BOISE — In Maddux Madsen’s first career start at Boise State, the quarterback only had a couple of days between being named the starter and the Broncos’ game against New Mexico.
Going into his second start against Georgia Southern in Saturday’s season opener, the redshirt sophomore will have had almost two weeks between finding out he’s won the starting job and game day.
“I wouldn’t say there’s very much of a difference,” Madsen said Tuesday in his first interview since being named the starter on Aug. 18. “In a way, I’m preparing the same. I would say the slightest difference is how many practice reps are being given. But when it comes to preparation, meetings and everything, it’s very similar because you never know what could happen.”
Madsen beat out USC transfer Malachi Nelson for the Broncos’ starting job in fall camp, the third quarterback battle that he’s won since the start of the 2023 fall camp. Last fall it was C.J. Tiller who he beat out for the Broncos’ backup role to Taylen Green to start the season.
As Green and the offense showed early-season struggles, Madsen closed the gap, earning a chance to play in a two-quarterback system by October before being named the starter prior to a November game against New Mexico. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in that game.
He came into fall camp recovered from the injury and beat out Nelson to take the title of QB1 heading into Statesboro, Georgia, this weekend.
“I think the role of leadership is personally where I stepped up,” Madsen said about his improvement between last season and this season. “But I also think playing the game, you get better. I’ve been able to improve in most aspects of the game, for sure.”
Madsen was taking “blue reps” or first-team reps to start fall camp, due in large part to the fact he was the incumbent. When it was time to decide who would be QB1 going into the season, coaches gave a lot of weight to his overall knowledge of the offense, which they believed would give the Broncos the best chance to win.
“I think he’s just a pretty solid starter all-around,” offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said Monday in his first interview since the decision was made. “He’s extremely smart, he’s an excellent competitor, he knows this system inside and out, so he can get us in and out of plays at the right time. He’s tough, he’s a good leader and he’s everything you want your starting quarterback to be.”
Madsen also will be QB1 in a unique time in college football history. With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, and the top five conference champions getting automatic bids, at least one Group of 5 team will be in the field.
Many prognosticators around the country believe the Broncos could be in contention for a spot due in large part to the weapons they have on offense.
“All the hype that Boise State offense is getting is awesome,” Madsen said. “I think it’s a better thing now where I’ve got so many guys around me that we can do this thing. It makes me feel like I’m in a good position. I’m confident with everything we’ve got going on and we’ve got a team that wants to go out and compete every day.”
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