Offense Shines in Boise State Spring Game 2025 Victory

Boise State fans got a glimpse of the future during the 2025 Spring Game, where the offense surged to a 45–27 win behind big plays from Sherrod and Riley.

Boise State fans got their spring football fix Saturday afternoon as the Broncos closed out camp with a fast-paced Spring Game at Albertsons Stadium. In front of a lively crowd, the offense leaned on the ground game to pull away from the defense for a 45–27 win under the team’s modified scoring system.

Sherrod Makes Noise Early

There wasn’t much doubt who stole the show early. Malik Sherrod, the speedy transfer from Fresno State, wasted no time reminding folks why he was a Mountain West standout in 2023. On the first series of the day, Sherrod broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run that lit up the stadium and energized the sideline. He finished with 76 yards on just three carries before taking the rest of the day off—a strong sign the coaching staff already knows what they have in the veteran back.

Riley Finds the End Zone… Twice

If Sherrod’s flash came early, Dylan Riley’s consistency made its mark throughout. Coming off a promising freshman campaign in 2024 where he earned second-team All-Mountain West honors as a return specialist, Riley kept building his résumé with two rushing touchdowns on the day. His 20-yard total might not turn heads, but his vision and ability to finish in tight spaces stood out.

Riley and Dubar share a moment on the field during a break in action at the 2025 Spring Game.

Quarterbacks Get Their Reps

It was a rotation-heavy day at quarterback, as five different Broncos took snaps. Zeke Martinez powered in a short touchdown run during the third quarter, while Kaleb Annett delivered the lone passing touchdown of the game, a 20-yard strike to Cameron Bates that came on the first drive of the final period. Annett finished 6-of-10 for 77 yards, continuing to look comfortable leading the offense.

Receivers Steady in Limited Opportunities

With the offense heavily favoring the run game, pass catchers didn’t get many chances—but they made the most of them. AJ Maes led the group with 55 receiving yards on three receptions, showing off sharp route running and soft hands. Bates added 31 yards on two catches, including the touchdown from Annett, while several other targets rotated in throughout the game.

Dubar heads to the sideline with a smile as teammates continue warmups during Boise State’s 2025 Spring Game at Albertsons Stadium.

Defense Shows Glimpses of Disruption

On defense, Boise State showed flashes of the pressure-first identity that’s been emphasized all spring. The front seven clogged running lanes and got after the quarterback, finishing with six total sacks and nine tackles-for-loss. Jake Ripp stood out with a pair of sacks that killed two early drives and helped shift momentum back to the defense. Meanwhile, Cole Miller was active sideline to sideline, leading the unit in total tackles and showing signs he could take on a bigger role this fall.

NFL Eyes on the Sidelines

Before kickoff, fans were treated to a familiar face as Ahmed Hassanein, a 2024 team captain and current NFL Draft prospect, walked the sidelines waving to fans and chatting with coaches. Hassanein has been training for the next level since wrapping up his Boise State career last season and continues to be a respected ambassador for the program.➡️ Read our full feature on Hassanein’s NFL journey

Former Boise State captain Ahmed Hassanein greets fans on the Blue during Saturday’s Spring Game, just months after wrapping up his collegiate career and declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

What’s Next

Saturday’s scrimmage marked the final public practice before the team turns its attention toward fall. The 2025 campaign kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 28, when the Broncos travel to Tampa to face South Florida. The home opener at Albertsons Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6 against Eastern Washington.