Boise State has named sophomore Maddux Madsen its starting quarterback for the 2024 season, according to 247Sports. Madsen beat out former 5-star recruit Malachi Nelson, who was seen as a favorite to win the job after transferring from USC.
Madsen appeared in nine games last season, throwing for 1,191 yards and nine touchdowns and rushing for another two scores. In his lone career start against New Mexico, Madsen completed 6-of-11 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-14 victory.
Now, Madsen takes over a Boise State offense that is ready to hit the next level. The Broncos ranked No. 26 nationally in total offense and cleared 40 points three times in their last four regular season games. Madsen also presents a serious rushing component with his mobile, stocky frame that forces the defense to account for him.
Nelson was a favorite to win the starting job after transferring from USC. The redshirt freshman ranked as the No. 13 overall player and No. 5 quarterback in the Class of 2023. However, he threw just one pass at USC and played the 2023 season as the third-string quarterback. Conversely, Madsen rated as the No. 110 quarterback and No. 1657 overall player out of American Fork (Utah) and fought his way to the starting job.
Madsen replaces Taylen Green, who transferred to Arkansas after two seasons starting with the program. He takes over a Boise State program that was picked overwhelmingly to win the Mountain West under first-year coach Spencer Danielsonxt.
Boise State in ready-to-win mode
Choosing Madsen shows just how much pressure is on the 2024 season. Madsen boasts more experience and familiarity within Boise State's offense system after spending two years as a backup and should be quickly ready to step into a starting role and keep the offense rolling.
Nelson's arm talent jumps off the page, but he has gone through some of the normal tribulations of an underclassman. Unlike Madsen, Nelson has only gone through one spring of practices and is still getting comfortable in the system. Additionally, Nelson is still developing physically. Despite standing five inches taller than Madsen, Nelson weighs eight pounds fewer. In the physical Mountain West, Nelson has to prove he can protect himself.
In 2024, Boise State is choosing the high floor. The Broncos are seen as a potential favorite to make the College Football Playoff as a Group of Five team out of the Mountain West. Alongside Madsen, running back Ashton Jeanty and a stacked defense gives Boise State a high ceiling.
Setback for Malachi Nelson
Nelson heard from major national brands like Alabama, Miami and Texas A&M before picking Boise State as a transfer, according to 247Sports. A significant part of choosing Boise State was the chance to play right away for a serious College Football Playoff contender. Unquestionably, losing to Madsen was not part of the plan.
Since enrolling at USC as the perceived next in line to Caleb Williams, Nelson has been plagued with bad luck. He suffered a torn labrum before enrolling that limited him. Thanks to the issue, he was QB3 for the 2023 season. His struggles to put on muscle have also held him back.
The way Nelson handles the 2024 season could define his future as a quarterback. If he continues to prepare and get himself ready for prime time, there's an excellent chance he could start at some point this season, due to injuries or improved play. If he struggles with the setback, it could damage his stock for good.