Boise State University is preparing for a significant shift in its athletic landscape as it transitions to the Pac-12 Conference in . The move, alongside fellow Mountain West Conference (MWC) schools Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State, marks a reshaping of collegiate athletics in the Western United States. The reconstituted Pac-12 will also include Oregon State and Washington State, alongside Texas State of the Sun Belt Conference, and Gonzaga, joining as a non-football member.
As spring practice approaches, the Broncos are actively bolstering their roster through the transfer portal, with 18 new players joining the program. Focus is particularly acute on filling key positions ahead of the increased competition the Pac-12 will present. One area of immediate need is in the defensive backfield, where several starters from the season have exhausted their eligibility or moved to other programs.
The departures of cornerbacks A’Marion McCoy and Jeremiah Earby, along with safety Zion Washington, leave significant gaps in the Broncos’ secondary. Further compounding the issue, Ty Benefield, the team’s leading tackler last year, has transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU). This leaves Boise State with four starting roles to fill in the back end of their defense.
Among the incoming transfers aiming to make an immediate impact is Kyle Hall, a safety from the College of San Mateo. The recruiting class is seen as crucial for the Broncos as they navigate this period of transition. Hall, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound player, arrives with a strong junior college pedigree, having helped lead College of San Mateo to consecutive 3C2A state championships.
During his time at College of San Mateo, Hall recorded 27 total tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery as a freshman. He followed that up with 34 total tackles, one interception, five pass breakups, and another fumble recovery in his sophomore year. His performance earned him first-team all-Bay 6 selection honors.
Hall was recognized as a three-star JUCO prospect by 247Sports, ranked as the No. 68 overall JUCO recruit nationally and the No. 7 safety. He chose Boise State over reported offers from Fresno State and Oregon State, signaling the program’s growing appeal despite the ongoing conference realignment. His recruitment represents a successful effort to attract talent from the junior college ranks.
Hall’s path to playing time is relatively clear, particularly given his experience and the existing needs within the Broncos’ defensive scheme. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining, with the potential for a redshirt year should the coaching staff deem it beneficial for his development. His arrival is expected to inject competition into the safety position, alongside fellow transfer Roman Tillmon (from South Dakota) and returning junior Derek Ganter Jr.
The broader context of these moves comes as the Mountain West Conference adapts to a changing collegiate athletic landscape. The departure of Boise State and four other schools to the Pac-12 represents a significant blow to the MWC, forcing the conference to reassess its media rights and future strategy. In early , the MWC announced a new media rights package, extending partnerships with CBS Sports and FOX Sports while adding The CW Network and Kiswe, a direct-to-consumer streaming platform, in an effort to maintain visibility and revenue.
The deals with CBS Sports, FOX Sports and Kiswe run through the season. The CW Network agreed to a five-year deal that will expire in . CBS Sports will air 15 regular-season MWC football games per season, while Fox Sports will show 12 games on FS1 and FS2. The CW will broadcast 13 games. Kiswe will develop a new paid Mountain West app that streams all events not distributed by the major broadcast partners, offering monthly and annual subscription options.
The conference realignment underscores the increasing financial pressures and competitive dynamics within college athletics. The pursuit of lucrative media deals and enhanced exposure is driving institutions to seek out more prominent conferences, often at the expense of existing affiliations. The Mountain West’s response, through its new media rights package, demonstrates a commitment to remaining a viable and competitive conference despite the challenges posed by the Pac-12’s resurgence.
Boise State’s transition to the Pac-12 is not merely a change of conference affiliation; it represents a step up in competition and exposure. The program will face established Pac-12 rivals and navigate a new media landscape. The success of players like Kyle Hall, and the overall performance of the incoming transfer class, will be critical in determining the Broncos’ ability to compete at the highest level in their new conference home.
