My 12 daughter and I are coming for the Oklahoma State game. Suggestions on tickets? Will there be much outside the stadium before the game? Do I need to just hit the aftermarket? What things to a couple okies need to check out on game day?

Auburn coach Bryan Harsin tests positive for COVID-19​

Nick Bromberg
Fri, August 20, 2021, 3:16 PM


Auburn will be without coach Bryan Harsin as it prepares for its first game of the 2021 season.
The school announced Friday that Harsin had tested positive for COVID-19. Harsin's statement does not say whether he was vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Yesterday I tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. I am isolating at home while experiencing no symptoms," Harsin said. "As we have navigated through the pandemic, contingency plans have been in place should a situation like this arise. We prepared for this. Coach Jeff Schmedding will assume in-person head coaching duties and I will continue to participate remotely in meetings and practice. Just like in a game, teams that handle adversity and make necessary adjustments are those that are most successful. I have full confidence in our coaching staff and team. I know they will continue to prepare with the same intensity and focus that they have since camp started.”
Schmedding is a defensive assistant and the team's assistant head coach.
Harsin said at SEC media days in July that approximately 60% of his team had been vaccinated.
"For a lot of them, this is deeply personal and I respect that," Harsin said about Auburn's vaccine education efforts. "I respect that with our staff. I respect that for myself, our players, and understand that.
"So our goal is to educate and give them information and then let our players make that decision. They understand the 85 percent. They've got a chance to hear and see and read all about those things, and I believe in our players. I believe in our medical staff. And I believe in the way that we've educated our players to make the right decisions and understand and respect their decisions and know that it's personal."
Harsin said earlier this month that the team's vaccination rate had improved, but that he wasn't sure if it would reach the recommended 80% vaccination rate by the SEC.
Harsin was hired at Auburn after Gus Malzahn was fired at the end of the 2020 season. Harsin came to Auburn after a seven-year stint at Boise State where his teams went 69-19.
Auburn opens the season on Sep. 4 at home against Akron.

BOISE, Idaho – The Ford Fan Zone at DeChevrieux Field will get a number of upgrades for the 2021 Boise State football season, director of athletics Jeramiah Dickey announced Friday. Among the changes, 10 Barrel Brewing will now handle catering for the Boise State Tailgate private tents and will provide the food truck available to the general public at the Ford Fan Zone.

Alcohol will now be served at certain locations in the Ford Fan Zone. A lineup of available products will be announced soon.

There will be a family-friendly, alcohol-free section, which will include activities for kids. Activities will vary throughout the season, but each game will feature options for kids of all ages to enjoy, including sports activities, inflatables and more. An updated map is attached.

Fans and groups planning to attend games this season can reserve a private game day tailgate package or private tent and explore a list of food and beverage catering options from 10 Barrel at BoiseStateTailgate.com.

Fans attending private tailgates are still permitted to bring their own food and beverage, including alcohol. A list of tailgating rules and guidelines, along with frequently asked questions are available at the Boise State Tailgate website.

The Ford Fan Zone will continue to provide a tent and entertainment options for the general public, including a mobile video board playing nationally-televised football games around the country prior to kickoff, when available.

-- broncosports.com --

BOISE, Idaho – Bronco Nation is invited to check out Albertsons Stadium’s newest feature and score a great deal on tickets this weekend. A street art wall mural was recently completed at the northeast corner of Albertsons Stadium, near the student entrance.

Starting Friday and continuing through Sunday, fans can take a photo of themselves in front of the mural and share it to social media using the hashtag #BroncoNation for a chance to be featured on the Boise State Athletics social media channels.

Signs will be placed alongside the mural featuring a QR code that fans can scan to get discounted tickets to Boise State football’s home opener against UTEP, Sept. 10.

The mural was created by Douglas Wilson, a regional artist who has done similar works for art for Real Salt Lake and the University of Utah.
"I know that Boise State is an important part of this community and all of Idaho,” Wilson said. “I honestly think it’s a huge part of the Western United States and it’s making a mark around the country.”

The concept was developed by Matt Thomas, assistant athletic director for revenue and brand strategies.

“All the people who have passed by and seen it are really, really excited about it,” said Thomas. “I think it’s something that’s new, unique and that’s what we are at Boise State. We’re new, we’re unique, we’re innovative and we find new ways to connect with the community.”

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Boise State’s 18-game Mountain West men’s basketball schedule for the 2021-22 season was announced Friday, by the conference. The Broncos will open league play at home, Dec. 28, against Fresno State.

The dates of each game are subject to change, based on television selections. Mountain West national television partners CBS Sports and FOX Sports will now initiate a selection procedure, which will include the shifting of particular games to any night of the week. That will be followed by the identification of network outlets and tipoff times. The broadcast schedule is expected to be announced next month.

Each of the 11 Mountain West schools plays eight home-and-home series along with one additional home game and one additional road game. The Broncos will not host New Mexico and will not travel to San José State. They will play the remaining eight conference opponents twice.

The league opener against Fresno State is followed by back-to-back road games at Wyoming and Utah State. The Broncos return home to host Colorado State (Jan. 8), then travel to Nevada (Jan. 11) before reaching the first of two byes on the schedule.

A home date with Air Force (Jan. 18) is followed by a trip to defending Mountain West champion San Diego State for the first meeting of the year on Jan. 22.

Wyoming comes to ExtraMile Arena to wrap up the month (Jan. 25), and to conclude Boise State’s first series of conference play. A road game at Fresno State (Jan. 29) sends Boise State into its second bye.

The Broncos then take on their two single-game opponents in back-to-back outings, hosting San José State Feb. 5, and traveling to New Mexico Feb. 8. Boise State gets its first look at UNLV on Feb. 12, at ExtraMile Arena, then travels to Air Force for a Feb. 15 meeting before back-to-back marquee home games.

Utah State makes the trip to Boise for a meeting Feb. 19. If the date holds, it will be one year to the day after the Broncos scored 51 points in the second half to rally past the Aggies for a series sweep last season.

San Diego State will visit ExtraMile Arena Feb. 22. This will be the seventh time in Boise State’s 11 years in the Mountain West that the Broncos face the Aztecs in a regular-season game on Feb. 22 or later.

That meeting is followed by a trip to UNLV. The final home game of conference play will be against Nevada (March 1), and the regular season concludes March 5 at Colorado State.

Conference play will determine seeding for the 2022 Mountain West Men’s Basketball Championship, set for March 9-12, at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Boise State’s two byes occur Jan. 15 and Feb. 1.

Season tickets are available now and can be purchased online, in person at the Boise State Athletic Ticket Office or by calling 208-426-4737.

Boise State features 12 returners in 2021-22, including three starters and two All-Mountain West selections from a year ago. A school-record seven Broncos averaged at least eight points per game last season. Five of them will be back in the Blue and Orange this year, marking the most returners who averaged at least eight points per game the year prior since 1983-84.

Head coach Leon Rice enters his 12th season at the helm. Rice is the all-time wins leader in Boise State men's basketball history and has led the Broncos to six national postseason tournaments, including the first two at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament in program history.



Boise State Men’s Basketball 2021-22 Mountain West Schedule

Dates subject to change

Tuesday, Dec. 28 vs Fresno State

Saturday, Jan. 1 at Wyoming

Tuesday, Jan. 4 at Utah State

Saturday, Jan. 8 vs Colorado State

Tuesday, Jan. 11 at Nevada

Tuesday, Jan. 18 vs Air Force

Saturday, Jan. 22 at San Diego State

Tuesday, Jan. 25 vs Wyoming

Saturday, Jan. 29 at Fresno State

Saturday, Feb. 5 vs San José State

Tuesday, Feb. 8 at New Mexico

Saturday, Feb. 12 vs UNLV

Tuesday, Feb. 15 at Air Force

Saturday, Feb. 19 vs Utah State

Tuesday, Feb. 22 vs San Diego State

Saturday, Feb. 26 at UNLV

Tuesday, March 1 vs Nevada

Saturday, March 5 at Colorado State

BOISE, Idaho – The Lyle Smith Society, a philanthropic giving option launched by the Bronco Athletic Association this past December, has surpassed $8 million in fundraising, director of athletics Jeramiah Dickey announced Friday.

In the first eight months of the Lyle Smith Society, 68 members have combined for $8.2 million in donations over the next five years.

“Bronco Nation is stepping up in helping to position our student-athletes for success, not just in competition, but in the classroom and in life beyond athletics,” Dickey said. “I am thankful for the philanthropy of the Lyle Smith Society members, and I am proud of the impact our supporters are choosing to make on the student-athlete experience.”

Lyle Smith Society membership begins with a minimum pledge of $25,000 over a five-year period or donating an annual cash gift of $25,000 or more.

The Lyle Smith Society is named after the iconic, longtime Boise State football coach and administrator.

A leadership giving society to support Boise State Athletics, the purpose of the Lyle Smith Society is to increase philanthropic revenues, providing consistent funding for scholarships, operational needs and capital projects. Members of the Lyle Smith Society enjoy unique stewardship opportunities and benefits based on giving level, while maintaining the flexibility to designate each gift to the fund of their choice.

For those that are interested in learning more or in making a commitment to the Lyle Smith Society contact the Bronco Athletic Association at (208) 426-3556 or baa@boistestate.edu.

Contributions from Lyle Smith Society members can be applied to funds including, but not limited to, the following, which have been established as priorities by Boise State Athletics:

Bronco Nation Fund
The Bronco Nation fund is the lifeblood of support for Bronco student-athletes and is the most popular method for Bronco fans to show their pride and play a part in the success of Boise State Athletics. All gifts to the Bronco Nation fund go toward student-athlete scholarships on an annual basis.

Capital Projects
Capital projects have the ability to support the student-athlete experience by enhancing or constructing facilities to better position our programs for competitive success. Capital gifts may build new facilities, enhance locker rooms, team meeting spaces and day-to-day facilities, while also building the brand of Boise State Athletics.

Women’s Sports Fund
The Women’s Sports Fund provides vital operational support to all women’s sports at Boise State.

Sports Enhancement Funds
Sport enhancement funds allow Bronco fans to give to individual teams and help support their specific goals and needs.

Endowments
Endowments can be established for scholarships, coaches’ positions and program operational needs. Donors with existing endowments may also qualify for the Lyle Smith Society by committing to a $25,000+ gift over five years to their existing endowment.

BroncoLife
The BroncoLife program is a department-wide commitment to focus on the whole person and emphasizes the transition to college, personal development and planning for a career.

Sports Performance, Health and Wellness
Investment in the sports performance, health and wellness of Bronco student-athletes encompasses the areas of sports performance, nutrition, mental health and sports medicine.

--broncosports.com--

BOISE, Idaho - In an effort to improve the fan experience at Albertsons Stadium, Boise State Athletics partnered with Verizon to install a new cellular distributed antenna system (DAS) that will be unveiled for the 2021 season, director of athletics Jeramiah Dickey announced Friday.

The DAS will improve cellular coverage in and around Albertsons Stadium on game days.

“There is no detail too small as we evaluate the game day experience for Bronco Nation,” Dickey said. “This new system opens the door for so many touch points – from mobile ticketing to how our fans are able to share and access digital content from Albertsons Stadium while attending our games.

“As we prepare for capacity crowds, and as fans are looking to share their experiences and engage with other members of our fanbase, this will certainly be a noticeable difference to the fan experience.”

The new system, which includes the latest technology from Verizon and tripled the number of previously-available antennas, is designed to allow future adoption by additional carriers.

The new system will also allow Boise State fans to access the Broncos’ new gameday app, which will officially launch Monday, Aug. 2. Additional details will be announced once the app goes live.

The DAS was slated to be unveiled for the 2020 season, but installation was postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

--broncosports.com--

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State will begin selling alcohol at home football games in Albertsons Stadium with the 2021 season, director of athletics Jeramiah Dickey officially announced, Monday.

“Our goal is to provide an elite fan experience on game day,” Dickey said. “Bronco Nation directly impacts our student-athletes, and ultimately, the outcome of games. My hope is that today's announcement continues to generate excitement and helps us fill the stadium.”

Additional announcements related to game days are planned in the coming weeks.

Suite and loge seating options sold out this past week but single-game tickets went on sale to the general public this morning. Season tickets, mini plans and the Blue Collar Pass also are currently on sale. More than 80 percent of available Blue Collar Passes already have been sold.

Alcohol will be available at kiosks throughout the stadium, and in the Fan Zone, located in the northeast corner of the stadium. Additionally, a portion of the Ford Tailgate Zone on DeChevrieux Field will be reserved for pregame alcohol sales as part of the Broncos’ Gameday Fan Fest.

In conjunction with the sale of alcohol, Boise State also will launch a Drink Responsibly campaign in and around the stadium on game day. Additionally, a clear bag policy will be implemented at Albertsons Stadium, and, as is the case at other top venues throughout the country, re-entry will no longer be permitted.

Boise State enters 2021 with a streak of 23-consecutive winning seasons (1998-2020), tied with Michigan for the 14th-longest such streak in Football Bowl Subdivision history. The streak is the longest by a school in the Group of Five all-time.

The Broncos have made four-consecutive appearances in the MW Championship Game, tied with Ohio State for the third-longest active streak in the country. Only Clemson (six) and Oklahoma (five) have a longer current streak of conference championship game appearances.

Additionally, Boise State's four conference championships since joining the MW for the 2011 season are tied for the most in league history, despite being a member for just 10 of the conference's 22 seasons.

--broncosports.com—

BOISE, Idaho - Boise State Athletics announced the launch of a new official app, Monday. Developed in partnership with From Now On, the new Bronco Sports App will enhance the fan experience by putting everything in the hands of Bronco Nation. Mobile ticketing and concessions will be available through the app, in addition to all the Boise State content fans crave.

Fans can download the app today. It is also available by searching Boise State Broncos in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Bronco fans who download the app this week will be eligible to win a Boise State branded watch, courtesy of Mountain America Credit Union and a Dutch Bros gift card.

The Bronco Sports App is packed with videos, schedules, stats, team information, fan guides, interactive opportunities and access to BroncoShop merchandise. It will also feature new promotional offers for fans from various Boise State sponsors.

The new app is also home to a reimagined student rewards program. Students will earn points for attending events by checking in at geo-fenced locations within the app. Points can be redeemed for prizes ranging from experiences and gear to TVs and headphones. Students can also reserve tickets to Boise State events through the app.

Students who download the app this week will receive bonus points on their student rewards account.

Fans are encouraged to download the app and select their favorite Boise State teams to start receiving targeted notifications that fit their preferences.

About From Now On
At From Now On, our focus is on facilitating anytime, anywhere fan engagement through mobile technology. Our flagship FanX™ Mobile Engagement Platform serves our growing roster of 100+ colleges, conferences, championships, and high schools to deliver personalized experiences to fans in-venue, on the go, and throughout the offseason at all levels of the game.
To learn more about From Now On and the FanX™ platform please visit https://from-now-on.com/ or follow From Now On: Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn!

Hi,

My crew (Rutgers fans) do a new college football stadium every year. In the past few years we have done Ole Miss, Washington, Ohio State and Texas. This year we are coming to Boise!

We love the games, but truly come for the tailgating. What is our best plan of attack? Barhopping, or is there a great tailgating scene at the stadium?

All suggestions welcome!

Flower Mound (TX) QB Nick Evers has been balancing virtual visits with power outages all week. He's sat down to chat with #Florida #PennState #BoiseState #Colorado + has plans to chat with #Minnesota soon

Evers recaps the challenging, but rewarding week: https://n.rivals.com/news/texas-qb-nick-evers-dives-head-first-into-recruiting

“Bryan Harsin has contributed to Boise State University as a student-athlete, as an assistant coach and in his last seven seasons as our head coach. We are proud of what he has been able to accomplish on The Blue, and we wish him the very best of luck at Auburn.

Once A Bronco, Always a Bronco.

Boise State has been on a stunning trajectory for decades and has effectively built on our previous successes. Each of our head coaches has used his unique talents to enhance the excellence of this program — an excellence we have all come to expect — and we are confident that our next coach will do the same. This is an exciting time for Boise State and Bronco Athletics. A national search for our next head coach will begin immediately.”

President Marlene Tromp

Wanted to get some thoughts on what we’re getting out of our new HC. Are you guys happy/sad/indifferent to see him go?

I’ll hang up and listen.

BOISE, Idaho - Max Rice scored a career-high 22 points as Boise State rolled to an 89-52 win Wednesday, completing a series sweep against New Mexico at ExtraMile Arena. The Broncos (6-1, 2-0 MW) are on a six-game winning streak for the first time since December 2017.

Boise State shot 60 percent from the field (36-for-60) and 50 percent from beyond the arc (11-for-12) to claim the 37-point win, its largest margin of victory against the Lobos in series history. New Mexico (3-2, 0-2 MW) shot 33.3 percent and was held to 1-of-9 three-point shooting.

Rice was 9-for-13 from the floor, including 4-of-7 on three-pointers. He also pulled down seven rebounds to go along with the first 20-point outing of his career.


Photos (Credit: Tyler McFarland/Boise State Athletics)

Derrick Alston, Jr. also scored 22 points, going a perfect 9-for-9 from the field. Alston was 3-for-3 from three-point range and threw down four dunks, setting the tone for the Broncos to score 44 points in the paint. Alston added six assists, four rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. His 9-for-9 shooting performance is tied for the second-most makes without a miss in program history.

Emmanue Akot, Alston and RayJ Dennis each finished the game with six assists. Boise State tallied a season-high 23 assists. Dennis has 20 assists in the last four games.

Alston and Rice combined for 31 points in the first half as the Broncos jumped on New Mexico early, taking a 52-28 advantage into the locker room. The lead ballooned to as much as 40 in the second half.

Marcus Shaver, Jr. saw the floor for the first time in more than two weeks, after missing three games with a foot injury. Shaver came off the bench to score 13 points and grab five rebounds. The Broncos outscored the Lobos by 27 in the 20 minutes he played.

Boise State returns to action next week against San Jose State. The series is scheduled to take place Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, in Phoenix.


Photos (Credit: Tyler McFarland/Boise State Athletics)

Mike Walsh
broncospsorts.com

BOISE, Idaho – Co-defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson has been named interim head coach of the Boise State football team, interim athletic director Bob Carney announced Wednesday.

“I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity,” Danielson said. “Boise State has been a great place for a long time, and I want to make sure our current student-athletes and the student-athletes that are committed to us know that it will continue to be great. The best is still to come!”

“Coach Danielson is a strong leader on and off the field and is well-respected among our student-athletes, coaches, staff and administration,” Carney said. “He is prepared to step in and lead this program as we search for a permanent head coach.”

Danielson has been on staff with Boise State the last three seasons, most recently working with the Broncos’ defensive line. He also worked with Boise State’s STUDs his first two seasons, overseeing the development of All-American Curtis Weaver, who set the Mountain West career sacks record before declaring early for the National Football League Draft.

A national search for the Broncos’ new head coach is underway.

BOISE, Idaho – The kick time for Saturday’s Mountain West Championship Game, featuring Boise State and San Jose State, has adjusted to 2:40 p.m. MT.

The game, held at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, will be nationally televised on Fox. The Broncos (5-1, 5-0 M) and 25th-ranked Spartans (6-0, 6-0 MW) were initially slated to kick at 2:15 p.m. MT.

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State football head coach Bryan Harsin and his staff signed 15
student-athletes to National Letters of Intent, Wednesday.

The class is comprised of individuals from Texas (five), California (four) Colorado
(three), Arizona (one), Connecticut (one) and Oklahoma (one).

Eight of the individuals play on the offensive side of the ball, including three offensive
linemen, three wide receivers, a quarterback and a tight end.

Defensively, Boise State signed seven players, including three linebackers, two
safeties, one defensive lineman and one STUD.

All 15 signees will join the Broncos as freshmen in 2021.

A complete look at the signees, including a full roster and biographical information,
can be found below:



Joseph Amos // OL // 6-6 // 320 // Lancaster, Texas (Lancaster HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…top 100 recruit as his position
nationally (No. 71), per ESPN…started at both guard and tackle as a prep…helped
Lancaster reach the Texas 5A D-1 state quarterfinals last season…Lancaster is
undefeated entering the playoffs this season…attends same high school as current
Boise State wide receivers CT Thomas and Latrell Caples.


Kaden Dudley // WR // 6-0 // 190 // Monument, Colo. (Palmer Ridge HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…rated the No. 8 recruit in
Colorado per ESPN, and No. 11 in the state per 247Sports…rated one of the top 100
recruits at his position (athlete) in the country by 247Sports (No. 85) and ESPN (No.
92)…earned CHSAA/MaxPreps All-State First-Team honors...in seven games during
his senior season, he recorded 28 receptions for 389 yards (13.9 average) and one
touchdown...on special teams, he returned four punts for 109 yards
(27.3/return)...helped Palmer Ridge High School win its third-straight 3A Colorado
State Championship in 2019.


Taylen Green // QB // 6-6 // 215 // Lewisville, Texas (Lewisville HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports and ESPN…rated as the No. 21 dual-threat
quarterback in the country per 247Sports, and No. 22 per ESPN…rated as one of the
top 100 recruits in Texas per 247Sports (No. 95)…top 100 in Dallas Morning News
area rankings…led Lewisville to the District 6-6A playoffs each of the last two
seasons…as a junior, threw for 2,217 yards and 25 touchdowns with only three
interceptions…added 445 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground…added over
2,000 yards passing and 19 touchdowns this season…member of track & field
team…school recorder holder in the long jump.

Ahmed Hassanein // DL // 6-4 // 270 // Anaheim, Calif. (Loara HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports and Rivals…rated as one of the top recruits at his
position nationally per 247Sports (No. 84)…grew up in Egypt…ranked No. 1 in Egypt
and No. 14 in Africa for his age group in CrossFit…first season of competitive football
was 2019…Garden Grove League Lineman of the Year and All-CIF selection.

Jai Jones // LB // 5-11 // 232 // Dallas, Texas (South Oak Cliff HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…rated No. 16 nationally at his
position per ESPN, and No. No. 42 nationally per 247Sports…rated as one of the top
100 recruits in Texas per 247Sports (No. 94)…three-year starter…helped team reach
state playoffs each season…father JJ played in the NFL (New Orleans Saints)…Sports
Illustrated All-America candidate…South Oak Cliff is tie for first in Texas and tied for
15th nationally in producing NFL players according to Pro-Football-Reference.com.

Cord Kringlen // OL // 6-5 // 290 // Broomfield, Colo. (Holy Family HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports and ESPN…rated as the No. 16 recruit in Colorado
per 247Sports, and No. 22 in the state per ESPN…two-way lineman…helped Holy
Family reach state playoffs as a senior.

Matthew Lauter // TE // 6-4 // 222 // San Diego, Calif. (Torrey Pines HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports ESPN…rated No. 42 at his position nationally per
ESPN…during his junior season, recorded 20 catches for 316 yards and three
touchdowns...averaged 15.8 yards per catch…made 47 tackles on defense and
returned an interception for a score…also punted for Torrey Pines.

Eric McAlister // WR // 6-4 // 190 // Azle, Texas (Azle HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports, ESPN and RIvals…rated as one of the top 100
recruits at his position nationally (No. 67) per 247Sports…rated as one of the top 100
recruits in the state of Texas per 247Sports (No. 60)…in his senior season, grabbed
70 receptions for 1,498 yards (21.4 yards/game) and 20 touchdowns...led his team to
a second-straight district title in 2019 with 62 catches for 1,449 yards and 23
touchdowns...had a touchdown reception in 11 of 12 games and six 100-yard
performances…voted first-team all-district and Class 5A AP first-team all-state.

Marco Notarainni // LB // 6-3 // 220 // San Diego, Calif. (Torrey Pines HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star prospect per 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…rated No. 39 at his position
nationally per ESPN, and No. 89 at his position per 247Sports…rated as one of the
top 100 prospects in California per ESPN (No. 88)…two-way player as a linebacker
and tight end…also played lacrosse…All-Avocado League linebacker...notched 83
stops, six tackles-for-loss, three sacks and two interceptions as a junior.

Seyi Oladipo // S // 5-11 // 185 // Centennial, Colo. (Eaglecrest HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per247Sports and ESPN…rated as the No. 10 prospect in the state
of Colorado per 247Sports, and No. 15 per ESPN…rated No. 87 at his position
nationally per 247Sports…named 2019-20 CHSAA/MaxPreps All-State First
Team…two-sport athlete, competing in football and basketball...Prep Redzone
Colorado ranked him as the No. 4 defensive back and No. 23 overall prospect…made
45 tackles and has three interceptions as a sophomore…added a pair of picks and
averaged 9.5 tackles per game as a junior…kick returner.


Mason Randolph // OL // 6-4 // 305 // Yorba Linda, Calif. (Yorba Linda HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…rated No. 40 at his position
nationally per 247Sports, and No. 49 per ESPN…rated as one of the top 100
prospects in the state of California per Rivals (No. 66), 247Sports (No. 70) and ESPN
(No. 72)…helped team captured Crestview League title as a junior…current Broncos
Michael Callahan (RS-FR, DL) and Nathan Cardona (FR, OL) also attended Yorba
Linda.

Jalen Richmond // WR // 6-1 // 175 // Chandler, Ariz. (Chandler HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports and ESPN…rated as the No. 21 prospect in Arizona
per 247Sports, and No. 27 per ESPN…top-ranked wide receiver in Arizona according
to MaxPreps...in nine games his senior season, Richmond recorded 37 receptions for
634 yards and seven touchdowns...caught 41 passes for 725 yards and nine
touchdowns during his junior season to help lead his team to a 13-0 record and
secure an Arizona Open Division State Championship.

Rejhan Tatum // LB // 6-2 // 225 // Del City, Okla. (Del City HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…rated No. 30 at his position
nationally per 247Sports, and No. 72 per ESPN…rated as the No. 13 prospect in
Oklahoma per ESPN, and No. 14 per 247Sports…as a junior, recorded 125 tackles,
including four sacks and 16 tackles-for-loss.

Zion Washington // S // 6-2 // 200 // Frisco, Texas (Reedy HS)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…rated No. 78 at his position
nationally per ESPN, and No. 85 per 247Sports…played on both sides of the ball in
high school as a WR/DB combo...recorded 43 tackles (31 solo), including four tackles
for a loss, his senior season...forced two fumbles, recovering one, and also logged an
interception...on the offensive side, he carried the ball 28 times for 213 yards (7.6
yards/carry) and two touchdowns.

James Wilborn, Jr. // STUD // 6-4 // 235 // Flint, Mich. (Avon Old Farms School)
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Three-star recruit per 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals…rated No. 43 at his position
nationally per ESPN, and No. 73 per 247Sports…rated as the No. 2 prospect in
Connecticut per ESPN, No. 6 per 247Sports and No. 7 per Rivals…Sports Illustrated
All-America Candidate...played in all-nine games as a sophomore, recording a sack
and a forced fumble…played tight end on offense.

From the Mountain West Conference:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Mountain West announced today its 2020 All-Conference football teams and individual award winners, as chosen by the 12 head coaches and a select media panel. Nevada sophomore quarterback Carson Strong has been honored as the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, while San José State junior defensive lineman Cade Hall was named the MW Defensive Player of the Year. Boise State senior return specialist Avery Williams earned MW Special Teams Player of the Year for the second-consecutive season and UNLV wide receiver Kyle Williams has been selected as the MW Freshman of the Year. Brent Brennan of San José State is the MW Coach of the Year.



OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – CARSON STRONG, SOPHOMORE, QB, NEVADA

• First Nevada player to earn Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.
• Becomes the 16th quarterback to win the award.
• First underclassman to be named MW Offensive Player of the Year.
• Finished the regular season ranked top 15 nationally in completions per game (3rd; 28.4), passing yards per game (6th; 323.4), total passing yards (10th; 2,587), completion percentage (10th; 69.4) and passing touchdowns (12th; 22). Ranked 16th in total offense (310.9).
• Leads the Mountain West with five 300-yard passing performances.
• Recorded a pair of 400-yard passing games.
• Threw for multiple touchdowns in seven of eight games.
• Completed the regular season with a touchdown to interception ratio of 22 to 4.
• Named MW Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 26 and Dec. 7.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – CADE HALL, JUNIOR, DL, SAN JOSÉ STATE

• First San José State player to earn the MW Defensive Player of the Year honor.
• Led the Spartans to their first MW Football Championship Game.
• Finished the regular season ranked fourth nationally in sacks per game (1.33) and 19th in tackles for loss per game (1.5).
• Completed the regular season with 22 tackles, including 9.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks, and a fumble recovery.
• Leads the Mountain West with 8.0 sacks.
• Recorded at least one sack in four of six games.
• In a victory against UNLV, recorded single-game career highs with 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. The 4.0 tackles for loss were tied for ninth-most nationally, while the 3.0 sacks were sixth-best in the FBS this season.
• Named MW Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 16.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – AVERY WILLIAMS, SENIOR, RETURN SPECIALIST, BOISE STATE

• Earned Special Teams Player of the Year in back-to-back years.
• Fourth player in league history to earn this honor in consecutive years, joining San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny (2015-17), TCU’s Jeremy Kerley (2009-10) and Utah’s Louie Sakoda (2006-08).
• As the Broncos’ primary punt returner, leads the Mountain West with 11.4 yards per return, a figure which ranks ninth nationally.
• Third in the MW and ninth nationally with a 29.6-yard kickoff return average.
• Nation’s only player to rank in the top 10 in both punt returns and kickoff returns.
• Ranks fifth nationally with 575 combined kickoff and punt return yards.
• Leads the MW and tied for fifth nationally with a pair of blocked kicks, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
• Only player in the Mountain West with multiple special teams touchdowns.
• Named Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week on Nov. 2 and Nov. 16.

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR – KYLE WILLIAMS, WR, UNLV

• Fifth UNLV player to earn the MW Freshman of the Year honor and first since Armani Rogers in 2017.
• Becomes just the sixth wide receiver to earn the award.
• Ranks third in the nation among all freshmen with 5.8 receptions per game, a figure which ranks sixth in the MW.
• Set the program record for receptions per game by a freshman.
• Eighth in the league with 71.0 receiving yards per contest.
• Led the Rebels in receptions (35) and receiving yards (426).
• Recorded single-game career highs in receptions (10) and receiving yards (144) at Hawai‘i on Dec. 12.

COACH OF THE YEAR – BRENT BRENNAN, SAN JOSÉ STATE

• First San José State head coach to earn the honor.
• Selected as Mountain West Coach of the Year after leading San José State to a perfect 6-0 overall record in the regular season.
• Led the Spartans to their first MW Football Championship Game and first top-25 national ranking since 2012.
• Opened the season 6-0 for the first time since 1939.
• Guided one of the most dangerous defenses in the nation, ranking 14th in sacks (3.2 per game) and 13th in scoring defense (17.5 points allowed per game).

NOTABLES

1. Boise State’s Avery Williams, who earned first team cornerback, punt return and kick return honors and was named MW Special Teams Player of the Year, is the first student-athlete to win four honors in a single season since San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny in 2017.
2. Tariq Thompson (San Diego State – Defensive Back) has been an all-conference honoree in all four years of his collegiate career, earning second-team recognition from 2017-19 and first team in 2020.
3. Four student-athletes were repeat MW First Team All-Conference selections from 2019.
4. Boise State has had at least one first team All-Conference offensive lineman in each of its 10 seasons in the MW.
5. Boise State and Nevada leads the MW with 10 first and second team selections, while San Diego State is third with nine.
6. After winning the 2020 MW Offensive Player of the Year honor, Carson Strong (Nevada – Quarterback) is the first underclassman to win the award.

Offensive Player of the Year – Carson Strong, So., QB, Nevada
Defensive Player of the Year – Cade Hall, Jr., DL, San José State
Special Teams Player of the Year - Avery Williams, Sr., RS, Boise State
Freshman of the Year – Kyle Williams, WR, UNLV
Coach of the Year – Brent Brennan, San José State
2020 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM



OFFENSE
Pos. Player Cl. Team
QB Carson Strong So. Nevada
WR Khalil Shakir Jr. Boise State
WR Romeo Doubs Jr. Nevada
WR Bailey Gaither Sr. San José State
RB Ronnie Rivers Sr. Fresno State
RB Xazavian Valladay* Jr. Wyoming
TE Cole Turner Jr. Nevada
OL Parker Ferguson Sr. Air Force
OL Nolan Laufenberg* Sr. Air Force
OL Kyle Spalding Sr. San Diego State
OL Jack Snyder Sr. San José State
OL Keegan Cryder Jr. Wyoming
PK Brandon Talton So. Nevada
KR Avery Williams Sr. Boise State




DEFENSE
Pos. Player Cl. Team
DL Scott Patchan Sr. Colorado State
DL Cameron Thomas* So. San Diego State
DL Cade Hall Jr. San José State
DL Viliami Fehoko So. San José State
LB Darius Muasau So. Hawai‘i
LB Caden McDonald Jr. San Diego State
LB Kyle Harmon Jr. San José State
LB Chad Muma Jr. Wyoming
DB Avery Williams Sr. Boise State
DB Jerrick Reed Jr. New Mexico
DB Darren Hall Jr. San Diego State
DB Tariq Thompson Sr. San Diego State
P Ryan Stonehouse** Sr. Colorado State
PR Avery Williams* Sr. Boise State





*Two-Time First-Team Selection | **Three-Time First-Team Selection

2020 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE
Pos. Player Cl. Team
QB Nick Starkel Sr. San José State
WR Dante Wright So. Colorado State
WR Calvin Turner Sr. Hawai‘i
WR Tre Walker Sr. San José State
RB Toa Taua Jr. Nevada
RB Greg Bell Sr. San Diego State
TE Trey McBride Jr. Colorado State
OL John Ojukwu Jr. Boise State
OL Jake Stetz Sr. Boise State
OL Syrus Tuitele Sr. Fresno State
OL Aaron Frost Jr. Nevada
OL Zachary Thomas Sr. San Diego State
PK John Hoyland Fr. Wyoming
KR Jordan Byrd Jr. San Diego State

DEFENSE
Pos. Player Cl. Team
DL Shane Irwin Jr. Boise State
DL David Perales Jr. Fresno State
DL Dom Peterson Jr. Nevada
DL Sam Hammond Sr. Nevada
LB Riley Whimpey* Sr. Boise State
LB Dequan Jackson Jr. Colorado State
LB Lawson Hall Sr. Nevada
LB Brandon Shook Sr. New Mexico
DB Kekaula Kaniho Sr. Boise State
DB Jalen Walker* Sr. Boise State
DB Cortez Davis Sr. Hawai‘i
DB Tre Jenkins So. San José State
P Tanner Kuljian Sr. San Diego State
PR Romeo Doubs Jr. Nevada

*Two-Time Second-Team Selection | ** Three-Time Second-Team Selection

2020 HONORABLE MENTION

Air Force: Kyle Krepsz, Sr., OL; Brad Roberts, So., RB; George Silvanic, Sr., DL
Boise State: John Bates, Sr., TE; Garrett Curran, So., OL; Jonah Dalmas, Fr., PK; Scott Matlock, So., DL;
Ezekiel Noa, Jr., LB; CT Thomas, Sr., WR; Andrew Van Buren, Jr., RB
Colorado State: Elijah Johnson, Jr., OL; Manny Jones, Sr., DL; Toby McBride, Sr., DL; Thomas Pannunzio, Jr., KR;
Cam Reddy, So., OL; Barry Wesley, Jr., OL; Dante Wright, So., PR
Fresno State: Kevin Atkins, Sr., DL; Levelle Bailey, So., LB; Jalen Cropper, So., WR; Jake Haener, Jr., QB;
Kwami Jones, Sr., DL; Keric Wheatfall, Sr., WR; Evan Williams, So., DB
Hawai‘i: Chevan Cordeiro, So., QB; Quentin Frazier, Sr., DB; Jared Smart, Sr., WR; Blessman Ta’ala, Jr., DL
Nevada: Julian Diaz, Sr., P; Jacob Gardner, Fr., OL; Jermaine Ledbetter, Sr., OL; Tyler Orsini, Sr., OL;
BerDale Robins, Sr., DB; Tyson Williams, Jr., DB
New Mexico: Bobby Cole, Jr., RB; Joey Noble, Sr., DL; Teton Saltes, Sr., OL; Kyle Stapley, Sr., OL
San Diego State: Matt Araiza, So., PK; Keshawn Banks, Jr., DL; Daniel Bellinger, Jr., TE; Tyler Hawkins, Sr., DB;
Dwayne Johnson, Jr., Sr., DB; Jonah Tavai, Jr., DL
San José State: Derrick Deese, Jr., Sr., TE; Matt Mercurio, So., PK; Tre Webb, Sr., DB
UNLV: Jacoby Windmon, So., DL
Utah State: Demytrick Ali’ifua, Sr., OL; Shaq Bond, Sr., DB; Nick Heninger, Sr., DL; Stephen Kotsanlee, Fr., P;
Marcus Moore, Sr., DL; Savon Scarver, Sr., KR; Karter Shaw, So., OL; AJ Vongphachanh, So., LB
Wyoming: Esaias Gandy, Sr., DB; Logan Harris, Sr., OL; Isaiah Neyor, Fr., WR

Mountain West TV Selections Announced
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Boise State men's basketball was selected for national television in 18 of its 20 Mountain West games this season, the conference announced Tuesday. The Broncos will appear on FS1 and CBS Sports Network nine times each during league play.

The 18 Bronco games selected for national TV is second only to San Diego State's 19, among all conference schools.

With the selections, three of Boise State's conference series shifted dates. The home series against Fresno State will now take place Jan. 20 and 22. The home games against Utah State are now set for Feb. 17 and 19. Boise State's road games against Colorado State will be played Jan. 27 and 29.

Game times for contests beyond this month have not yet been finalized. They will be announced as they are determined.

The two remaining conference games can still be selected by digital broadcast partner, Stadium, or a local television outlet. Broadcast information for those games, Dec. 31 at San Jose State and Jan. 8 at home against Air Force, will be announced in the near future.

Boise State Men's Basketball National TV Schedule (home games in bold)
Monday, Dec. 21 vs New Mexico, FS1 (7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 23 vs New Mexico, CBSSN (8 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 2 at San Jose State, FS1 (TBA)
Wednesday, Jan. 6 vs Air Force, FS1 (TBA)
Monday, Jan. 11 at Wyoming, CBSSN (TBA)
Wednesday, Jan. 13 at Wyoming, CBSSN (TBA)
Wednesday, Jan. 20 vs Fresno State, FS1 (TBA)
Friday, Jan. 22 vs Fresno State, CBSSN (TBA)
Wednesday, Jan. 27 at Colorado State, CBSSN (TBA)
Friday, Jan. 29 at Colorado State, FS1 (TBA)
Friday, Feb. 5 at Nevada, FS1 (TBA)
Sunday, Feb. 7 at Nevada, FS1 (TBA)
Thursday, Feb. 11 vs UNLV, CBSSN (TBA)
Saturday, Feb. 13 vs UNLV, FS1 (TBA)
Wednesday, Feb. 17 vs Utah State, CBSSN (TBA)
Friday, Feb. 19 vs Utah State, FS1 (TBA)
Thursday, Feb. 25 at San Diego State, FS1 (TBA)
Saturday, Feb. 27 at San Diego State, CBSSN (TBA)

BOISE, Idaho - Boise State University will enter into an agreement with Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA) to coordinate the Director of Athletics search, Boise State University President Dr. Marlene Tromp and the search committee announced Monday. CSA is a nationally-recognized executive search firm that has conducted more than 120 searches throughout collegiate athletics.

“I am excited that our search will include CSA,” Tromp said. “Boise State is nationally recognized for our outstanding athletics programs. We will identify a dynamic leader to complement our talented coaches, staff and student-athletes and work collaboratively to elevate all we do academically and athletically. Bronco Athletics embodies the characteristics that define our institution — creativity, innovation, grit, character, and our famous blue-collar work ethic. We are proud that Bronco Athletics represents our institution, our community and the state of Idaho, and we’re excited to move forward with this search.”

The search committee is chaired by Randy Hales, entrepreneur, business leader and vice president of Boise State’s Foundation Board. Members of the search committee also include Matthew Ewing, Vice President of University Advancement; Lida Uribe-Florez, chair of Educational Technology and faculty representative; Linda Clark, State Board of Education member, Boise State alumna and Athletics supporter; Gordy Presnell, women’s basketball head coach; Jay Larsen, CEO of the Idaho Technology Council and Bronco Athletic Association representative; Nic Hunt, graduate student in kinesiology with training in biomechanical engineering; and Malia Pivec, undergraduate student, cross country runner and leader of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“We are pleased to partner with CSA in this national search for our next Director of Athletics,” Hales said. “I’m confident that CSA will provide an invaluable service to Boise State and the search committee in our advisory role to President Tromp.”

Tromp, the search committee and University and community stakeholders collaborated to develop a list of candidate characteristics that will be targeted in the recruitment effort. With CSA’s engagement, a similar collaborative effort will be undertaken to develop a set of candidate qualifications.

Candidate Characteristics:

-Character and demonstrated integrity
-Academically focused
-Ability to develop and engage campus and community partnerships
-Fiscally responsible; ability to lead revenue generating initiatives
-Strong, blue collar work ethic and practices
-Ability to prioritize, plan, partner and problem solve
-Collaborative, inclusive and visionary team builder
-Track record of developing, promoting and expanding a culture of both inspirational and servant leadership

Prior to an abbreviated year of competition as a result of the pandemic in 2019-20, Boise State finished each of the two previous academic years – 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 – as the highest-ranked department amongst Group of Five schools in the Learfield IMG College Directors’ Cup Standings. Despite the cancellation of sports in 2019-20, Boise State programs still combined to win three team championships. The Broncos captured at least four team championships in each of the three prior seasons, including five in both 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.

Academically, Boise State student-athletes have gone 13-straight years with a GPA at or above 3.0, and four-straight with a GPA above 3.30. Broncos also claimed three-consecutive MW Athlete of the Year Awards from 2016-2017 through 2018-2019, and three-straight MW Scholar-Athlete of the Year Awards from 2017-2018 through 2019-2020.

The search process is anticipated to proceed over the next 8-10 weeks. Boise State is targeting March 2021 to announce the new Director of Athletics.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Mountain West Conference announced the men’s basketball national broadcast lineup for games scheduled through Jan. 2, including two Boise State contests.

Both games of Boise State’s conference-opening series at home against New Mexico were selected for TV. The first game, on Dec. 21, will be televised by FS1 with a new tip time of 7:30 p.m. MT. The series finale will air on CBS Sports Network, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. MT.

Boise State’s road games against San José State on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, were not selected for national television, but can still be picked up by local television partners or digital partner Stadium.

The remainder of the broadcast schedule will be announced in the near future.

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State senior defensive back Kekaula Kaniho was named a football finalist for the 2020-21 Senior CLASS Award, Friday.

Kaniho is one of 10 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision student-athletes, and the only one from the Mountain West, among the finalists in collegiate football.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I FBS senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

The finalists were chose by a selection committee from the list of 30 candidates announced earlier in the season. Nationwide fan voting begins immediately to help select the winner, and fans are encouraged to vote on the Senior CLASS Award website: seniorCLASSaward.com through Monday, Dec. 21. Fan votes will be combined with media and Division I head coaches’ votes to determine the winner. The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced during the football bowl season in late December.

Earlier this season, Kaniho was named a semifinalist the Lott IMPACT Trophy, one of 12 members of the National Football Foundation 2020 Scholar-Athlete Class and a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which earned him a postgraduate scholarship worth $18,000. He has also been named one of 30 candidates for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award.

On the field, Kaniho has started each of the Broncos’ five games in 2020. He has 23 tackles (17 solo) on the year, including 2.0 for-loss, and a team-high four pass break-ups. His 0.80 passes defended per game ranks tied for sixth in the MW. He also returned a blocked field goal 91 yards for a touchdown against Colorado State (Nov. 12).

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State football offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Eric Kiesau was announced as a nominee for the Broyles Award, the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation announced recently. The Broyles Award annually honors the nation’s top college football assistant coach.

Kiesau was one of 56 nominees in this year’s class, selected from approximately 1,270 assistant coaches representing 127 programs in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

The Broyles Award selection process includes the Football Writers Association of America, broadcasters, a college football hall of fame selection committee and current college head coaches. The pool of candidates will be narrowed to 15 semifinalists, then to five finalists and eventually a winner.

Kiesau is in his fourth season with the Broncos, and his first as the program’s sole offensive coordinator after serving as co-offensive coordinator in 2019. He is also in his first season working with Boise State’s quarterbacks, having worked with the wide receivers his first three seasons on The Blue.

At 40.0 points per game, Boise State boasts the nation’s 14th-ranked scoring offense, a mark that also paces the Mountain West. Additionally, the Broncos are one of only four teams nationally that are perfect in the red zone, having converted each of their 16 trips – including 15 touchdowns.

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State redshirt senior cornerback and return specialist Avery Williams was announced as one of 67 nominees for the Burlsworth Trophy, the award committee announced Tuesday.

The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in the country who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field. In its 11th year, the award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, a former Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation with a Football Bowl Subdivision program without financial aid of any kind from his university’s athletic department.

The Burlsworth Trophy will host a virtual awards ceremony on Jan. 4, 2021, to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2020 winner.

Williams has started each of the Broncos’ five games in 2020, returning 12 punts for 160 yards and a touchdown, 14 kickoffs for 415 yards and two touchdowns, and picking up 15 tackles (12 solo), a forced fumble and two blocked kicks on defense.

Williams ranks second nationally and first in the MW with 575 combined kickoff and punt return yards, and is the only player in the country to rank in the top-10 nationally in both punt returns (9th; 13.3 yards per return) and kickoff returns (9th; 29.6 yards per return). He is one of only three players in the country – and the only player in the MW – with multiple kickoff returns for touchdowns, and ranks tied for first nationally with two such returns for scores.

Williams is the only player in the country with multiple kick return scores and a punt return for a TD.