The Boise State Broncos football program has established itself as a powerhouse in college football, known for its winning culture, thrilling upsets, and the unique blue turf at Albertsons Stadium. From its humble beginnings to becoming a dominant force in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), Boise State has consistently excelled. This blog explores the Broncos’ year-by-year records, key milestones, and their rise to national prominence.

Early Years and Transition to the NCAA

Boise State football began as a junior college program in 1933. Over the years, the team gained recognition for its competitive spirit. In 1968, the Broncos moved to a four-year school and joined the NCAA College Division. They were an immediate success in 1969, with a strong 9–2 record under head coach Tony Knapp in their first full NCAA season.

Establishing a prominent position in Division I-AA (FCS)

During the 1970s and 1980s, Boise State competed in NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) and quickly became a dominant program. Some notable moments include:

• 1980—Boise State won the Division I-AA National Championship under head coach Jim Kraner, defeating Eastern Kentucky 31-29.
• 1981-1985—The Broncos continued to dominate the Big Sky Conference, recording consecutive winning seasons.

Boise Move to Division I-A (FBS) and WAC Dominance

In 1996, Boise State moved to Division I-A (now FBS). Their early years in the Big West Conference laid the foundation for future dominance. Key milestones include:

• 1999 and 2000—Won back-to-back Big West championships under Dirk Koetter.
• 2001—Moved to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), where the team became a national contender.
• 2002-2010—Boise State dominated the WAC, winning multiple conference championships and making regular bowl game appearances.

Unforgettable Unbeaten Seasons

Boise State’s most famous seasons came during their undefeated run:

• 2006 – The Broncos finished the season 13-0 and stunned the nation by defeating Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime in the Fiesta Bowl. The game featured the famous “Statue of Liberty” play, which sealed their victory and solidified Boise State’s place on the national stage.
• 2009—Boise State went undefeated (14-0) again and further proved its ability to compete with Power Five schools by winning the Fiesta Bowl against TCU.

Move to the Mountain West Conference (MWC)

In 2011, Boise State made the switch to the Mountain West Conference (MWC) and continued its dominance:

• 2012—Won the MWC Championship with an 11–2 record.
• 2014—Another stellar season, finishing 12–2 and winning the Fiesta Bowl over Arizona.
• 2017 and 2019—The Broncos solidified their status as the top team in the conference by winning two more MWC Championships.

Recent Success and Consistency

Boise State remains a dominant program in college football. Over the past five years, they have recorded consecutive double-digit winning seasons. Notable accomplishments include:

• 2023—Finished 10–4, winning the MWC Championship and competing in a high-profile bowl game.
• 2024—Recorded an 11–1 regular season, won the Mountain West Championship, and made the College Football Playoff, finishing as one of the top teams nationally.

Overall Legacy and Winning Tradition

Boise State’s overall football record reflects a legacy of success:

• All-Time Record: Over 500 wins with a winning percentage above .720, the best ranking in FBS history.
• Conference Championships: 22 conference titles in various leagues.
• Bowl Game Success: Multiple bowl wins, including three Fiesta Bowl victories.

The Broncos have solidified their place as a national powerhouse, consistently competing at the highest level despite not being part of a Power Five conference. Their ability to produce NFL talent, attract top recruits, and maintain a high standard of play ensures that Boise State will continue to be a force in college football for years to come.

From junior college program to FBS powerhouse, Boise State’s football journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. Their year-to-year success story is one of remarkable consistency and thrilling moments, making them one of the most revered programs in college football history. As the Broncos continue to chase national championships and top rankings, their legacy as a football powerhouse remains unshakable.