Trendsetters: Broncos Make History With First College Esports Trading Cards From Onit
11/10/2025 12:45:00 PM | Esports
BOISE, Idaho — The sound of foil wrappers tearing echoed through the Boise State Esports Arena as players opened their first packs of official Bronco Esports trading cards. Gasps, laughter, and shouts of surprise filled the room: someone had just pulled their own holographic card.
It was the kind of moment head coach Doc Haskell had hoped for.
"This was about giving our players something tangible," Haskell said. "They compete on big stages every week, but now they can literally hold a piece of their story in their hands."
The project was born out of a conversation with Onit Athlete, a Boise-based company known for bringing pro-level collectibles to life. Onit has been providing cards for players and teams across the country, including the Broncos football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and softball, but had never produced an esports card. The idea took off almost immediately. By late summer, Boise State Esports was deep into photo shoot planning, determined to make the first collegiate esports trading card series in the country something special.
At media day in late August, the typical lineup of headshots was replaced by full-blown creative production. Players had still and kinetic poses, both around the arena and on stage, giving the Onit team everything they needed to capture Boise State's trademark energy. The photos were combined with a variety of action shots from the past year, and then sent off for design, with Onit's creative team transforming them into sleek, professional-quality cards that looked ready for retail shelves.
A few weeks later, the first proofs arrived. The reaction from staff and players was unanimous: they looked incredible.
"When we saw that first design, everyone just stopped," Haskell said. "It felt like something you'd see for a pro team."
By early October, the autograph series was ready. Select players: Jonathan Foraker, Peter Mittelbrun, Jenny Cummins, Emiliano Flores, and Cade Hall, signed limited-edition cards, which were then sealed and shipped back for final packaging. Two weeks later, 300 packs were hand-delivered to the arena.
When the players finally got to open them, the atmosphere felt less like a team event and more like a celebration. Teammates swapped cards, bartered for autographs, and shouted across the room every time a holographic or signed version appeared.
"The excitement was unreal," Haskell said. "It turned into a moment that reminded us all why we do what we do: to give these students memories they'll talk about long after they've graduated."
The trading card series marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between an esports program and Onit Athlete. The best part? Fans can get their hands on packs themselves at the Broncos two remaining featured home games: Wednesday October 12th vs. Ohio State, and Thursday October 20th vs. Nebraska. Supplies are limited, so be sure to be early!
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