Bronco Nation News is counting down the 25 most important players to the Boise State football team in 2025. Next up in our series is backup quarterback, No. 21 Kaleb Annett.
In 2023, Maddux Madsen got his first career start against New Mexico and went down with a torn MCL, ending his season. Madsen came back for a strong sophomore campaign last season, but it’s a reminder that you’re always a play away from needing to know how your depth is. Realistically, if Madsen is healthy all year, Kaleb Annett is likely the 60th most important player on Boise State’s roster, and if Madsen misses significant time he’s probably in the top-5. As such, we opted to find the middle at number 21.
Annett is a redshirt freshman that came to the Broncos via Corona Del Mar High School in Newport Beach, CA. A three-star recruit and top-100 quarterback in the class of 2024, Annett is the only backup behind Madsen that the Broncos gave a scholarship out of high school. This spring he battled with Max Cutforth for the QB2 spot, and looked the part during the spring game.
Spencer Danielson noted after the spring game that Annett had an uphill battle to unseat Cutforth as QB2 coming into the spring camp. As a scout teamer last season, Annett had been mostly using other team’s playbooks on a week-to-week basis and had to master Boise State’s playbook for the first time this offseason. Danielson also noted that he had closed that gap. Based upon each players performance this spring, I would expect Annett to be QB2 heading into fall camp.
We list Annett as No. 21, but in reality it’s Boise State’s backup quarterbacks as a whole. Whoever is behind Madsen – Annett or Cutforth – could end up playing a major role on the 2025 season should Madsen go down.
During the spring game Annett showed poise in the pocket and impressive arm talent to be able to hit receivers outside the numbers. I was impressed with his ability to keep his arm downfield amidst a messy pocket, something that bodes well for the Broncos if he were to get significant game time.
Which is why Annett is so important. Madsen’s propensity to scramble is going to lead to extra wear and tear on his body. If Annett needs to finish a game, or even start a game, I think he showed he can win a game and keep the Broncos title hopes alive until Madsen gets right. He won’t throw for 30 touchdowns this season, or see a significant wildcat package, but I think there are worse options for Spencer Danielson if he needs to break glass in case of emergency.
Boise State’s 25 Most Important Players in 2025
