Even amidst uncertain times for the Mountain West, some things never change.
For the 13th-straight year, Boise State was picked as the preseason favorite to win the Mountain West, garnering 28 of the 37 first-place votes amongst the conference media.
Fresh off a 10-4 season and a loss in the conference title game, the Broncos again sit atop the Mountain West preseason poll, beating out (in order) Air Force, Fresno State, San Diego State and San Jose State.
The Broncos are looking for their first Mountain West Championship since 2019.
The news wasn’t as glamorous for the Broncos individually. Boise State had just three players — running back George Holani, offensive lineman Cade Beresford and linebacker DJ Scramm — selected to the all-conference team for the first time since 2017.
Holani, even while splitting carries with Ashton Jeanty and quarterback Taylen Green — is coming off his best season, rushing for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Beresford, a transfer from Washington State, has been one of the Broncos’ best transfer-portal additions in recent memory. He started almost every game at right tackle and is expected to move to left tackle this year.
And Schramm was a revolation in 2022. After hardly playing for four years, Schramm earned a starting spot and became the Broncos’ best tackler, leading the team with 107 takedowns and 11 tackles for loss.
Not among those recognized was Green. The Mountain West preseason All-Conference quarterback and offensive player of the year went to San Jose State senior Chevan Cordeiro, who threw for over 3,200 yards last season.
