Boise State Faces Setbacks Following College Football Playoff Run

Quarterback Malachi Nelson transfers to UTEP, joining a wave of player and staff departures from the Broncos.

Former five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson has transferred from Boise State to UTEP, citing faith in UTEP head coach Scotty Walden despite reportedly turning down more lucrative offers.
Nelson, who has three years of eligibility remaining, struggled to secure a starting role at Boise State and played sparingly during their 2024 season, which ended in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss.
Boise State has seen significant roster turnover, with 12 players entering the transfer portal, including wide receiver Prince Strachan, and multiple players declaring for the NFL Draft.
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has stepped down after one season, citing frustrations over the program's inability to compete financially with larger schools offering higher NIL deals to players.
Despite the challenges, Boise State's 2024 season included an 11-game winning streak, a Mountain West title, and a College Football Playoff berth, leaving questions about how the team will rebuild for 2025.