In the world of college football, competition is fierce, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. At Boise State, the battle for the starting quarterback job has heated up between Malachi Nelson and Maddux Madsen. Both players bring unique strengths to the field, and their performances during fall camp have shown that this competition will be anything but easy.
Malachi Nelson, a highly regarded five-star recruit, has been making waves since he arrived at Boise State. The Los Angeles native, who once lit up the field at Los Alamitos High School with an impressive 110 career touchdowns, entered the transfer portal after one year at USC.
Initially unsure of his next move, Nelson never expected to find a home in Boise. However, after visiting the capital of Idaho, he felt an instant connection. “I’m a big vibe guy, and I kind of caught that early,” he said, explaining how he fell in love with the community and the support he received.
Nelson’s relationship with former Boise State offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan played a crucial role in his decision to join the Broncos. He appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and support from his teammates, which eased his transition. “I can’t say enough about the community and the locker room,” he added. This welcoming environment allowed him to focus on learning the new playbook and adjusting to a pro-style offense after playing in an Air Raid system at USC.
Working with offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, a well-respected figure with a successful coaching background, has also aided Nelson’s development. Koetter, who has experience coaching in the NFL, is known for his offensive expertise.
Nelson described Koetter as one of the best coaches he’s encountered, stating, “What he’s done speaks for itself, so everything that comes out of his mouth is gold.” This guidance has been instrumental as Nelson seeks to establish himself as the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
During the spring game, Nelson showcased his skills by completing 9 of 16 passes for 137 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown pass. His performance left a mark, showing that he has the potential to be a game-changer for Boise State. However, he is not the only contender for the starting role.
Maddux Madsen, who played in nine games last season and made his first career start against New Mexico, is also in the running. Madsen suffered a knee injury during that game, which limited his spring practice. Yet, his experience has proven valuable as he has taken more reps with the starting offense during fall camp. Madsen’s ability to make quick decisions and his knack for running the ball have impressed coaches and teammates alike.
Despite the competition, both quarterbacks have acknowledged each other’s talents. Nelson appreciates Madsen’s command of the offense and how he leads the team. “I’m learning a lot from him,” Nelson noted. The bond between the two players is evident, and they both strive to elevate their game in preparation for the upcoming season.
Madsen has always embraced the underdog role, having come from a smaller high school in Utah with limited scholarship offers. He has consistently worked hard to prove himself and views this competition as another chance to showcase his skills. “I feel like my whole life, all I’ve done is compete with the guy above me,” Madsen said, emphasizing his competitive spirit. He knows he needs to improve his decision-making to minimize turnovers and help the offense succeed.
Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson has indicated that a decision on the starting quarterback will be made before August 26, just days before the team’s opening game against Georgia Southern on August 31. The coaching staff has two more weeks of training camp to evaluate both Nelson and Madsen in game-like situations, including the upcoming scrimmage. This period is crucial for determining which quarterback can best lead the Broncos into the season.
Koetter has stated that the decision will be based on performance, not just on pedigree or experience. “We’re going to look at this from every angle, and at the end of the day, the guy who best puts us in position to get in the end zone will get the job,” he said. This approach underscores the importance of consistent performance in practice and scrimmages.
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As the competition continues, Boise State fans can expect to see both quarterbacks bring their A-game. With the season opener on the horizon, every practice and scrimmage will be vital in determining who will take the reins as the starting quarterback. The excitement surrounding this competition adds to the anticipation for the upcoming season, and regardless of the outcome, both Nelson and Madsen are ready to give it their all for the Broncos
