Washington State, Rebuilt Pac-12 Welcome Perennial Group of 5 Power Boise State
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Boise State Broncos linebacker Marco Notarainni (53) tackles Washington State Cougars quarterback John Mateer (10) during the second half at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images [/caption]
Just two years removed from being in the College Football Playoff, the Boise State Broncos immediately enter the rebuilt Pac-12 as one of the conference's top athletic programs, bringing a nationally respected football program and a basketball program that has become a consistent NCAA tournament contender. The Broncos arrive from the Mountain West as maybe the strongest brand among the league's newest schools.
For Washington State Cougars fans, Boise State is already a familiar opponent. The two schools have played in several memorable football games in the past and have faced off in basketball in recent years. Now, those matchups carry conference championship implications as both programs begin a new chapter in the Pac-12.
Football has long been the standard in Boise. Few Group of 5 programs have matched the success the Broncos have enjoyed since 2000, as they have racked up multiple conference championships, a plethora of double-digit win seasons, numerous New Year's Six bowl appearances, making Boise State one of college football's most recognizable programs.
That tradition has continued under head coach Spencer Danielson. After taking over the program, Danielson has helped Boise State capture the Mountain West Championship and earn a berth in the expanded College Football Playoff in 2024 behind future top-10 NFL draft pick Ashton Jeanty.
Although Boise State enters a more competitive league, expectations remain unchanged. The Broncos expect to compete for conference championships every season, and consistently rank among one of the top programs in the Pac 12.
While football has long been the face of Boise State athletics, men's basketball has quietly built one of the Mountain West's most consistent programs. Under longtime head coach Leon Rice, the Broncos have developed into a perennial postseason team. Boise State has reached multiple NCAA Tournaments in recent years and has regularly finished near the top of one of the nation's strongest mid-major conferences.
Even after several successful seasons, Boise State continues to raise the standard. The Broncos consistently rank among the Mountain West's best teams and enter the Pac-12 with expectations of competing near the top of the standings.
That will not be an easy task. The rebuilt Pac-12 features several established basketball programs, including Gonzaga, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Utah State. Boise State's recent consistency, however, in a conference featuring most of those schools already suggests the Broncos are more than capable of becoming one of the Pac-12’s premier basketball programs.
As the Pac-12 continues to establish its new identity, Boise State provides immediate credibility across multiple sports. Football arrives with consistent success while basketball brings years of competitiveness postseason appearances. For Washington State and the rest of the conference, Boise State is more than just another new member—it is one of the programs expected to help define the Pac-12's future and compete from day one.
