks.