For Boise State fans, joining the newly reformed Pac-12 Conference represents the latest milestone in a remarkable journey for a program that has consistently defied expectations.
What began as a small-college program has grown into a national brand built on consistency, innovation and a willingness to challenge the sport’s traditional powers.
Over the past 25 years, the Broncos have cemented their place among the winningest teams in the country through conference titles, bowl victories and a pipeline of elite players and coaches.
Boise State’s story is written on the iconic blue turf of Albertsons Stadium, through championship seasons in the WAC and Mountain West, and in unforgettable Fiesta Bowl victories over Oklahoma and TCU.
Now, as the Broncos enter a new era, expectations are higher than ever.
But before we look ahead to Boise State’s first season in the Pac-12, let’s revisit some of the moments that helped build the program:
A model of consistency: Since 2000, Boise State’s 269 wins — an average of 10.4 per season — rank first among non-Power 4 programs. Only Ohio State (285), Alabama (271) and Georgia (270) have won more games during that span, while Oklahoma is tied with the Broncos at 269.
A moment in the spotlight: Boise State’s rise to national prominence reached a milestone in 2010, when ESPN’s “College GameDay” made its first trip to a WAC campus. Fans got to celebrate a 37-24 victory over Oregon State, and Saturday Down South projects the Broncos could make another appearance on the show in 2026 — this time on the road.
A record-setting run: Boise State was the first team in FBS history to win 50 games over a four-year span. From 2008-11, the Broncos went 50-3, including an undefeated 14-0 season in 2009. In the years since, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Ohio State have joined the Broncos with at least 50 victories in a four-year stretch.
A quarterback icon: Boise State’s first — and only — Heisman Trophy finalist was Kellen Moore, who finished fourth in 2010 and is now the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He got 40 first-place votes after throwing for 3,845 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Boise State to a 12-0 regular season and a Fiesta Bowl berth. Auburn’s Cam Newton won the award.
More on Moore: He is the first — and again, only — quarterback in FBS history to win 50 games as a starter. A four-time first-team All-American (2008-11), he finished his career with a 50-3 record, good for a .943 winning percentage. Even more remarkable: His three career losses came by a combined five points — two by one point and a three-point overtime defeat.
Playoff or bust?
Athlon Sports, Saturday Down South and The Sporting News all project Boise State to reach the College Football Playoff as the No. 12 seed, a sign of the national attention surrounding the Broncos heading into their first season in the Pac-12.
While the projected matchups vary — the outlets have the Broncos facing Indiana, Oregon and Texas, respectively — all three point to the same conclusion: Boise State is being viewed as a legitimate contender for a second playoff spot in three years.
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Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.