Spencer Danielson is feeling bold these days, as he should.
He’s a likeable football coach with 15 wins in 18 games – the only Boise State coach with a better start is Chris Petersen (17-1).
Danielson is coming off one of the most dynamic seasons in program history. His roster, moving forward, is in good shape.
“I’m extremely excited for the future,’’ he said the other day in his first offseason press conference. “We’re going to have a really good team next year.’’
Danielson boldly took a shot at the past with a humble brag about one specific accomplishment: “Being able to re-establish some standards here at Boise State football.’’
He also spent one third of his 39-minute presser talking about cash. Asking for cash. Begging for cash. Demanding cash. Repeatedly. It’s his new thing, his biggest priority this offseason, an offseason of massive change in college football.
Danielson has a $2 million roster to fund.
That’s just a start. He’ll need much more cash in the future, which continues this week with the start of a winter conditioning program. With that said, here is a priority list for Danielson to conquer in 2025:

Mike Prater
1. TIGHTEN THE PASS DEFENSE: The Broncos finished the season 107th in pass defense. Opposing wide receivers ran free at times, and won far too many contested battles against the Broncos’ secondary.
Players Ty Benefield, A’Marion McCoy, Jeremiah Earby and Davon Banks return, as will cornerbacks coach Demario Warren.
“I think the world of our defensive staff,’’ Danielson said.
“I know big questions always come up about some of the pass game stats and those are things that we’re looking at to make sure we grow there. … The things that we struggle with on film, not on film, in reality, are fixable and I believe we have the players to do it. Now it’s about going to work to make sure we do it.’’
Danielson said coaches are looking at moving personnel, changing players and positions. “What is our best 11?’’
2. BUILD NEW WR ROOM: Star running back Ashton Jeanty is headed to the NFL and the offense will need to rely more on a passing game in 2025. The Broncos need new receivers on the roster, and for all current WRs to elevate this fall. That includes top returners Latrell Caples and Austin Bolt.
Practice habits, lack of separation in games, lack of top-end speed and inconsistent production were issues this past season.
“Receiver is a big point of need that we’re working through right now,’’ Danielson said.
Former five-star recruit Chris Marshall could be the X factor – if he gets physically and mentally healthy enough to play.
“Some things didn’t go his way. This spring will be huge for him,’’ Danielson said.
3. MADSEN & ZAK: This offseason is for quarterback Maddux Madsen and new QB coach Zak Hill to become best friends. Previous offensive coordinator/QB coach Dirk Koetter said Madsen needs a new coach, a new mindset, a fresh approach.
New OC Nate Potter will develop schemes and call plays on game day.
Hill is back in Boise to push Madsen to another level, especially since Danielson demands an aggressive, attacking offense, even without the greatest running back in school history.
“I believe (Hill) is one of the absolute best quarterback coaches, one of the best quarterback developers, in the entire nation. I believe that not because that’s what somebody told me, because I saw it in person. … Slam dunk hire,’’ said Danielson, who worked as an assistant alongside Hill on the 2017-19 teams at Boise State.
Hill worked with Brett Rypien, Hank Bachmeier and Jaylon Henderson during that time. The plan is for Madsen and Hill to work side-by-side for the next two seasons.
“I really do believe he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Period. Point blank,’’ Danielson said.
4. CASH: Raise money statewide and promote BroncoPRO – the campus’ new NIL/revenue sharing service that’s designed to funnel money to athletes, starting this summer. “That’s my big push this offseason. … It all comes down to revenue,’’ Danielson said.
5. BEASTS ON THE DL: Boise State will always crave the defensive line physicality that Penn State showed in the Fiesta Bowl. DL difference-makers are hard to find at the G5 level.
Right now, defensive coaches are craving beef in the middle.
Jayden Virgin-Morgan and Max Stege return on the outside, and Braxton Fely is back at inside tackle. The 300-pound nose tackle position is wide open. The entire DL could use an upgrade in physicality.
“The interior of our DL is the biggest point of emphasis,’’ Danielson said.
6. MORE ATHLETICISM ON THE OL: The offensive line is a strength of the 2025 roster, especially with future NFL Draft pick Kage Casey at left tackle. Mason Randolph and Roger Carreon return as dominant inside players and strong team leaders.
But … remember what the outgoing Koetter said about the lack of screen plays this past season? The line was elite at run blocking, but the consistent use of screens/outside plays became an issue because the line struggled to block in space.
Danielson, in his words, on what needs to be upgraded with the OL: “From playing in space to different techniques that we just weren’t consistent enough on.’’
7. CASH, CASH: Raise money statewide and promote BroncoPRO – the campus’ new NIL/revenue sharing service that’s designed to funnel money to athletes, starting this summer. “I am making that message loud and clear that we need everybody’s help,’’ said Danielson, as he continued his message.
8. FIND A BACKUP QB: Coaches put Max Cutforth on scholarship, and the Skyview High product enters spring camp as the No. 2.
Cutforth has promise, but only two career passes as a college QB, so coaches are combing high schools, junior colleges and the transfer portal for more QBs.
Honesty, a Madsen-Cutforth QB combo seems fragile and dangerous.
9 REPLACE JEANTY: Good luck with that. In reality, this could be a routine transition for the offense, if all goes according to plan.
Sire Gaines has emerged as a massive favorite of coaches and fans – he just needs to stay healthy and the RB1 job is his for the season. Breezy Dubar, Dylan Riley and new additions leave the running back room with a strong, solid vibe.
Keeping all running backs happy could be the biggest challenge.
Depth is dangerous in the transfer portal era, and all eyes will be on this group when the portal opens after spring camp ends in April.
10. REPLACING HISTORY: Jonah Dalmas, now chasing an NFL opportunity, finishes his college career as the best kicker in Boise State history. His final season wasn’t his best. Different kickoff specialists struggled with touchbacks all season.
“(Touchbacks) is something that we are going to get fixed,’’ Danielson said.
That’s one tough roster spot to fill, maybe two. Recruiting is happening now, and could continue through the spring.
The kicking position will be a key story to follow in spring camp.
“It’s a huge point for us,’’ Danielson said.
11. CASH, CASH, CASH … DANIELSON CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT CASH: Raise money statewide and promote BroncoPRO – the campus’ new NIL/revenue sharing service that’s designed to funnel money to athletes, starting this summer. “If we continue to link arms as a state, to support this football team, to support the mission we are doing. Every dollar counts.”
12. WHAT’S NEXT? Spring ball starts in March. The Spring Game is in April (date TBA). Spring transfer portal is open April 16-25. Season opener is Aug. 30 at South Florida.
Mike Prater is the Bronco Nation News columnist who co-hosts Idaho Sports Talk (KTIK 95.3 FM on Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m.) and the Boise State football postgame show (KBOI 670 AM). He is on Twitter @MikeFPrater and can be reached at mikefprater@gmail.com