Boise State vs South Florida 2025: No Jeanty, No Problem in Season Opener

A new Boise State football season kicks off Thursday afternoon in Florida heat, but this Broncos team isn’t easing into a rebuild.

Boise State enters 2025 ranked No. 25 in the nation, eyeing another Mountain West title and a return to the College Football Playoff. Gone is All-American running back Ashton Jeanty, now the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft, but the roster returns proven talent, strong leadership, and clear expectations.

“Getting ourselves back-to-back Mountain West championships going for a three-peat, ranked in the top 25, that’s where Boise State should be,” head coach Spencer Danielson said. “I tell staff and players, if you don’t want to be at a place with high expectations, don’t come here. The expectations are through the roof, as they should be at Boise State.”

Boise State faces South Florida at 3:30 p.m. MT Thursday on ESPN. It will be the first meeting between the two teams and the Broncos’ first test in what many consider the toughest schedule of Danielson’s tenure.

Instinct, Leadership, and Madsen at the Helm

Junior quarterback Maddux Madsen returns after throwing for over 3,000 yards and accounting for 28 touchdowns last season. While comparisons to Boise State legend Kellen Moore may be premature, Madsen’s instincts and decision-making have earned him national respect and full command of the offense.

Madsen’s breakout came after winning the starting job over five-star USC transfer Malachi Nelson, and it’s been his team ever since.

A New Backfield, Same Mentality

With Jeanty now in the NFL, Sire Gaines steps into the spotlight. He flashed explosiveness early in 2024, averaging 7.8 yards per carry before a leg injury ended his season. Since then, he’s worked tirelessly to get back — even sticking around to train during the team’s July 4 break.

“He’s been like a caged bull for the last 11 months,” Madsen said.

Gaines has drawn comparisons in demeanor and drive to Jeanty, but made his own intentions clear to team staff last year: “No,” Gaines said. “I’m the next Sire Gaines.”

Danielson said, “He’s just wired differently. He loves his team, he’s very similar to Ashton in that way. The way they love this team, it brings people with them.”

Culture Over Turnover

Even after postseason success and portal pressure, the roster stuck together. Madsen, Gaines, and offensive lineman Kage Casey all confirmed they received transfer offers, and all chose to stay.

“Our culture is contagious,” Gaines said. “Like if you want to win, and I’m talking about winning big time football games, you come to Boise State. You come to Boise State to win championships.”

Ten Broncos were named to the Preseason All-Mountain West team, with 18 total recognized by Phil Steele. Madsen was named Offensive Player of the Year.

Danielson believes that consistency and character are what sets Boise State apart. “Talent sets the floor, character sets their ceiling,” he told CBS Sports.

Don’t Overlook the Bulls

While some eyes might drift toward the Oct. 4 showdown at Notre Dame, South Florida is no pushover.

The Bulls are coming off back-to-back 7-6 seasons under head coach Alex Golesh and return quarterback Byrum Brown, who missed most of last season with a broken leg. USF is ranked No. 81 in the CBS Sports Ranking.

“This could be the Bulls' breakout year if quarterback Byrum Brown stays healthy; they are deep almost everywhere else,” wrote The Athletic’s Chris Vannini.

USF’s financial investment is also notable, with a football roster budget reportedly in the $8–10 million range, significantly ahead of its American Athletic Conference peers.

Oddsmakers have Boise State as a 5.5-point favorite on the road.

Fan Momentum at Home

Boise State sold 19,762 season tickets last year. As of Tuesday, the program has surpassed 21,300 and is closing in on its goal of 23,000 before the Sept. 5 home opener against Eastern Washington. Athletic director Jeramiah Dickey posted on X, “23,000 is where we set the bar this year. Six games, six sellouts!”

Kicking, Local Talent & Depth Chart Notes

Junior Colton Boomer won the starting kicker job after transferring from UCF. He previously hit field goals of 50 and 55 yards at Albertsons Stadium, and is now tasked with replacing longtime starter Jonah Dalmas.

GAME INFO

• Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

• 3:30 p.m. MT Thursday

• ESPN

• KBOI 670 AM / KTIK 93.1 FM

• Line: Boise State -5.5

• Weather: 90°, mostly sunny, 21% chance of rain

Final Word

Boise State may have a target on its back, but inside the building, the message is clear.

“One thing that Coach D always says is be the hunters, not the hunted,” said edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan.

On Thursday, the hunt begins.