Boise State provided some surprising news on Sunday, naming Maddux Madsen the Broncos’ starting quarterback. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reportedMalachi Nelson, a former five-star recruit, was widely expected to win the job after transferring from USC.
Madsen, a redshirt sophomore, threw for 1,191 yards and nine touchdowns with a 61% completion percentage in nine games last season. He began the season as Taylen Green’s backup and the two shared playing time in a two-quarterback system.
Madsen was eventually named the starter for Boise State’s Week 11 game against New Mexico, but suffered a knee injury in the first half. Green took over for the remainder of the season and helped lead the Broncos to a Mountain West Conference title. However, Moved to Arkansas After the season.
Nelson was classified as The 14th player in the country and Professional quarterback number 4 by Rivals in the class of 2023 coming out of Los Alamitos High School in California. He appeared in just one game last season playing behind eventual No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Caleb Williams and Miller Moss, throwing three passes.
Boise State coach Spencer Danielson told reporters that he and the staff decided on Madsen after 14 practices and two scrimmages. During the spring, He praised Nelson for all the extra work he did under new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. However, Madsen’s experience as a starter in the Broncos’ offense gave him the edge.
“Coming into fall camp we didn’t know what the difference was,” Danielson said, via KTVB-TV in Boise“We had a good idea of where Malachi was after the spring season, but Maddux hadn’t played since November… We didn’t go in with a preconceived idea of where the gap was.”
Boise State, considered a Group of Five team that can make the College Football Playoff, begins its 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Georgia Southern at home. The Broncos will continue their journey by visiting No. 3 Oregon on Sept. 7.