Offense
Quarterback Maddux Madsen returns for his third season as the Broncos starter. He had an up-and-down 2025 season, which should lead to better personal results in 2026. I fully see him returning to the over 3,000 yards and 20 plus touchdowns passer like in 2024.
The running back room returns the dynamic Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines. The pair combined for 1,977 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Both have good speed and averaged over five yards per carry last season. The additions of Harry Stewart III (Kansas) and Juelz Goff (Pittsburgh) provide even more weapons.
The wide receiver room loses some experience from last season and will rely on Cameron Bates, Ben Ford, and tight end Matt Wagner. Bates is a vertical threat and is also utilized in the running game. The additions of Darren Morris (Southern) and Akeem Wright (JUCO) are big.
The offensive line returns experience in Jason Steele, Roger Carreon, Daylon Metoyer, Carson Rasmussen, Kyle Cox, and Jake Steele. The additions of Zander Esty (Oregon State) and Tyler Ethridge (D2 CSU-Pueblo) provide added depth.
Defense
The defensive line room returns plenty of experience in Max Stege, Jayden Virgin-Morgan, David Latu, and Michael Madrie, among others. The addition of Mikaia Edward (D2 Central Washington) provides added depth. In 2024, the Broncos had 55 sacks. That dropped to 27 in 2025.
The linebacker room returns Boen Phelps, Jake Ripp, and Syncere Brackett-Lambey. The addition of Logan Brantley (Kansas) is big. One thing is for certain; this unit must tackle better. Missed tackles were a concern for the Broncos defense last season.
The secondary will be led by former Notre Dame transfer Jaden Mickey. Derek Ganter Jr., Sherrod Smith, and Demetrius Freeney Jr., among others, also have experience. The additions of Cam Johnson (TCU), Roman Tillman (South Dakota), JeRico Washington Jr. (Kennesaw State), Taebron Bennie-Powell (Notre Dame), among others, are massive.
Specialists
Both kicker Colton Boomer and punter Oscar Doyle return. Boomer lives up to his name, going three-for-three last season from 50-plus yards. Both kickoff and punt returns need to improve and add a spark.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 at Oregon
- 9/12 Memphis
- 9/19 South Dakota
- 9/26 at Western Michigan
- 10/3 Utah State
- 10/10 at Fresno State
- 10/24 at Washington State
- 10/31 Texas State
- 11/7 at Colorado State
- 11/14 Oregon State
- 11/21 San Diego State
- 11/28 at Utah State (Flex Game)
Final Analysis
The Broncos are the favorite in the new Pac-12 Conference, and they should be. Quarterback Maddux Madsen has proven his worth but is still 0-4 all-time against Power 4 opponents. Improving the run game and some things on defense (tackling) and this team could make another run to the College Football Playoff in 2026.
