The Boise State Broncos have built a proud tradition in college athletics, known for their dedication, teamwork, and success across multiple sports. From thrilling victories on the blue turf in Boise State Broncos football to competitive performances in Boise State Broncos basketball, the Broncos continue to inspire fans and represent their university with passion and pride.
College Sports Established
1932
Location
Boise, Idaho
College Name
Boise State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1970 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2011 - Present / Mountain West Conference
2001 – 2011 / Western Athletic Conference
1996 – 2001 / Big West Conference
1970 – 1996 / Big Sky Conference
Nickname
Broncos - Boise State Broncos is one of the country's most recognizable college sports programs. But do you know where their nickname originated? The Boise State Broncos have a long and storied history that dates back to 1933, when they were first known as the Junior College of Idaho.
Boise State Broncos Origin
The original mascot for Boise State was a live bulldog named "Buster Bronco." Buster served as an unofficial mascot until 1948 when he was replaced by student-designed drawings featuring a cowboy riding a bucking bronco. Students began referring to themselves as "Broncos" and eventually adopted it as their official nickname in 1950.
Since then, Boise State has become one of the top NCAA Football teams in Division I FBS football, with numerous bowl appearances since joining FBS play in 1996. In addition to being recognized nationally for its success on the field, many people are familiar with their iconic blue turf field, which debuted at Bronco Stadium (now Albertsons Stadium) during homecoming festivities on October 3rd, 1986, against the rival University of Idaho Vandals - solidifying them even further into college football lore!
Overall, what started simply enough from humble beginnings has become something much more than just another team name or mascot – an integral part of school spirit and identity that will be remembered throughout generations! From Buster Bronco all those years ago through today's modern-day powerhouse program – there's no denying how far these passionate athletes have come over time…Go Broncos!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1958
- 1970
- 1980
- 2010
- 2011
- 2022
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Boise State’s first national championship in football
In 1958, Lyle Smith was the head coach when the 1958 team went undefeated and then met Tyler College in the NJCAA championship game. It was held at old Bronco Stadium, and the home team took the game 22-0. It was Boise State’s first national championship in football, but it wouldn’t be their last. -
“The Blue” Stadium in Boise
Since 1970, Boise State has played its home games in Albertsons Stadium (known as Bronco Stadium from 1970 to May 2014), which enjoys a reputation as one of the most difficult places in the country for opposing teams to play. The stadium is well known for its blue artificial surface, which was first installed in 1986 making it the first ... -
Boise wins 1980 National Championship title
In 1980: Jim Criner was the coach, Boise State was a member of the Big Sky and Eastern Kentucky was the opponent. After beating Grambling State, 14-9, a week earlier to make it to the national championship game, Boise State was facing a tough Eastern Kentucky squad. However, they pulled off a win in dramatic fashion, 31-29, to take home ... -
Game of the Year – Boise State vs. Virginia Tech
On September 6, 2010, Boise State walked out onto the green at FedEx Field in Landover, Mayland. What they did for the next three hours or so was absolutely amazing. In front of 86,587 fans, most of those hating them, the Broncos played remarkable ball. Kellen Moore showed why he was the greatest quarterback in Boise State history, and Doug ... -
Boise State Broncos – Kellen Moore
On March 28, 2011, Sporting News named Moore as the #1 player in their annual list of the top 25 players in the nation. He has ranked ahead of Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Oregon running back LaMichael James who both finished ahead of Moore in the 2010 Heisman voting. He only needed 8 wins during the 2011 season to ... -
Boise State wins Mountain West championship
In 2022, Boise State wins Mountain West championship. The 2022 Mountain West Conference men’s basketball tournament was the postseason men’s basketball tournament for the Mountain West Conference. It was held March 9–12, 2022, at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in Paradise, Nevada. The tournament champion, the Boise State Broncos, received the ...
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Boise State Broncos History
The Boise State Broncos have built a remarkable legacy in college athletics, especially known for their achievements in Boise State Broncos football and competitive spirit in Boise State Broncos basketball. Their fierce rivalry with the Colorado State Rams has defined much of their journey, with decades of determination and athletic excellence shaping the program’s identity.
The story of the Boise State Broncos football team began in 1933, when the school was known as Boise Junior College. Competing as an independent for many years, the program officially joined the Big Sky Conference in 1970 before moving to Division I-A (FBS) in 1996. Boise State later became part of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2001 and then joined the Mountain West Conference in 2011, where they remain a powerhouse today.
The Boise State Broncos football program gained national attention under head coach Chris Petersen, who guided the team to an incredible 92–12 record between 2006 and 2013. During his tenure, the Broncos earned major victories, including unforgettable Fiesta Bowl wins over Oklahoma in 2007 and TCU in 2010. Petersen’s leadership helped Boise State establish itself as one of the top non-Power Five programs in the nation.
Following Petersen, Bryan Harsin continued the winning tradition, leading the Boise State Broncos football team to consistent double-digit victories in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The team maintained its competitive edge in the Mountain West Conference, earning multiple bowl game appearances. Their 2019 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl win over BYU remains one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory, showcasing the team’s never-give-up spirit.
Broncos Achievements
While football dominates headlines, Boise State Broncos basketball has also made significant progress, earning multiple NCAA Tournament berths and building a strong fan following. The basketball program continues to develop top-tier talent, competing fiercely within the Mountain West.
Over the years, the Boise State Broncos have secured numerous conference titles across different sports, with standout performances in track, softball, and wrestling adding to their proud tradition. Their student-athletes continue to excel both on and off the field, representing the university’s core values of perseverance, teamwork, and excellence.
Today, the Boise State Broncos stand as one of the most respected programs in college athletics. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd on the blue turf or the energy inside ExtraMile Arena, the Broncos embody the true spirit of competition, making Boise State a name synonymous with success in NCAA history.
