Former No. 1 recruit Nelson loses Boise State's QB battle to Madsen

Maddux Madsen was named Boise State's starting quarterback for the Broncos' season opener against Georgia Southern, beating out former five-star recruit Malachi Nelson for the job, head coach Spencer Danielson announced Sunday, according to John Wustrow of The Idaho Press.

Nelson, the nation's No. 1 recruit in 2023, transferred to Boise State in January after spending one season at USC. The highly touted passer made only three pass attempts in his lone year with the Trojans.

Madsen was already familiar with the Broncos' offense after appearing in nine games last year. He began the campaign as QB2 but received more snaps when Boise State utilized a two-quarterback system. Madsen, who sustained a season-ending injury in November, passed for 1,191 yards and nine touchdowns against three interceptions while rushing for 120 yards and three scores.

"I think very highly of both our quarterbacks, we have two really good quarterbacks," Danielson said. "Making this decision has been hard, but when I look at it throughout fall camp, Maddux gives us the better opportunity to win Game 1."

Boise State kicks off its 2024 season on Aug. 31 and then visits Oregon on Sept. 7 in the Broncos' biggest game of the season.