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.
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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History of the Broncos
The Boise State Broncos have a long and proud history of athletic excellence in the NCAA, particularly highlighted by their rivalry with the Colorado State Rams. Since joining Division I-A in 1996, the Broncos have won numerous conference championships and bowl games, including two Fiesta Bowls victories over Oklahoma (2007) and TCU (2010). The team has also made several appearances in national rankings since 2000.
Boise State's first football season was back in 1933 when they were still an independent school called Boise Junior College. They didn't join an official conference until 1970 when they joined the Big Sky Conference, where they remained until joining Division I-A/FBS play with their move to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) for the 2001 season. In 2011, after winning five consecutive WAC titles from 2006–10, Boise State moved to its current home, now known as Mountain West Conference, where it has been ever since.
Boises’s success on the field can be credited mainly due to head coach Chris Peterson who took over for Dan Hawkins following his departure at the end of the 2005 season; under Peterson’s guidance team went a 92–12 record from 2006 through 2013 before he left take job Washington Huskies program 2014 – most successful stretch any coach program history! His replacement Bryan Harsin led them to another 11-win campaign in 2015, followed by 10 wins 2016 & 2017 seasons, respectively, while 2018 saw downturn form with just seven wins overall despite being ranked #22. AP Poll started the year off strong, 6–0. Record mid-way point regular schedule… however, things turned around 2019 campaign thanks impressive 8–4 finish, good enough to earn them a spot Famous Idaho Potato Bowl against rival BYU Cougars, which ended up being a thrilling double overtime affair that resulted in BSU coming out victorious 30-28!
As one can see, there are plenty of reasons to cheer about Bronco athletics, whether you are looking into past or present successes. So if you are a sports fan, check out all actions this upcoming 2020/2021 academic year to show your support ‘blue & orange’ side!!
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