Boise State Kicks Off 2025 Season Against USF: A Historic Matchup in Tampa
Boise State Kicks Off 2025 Season Against USF in Tampa
TAMPA, FL — The No. 25 Boise State Broncos are set to launch their 2025 football season with an exciting matchup against the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls on Thursday, August 28. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the season opener.
Coming off a stellar 12-2 season that culminated in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance, the Broncos are eager to return to the postseason. Boise State’s impressive performance last year earned them a spot in the AP Top 25 Preseason Poll for the first time since 2018, where they were ranked 25th. The Broncos also secured the same position in the US LBM Coaches Poll and were voted favorites to win the Mountain West Conference for the 18th consecutive year.
Head coach Spencer Danielson, entering his second full season, boasts a commendable 15-3 record. Under his leadership, the Broncos made their fourth Fiesta Bowl appearance last season. Notably, Boise State is one of only 11 FBS teams to retain its entire full-time coaching staff, with Nate Potter stepping up as the new offensive coordinator after Dirk Koetter transitioned to a senior analyst role.
Quarterback Maddux “Mad Dog” Madsen is a key player to watch, having been named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year for the Mountain West. Madsen, who threw for a conference-high 3,018 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, is also featured on five prestigious preseason watchlists, including the Davey O’Brien Award and the Manning Award.
However, the Bulls are not to be underestimated. USF’s quarterback Byrum Brown is poised for a breakout season after recovering from a leg injury that sidelined him for eight games last year. Brown, who was previously recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, is also on the Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List and the Comeback Player of the Year Watchlist.
“This is going to be a really, really cool … really, really exciting challenge,” said USF head coach Alex Golesh. “I’ve got so much respect for that Boise State program and Coach Danielson. They play extremely hard and tough, and they know how to finish games.”
The Broncos have a solid track record in NFL stadiums, holding a 9-6 record, and will be playing at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This game marks their fifth regular-season road game in an NFL venue, with a current record of 3-1.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. (MT) and fans can catch the action live on ESPN. For those unable to watch, the Bronco Radio Network will provide live coverage, and streaming options are available on various platforms.
As the Broncos gear up for what promises to be an electrifying season opener, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. Will Boise State continue its winning tradition, or will USF pull off an upset? Only time will tell as the 2025 college football season kicks off in Tampa.