By Ty Scheiner
It’s uncommon to see major surprises during fall quarterback battles leading up to the season, but Spencer Danielson’s announcement that redshirt sophomore quarterback Maddux Madsen will start for the 2024 Boise State Broncos over USC transfer Malachi Nelson—ESPN’s No. 1 overall player in the class of 2023—has certainly caught attention. While there’s understandable skepticism about first-year head coach Danielson’s choice, it’s worth considering why this reaction might be an overreaction.
Malachi Nelson, though highly touted, is only in his second season in the FBS and has had limited experience, with just four snaps to his name. Additionally, he’s joining a new team and a new offensive system after an injury-plagued season at USC. Nelson himself noted that he transferred to Boise State for a fresh start, highlighting the transitional phase he’s undergoing. Despite his impressive talent on paper, adjusting to a new program and system takes time.
On the other hand, Maddux Madsen brings valuable experience and separated himself during fall camp. Having been a backup with the Broncos for two years, Madsen’s experience really set him apart from Nelson. He showed promise last year before a season-ending injury cut his season short.
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and the coaching staff clearly value Madsen’s consistency, decision-making, and mistake-free football during fall practices. Danielson emphasized that the choice was based on key factors like “completion percentage, interceptions, explosive pass plays, mental errors, and decision-making.” Madsen’s experience and familiarity with these elements position him as the best choice to lead the team from the start.
I trust Danielson and Koetter’s judgment, especially with the high expectations for this team to not only win back-to-back Mountain West titles but also compete for a G5 College Football Playoff bid. They are going to put their team in the best position to win given what’s at stake. While Nelson’s future at Boise State remains uncertain, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the field at times to gain experience and confidence.
While Nelson’s talent is undeniable, Madsen’s experience and fit within the team’s current structure make him the logical choice for the starting role. This decision doesn’t change how I feel about the Broncos heading into the season; they are still well-positioned to pursue a conference title and a G5 playoff bid.
