Broncos Claim Third Consecutive MW Crown

Friday, December 5

Boise, Idaho

6 p.m.

Boise State

9-4 , 6-2

UNLV

10-3 , 6-2

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

UNLV

Boise State

12/5/2025 11:27:00 PM | Football

Box Score MW Championship Postgame Notes FB: Mountain West Championship Postgame Quotes

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State became the first team in Mountain West history to win three consecutive championships, defeating UNLV 38-21 Friday night at Albertsons Stadium.

The Broncos (9-4, 6-2 MW) have now claimed seven conference titles since joining the conference in 2011, and six championship contests – both of which are the most in the league. Boise State defeated the Rebels (10-3, 6-2 MW) in all three games of the three-peat and the Broncos extended their winning streak over UNLV to 11 consecutive victories.

In his first game back since an injury against Fresno State on Nov. 1, Maddux Madsen was named the game's Offensive MVP after throwing for 289 yards and three touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore completed 17 of his 31 pass attempts and also ran for a touchdown in the opening frame. Ty Benefield was named the Defensive MVP, after recording a team-high seven tackles, one TFL and a fumble recovery in the contest.

Madsen showcased his recovery from injury on the first score of the game, diving past two defenders to find the end zone on the ground from 10 yards out midway through the first quarter. The score was set up when the redshirt junior found Chase Penry for 46 yards on 3rd and 17 to put the Broncos in the red zone.

Madsen kept the offense moving on the team's next offensive possession, leading a five-play, 67-yard drive that ended with the quarterback finding Dylan Riley for a 9-yard touchdown reception at the end of the first quarter. The Broncos extended their lead on the ensuing drive when Madsen found Cameron Bates for his first career touchdown reception to put the Blue and Orange up 21-0.

UNLV didn't back down, putting together a nine-play, 95-yard drive to make it a two-possession game with three minutes remaining in the half.

Boise State didn't waste any time marching down the field. A play after Sire Gaines broke several tackles for a 35-yard gain, Madsen found Malik Sherrod for a 39-yard touchdown reception to put the Broncos up 28-7 with 1:50 remaining in the half.

The Rebels answered the bell, responding with a touchdown less than a minute later to cut the deficit to 28-14 at the break.

UNLV made things interesting with a touchdown late in the third quarter to make it a one-possession contest. The Broncos didn't waver, answering on the ensuing drive when Gaines punched it in from a yard out to make the score 35-21.

Colton Boomer put the exclamation point on the championship victory with a 50-yard field goal later in the fourth quarter.

Top Broncos
- Maddux Madsen threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. He completed 17 of his 31 passes, while adding a rushing touchdown.
- Chase Penry caught three passes for a career-high 96 yards. Seventy-four of his yards came after the catch.
- Cameron Bates caught three passes for a career-high 65 yards while catching his first career touchdown reception in the third quarter.
- Ty Benefield and Boen Phelps led the team with seven tackles. The duo each recorded a TFL in the victory, while Benefield also recovered a fumble.

Notables
- Boise State's three consecutive conference championships mark the 10th time an FBS team has won three straight championship games.
- Spencer Danielson is the second coach in FBS history to win three consecutive conference titles in his first three title games. Danielson joins Lincoln Riley (Oklahoma, 2017-19).
- The Broncos have defeated UNLV five times in the last 734 days. That is the shortest span between five consecutive wins over the same opponent by an FBS team since 1980.
- Maddux Madsen was named the 2025 Mountain West Championship Offensive MVP while Ty Benefield earned the 2025 Defensive MVP.
- Madsen is the first quarterback in Mountain West history to throw and rush for a touchdown in back-to-back championship games.
- Boise State has forced a fumble in three consecutive championship games. Boen Phelps forced a fumble in this game, Seyi Oladipo did so in 2024, while Alexander Teubner did so in 2023.
What's Next
Boise State will officially announce its bowl selection on Sunday, Dec. 7.