2025/2026 Schedule
February 13, 2025 – SI
Boise State projected spring football depth chart: Defense
While Boise State does return the majority of its defensive starters, the losses are massive.
Ahmed Hassanein and Alexander Teubner were team leaders while Herbert Gums and Seyi Oladipo both shined down the stretch for the Broncos.
Boise State, which led the country in sacks a season ago with 55, should remain strong up front with starters Jayden Virgin-Morgan and Braxton Fely returning and the additions of David Latu, Keanu Mailoto, Dion Washington and Malakai Williams from the transfer portal.
Starting linebackers Marco Notarainni and Andrew Simpson are also back, along with full-time secondary starters A’Marion McCoy (cornerback), Jeremiah Earby (cornerback) and Ty Benefield (safety). Safety Zion Washington is effectively an eighth returning starter, and Davon Banks is an experienced corner.
February 15, 2025 – Athlon Sports
Notre Dame 2025 Opponent Overview: Boise State Broncos
Starters Returning: DT Braxton Fely, DE Jayden Virgin-Morgan, LB Marco Notarainni, LB Andrew Simpson, CB A’Marion McCoy, CB Jeremiah Earby, FS Ty Benefield
Returning free safety Ty Benefield was the team’s leading tackler with 82 and he also returns for 2025.
March 1, 2025 – MSN
Steelers meet with number one ranked TE at 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
March 5, 2025 – SI.com
Penn State Football: Two Nittany Lions Spotlighted in SI’s NFL Mock Draft
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren catches a touchdown pass over Boise State Broncos safety Ty Benefield in the Fiesta Bowl. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
March 25, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
Experience, experiments: Here’s what Boise State is trying in the secondary this spring
Boise State’s pass defense has come under scrutiny in recent years. In the turbulent 2023 season that saw then-defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson replace Andy Avalos as head coach, Boise State’s pass defense ranked 106th in the country, allowing 241.4 yards per game. A year later, with Danielson at the helm of the program and Erik Chinander as defensive coordinator, the Broncos’ pass defense slid backward, ranking 107th in the country and allowing 250.4 yards per game. So why should Boise State fans expect improvements in 2025? “We have a gem underneath all that dirt,” junior defensive back Ty Benefield said Tuesday.
Of the expected starters in the Broncos’ secondary next season, there are Benefield (27 Division I games played), redshirt senior Zion Washington (40), fifth-year senior A’Marion McCoy (28), senior Jeremiah Earby (14) and senior Davon Banks (28).
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/experience-experiments-boise-state-trying-225507448.html
March 28, 2025 – Google Alerts
Ty Benefield (0) during the second half in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
March 28, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
BSU safeties coach Tyler Stockton praises Ty Benefield’s growth
Boise State safeties coach Tyler Stockton talks about junior Ty Benefield’s leadership and game knowledge as Broncos secondary loses key leaders to graduation.
March 29, 2025 – KVTB
Boise State safety Ty Benefield ready for 2025 takeoff
April 3, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
Youth impresses at Boise State scrimmage, possible two-way player for Broncos?
Ty Benefield … receiver? Junior safety Ty Benefield is expected to be one of the leaders on defense for Boise State in 2025, but he was given some reps as a receiver during practice this week. Several receivers are still out injured for the Broncos this spring, including redshirt junior Chris Marshall and sixth-year Latrell Caples. So Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson called Benefield on Sunday to gauge his interest in playing some receiver.
“I watched him in high school do it, and spring ball is the time to kind of put guys in those situations, see what they can do,” Danielson said Saturday after the scrimmage. “And he had a big-time catch on Thursday’s practice.”
Will we see Benefield as a two-way player in 2025? Perhaps don’t bet your house on it, but it’s certainly not out of the question.
April 7, 2025 – SI.com
What Boise State’s Spencer Danielson said after first spring scrimmage
On returning defensive leaders Ty Benefield, Jayden Virgin-Morgan
“Ty Benefield and Jayden Virgin-Morgan were huge parts of our defense last year. And seeing them take that next step — first off, as players, but then even taking another step as leaders — they are stepping into those roles in a major way. Both those young men love this football team. They are all-in.
April 11, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
‘There’s no drop-off;’ Retooled Boise State secondary takes form
Boise State safeties coach Tyler Stockton talks about junior Ty Benefield’s leadership and game knowledge as Broncos secondary loses key leaders to graduation.
“He’s playing at a high level but the most exciting thing for me is that he’s becoming a leader for our defence and our team. Ty’s on Level 400 now. He’s working on his Masters now. He wants to be the best safety in America.”
April 11, 2025 – SI.com
Transfer portal has changed Boise State football. What’s it like for players?
Washington and fellow returning safety Ty Benefield are the leaders in Boise State’s defensive backs room.
Benefield led the Broncos in total tackles (82) and interceptions (two) last season as a sophomore. He was an honorable mention all-Mountain West Conference recipient.
“He’s stepped up tremendously,” Washington said of Benefield. “He’s one of the best competitors I’ve ever seen, played with. For him to be able to step into this role is huge for him as well, and he takes it very well. I’m learning from him, I’m sure he’s learning from me.
April 14, 2025 – SI.com
Travis Hunter 2.0? Ty Benefield could play both ways for Boise State
Broncos safety taking snaps at wide receiver
Travis Hunter put together one of the best and most unique seasons in college football history by starring at wide receiver and cornerback for Colorado.
Hunter went on to narrowly edge out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty for the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
As the Broncos head into the home stretch of spring practice, returning safety Ty Benefield has emerged as a potential two-way player for Boise State. Benefield led the team with 82 total tackles and two interceptions last season and is also getting some run at wide receiver during spring ball.
“We even had a couple plays on offense for him the other day, just because he’s that type of football player,” Broncos head coach Spencer Danielson said. “We had some receivers out, and it’s like ‘Hey, Ty, go out there and catch a couple passes.’ He’s just that guy for us.
“Is that going to turn into anything or not? We’re going to continue to walk that path. But I’ll tell you what, Ty Benefield is a leader on this team. He loves this team, and how his play … I mean last scrimmage, he played at a level that I hadn’t even seen him play at yet. So it’s cool to see him continue to grow.”
Benefield made five starts as a freshman before blossoming into an all-Mountain West Conference honorable mention safety last season. Along with his tackles and interceptions, Benefield also recorded three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
With receivers Latrell Caples, Chris Marshall and Austin Bolt dinged up, Danielson spoke to Benefield after Boise State’s April 6 scrimmage about taking snaps on both sides of the ball. Benefield jumped at the chance to play some offense.
“I know what type of athlete he is,” Danielson said. “I watched him in high school do it, and spring ball is the time to kind of put guys in those situations and see what they can do, and he had a big-time catch in Thursday’s practice when he was out there.
“Ty is such an elite competitor. He loves football, and everything he does is about growing to be the best version of himself. Even a guy going into his sophomore year last year, we put a lot on our safeties and he did a great job executing in all situations. And now seeing him through spring ball, he is taking his game to the next level.”
April 14, 2025 – Marca
Has college football found Travis Hunter 2.0?
https://www.marca.com/en/ncaa/2025/04/14/67fd749222601d25478b45a4.htmlo
Boise State’s two-way star steals the spotlight after Ashtn Jeanty’s era.
We have a chance to witness another two-way player in college football.
April 15, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
Will Boise State’s Ty Benefield play two ways? Here’s what he had to say
“I don’t care about accolades or how cool it looks, I’m just here to help the team.”
Boise State junior safety Ty Benefield recently learned he wouldn’t want to try to cover himself. “This dude’s got some juice,” Benefield said Tuesday when asked to describe what a defensive back might think on the other side of the line of scrimmage. “He can give a little bit.”
Those thoughts aren’t just coming from his imagination. Benefield, expected to be one of the leaders on defense in 2025, has spent the past few spring practices playing wide receiver.
Head coach Spencer Danielson called Benefield last Sunday, initially praising him on a good couple of weeks at practice. But then, near the end of the call, Danielson asked the golden question: “Do you want to play receiver?” Of course, Benefield jumped at the chance.
He played wide receiver in high school, and although he’s always considered himself a defensive player, the opportunity to play on the other side of the ball was something he couldn’t say no to. But will this be a permanent thing or just a fun experiment in the spring while the Broncos are simultaneously short on healthy receivers?
Boise State’s wide receiver room is struggling with a lack of experience and injuries. Receivers coach Matt Miller said earlier this week that the team plans to bring in a “mature” receiver from the transfer portal. “If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, I’ll take my butt back to the defense and play straight that way,” Benefield said. “So yeah, we’ll see. I’d really like to (do it), yeah.”
Benefield played both ways in high school in Irvine, California. During his senior season, he had 90 receptions for 1,404 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging 117 yards per game. Danielson said Benefield had a big catch as a receiver at practice last Thursday, and they will “keep going through it.”
April 15, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State to look for wide receiver help in transfer portal
The Broncos are also experimenting with deploying star safety Ty Benefield at receiver.
“We’ve always done things different here at Boise State, and we’ve been cutting edge,” Miller said. “We’re going to put the best 11 on the field whenever we can to go be successful. That’s what’s fun for us, and it’s fun for our guys, too.”
April 15, 2025 – KTVB
Could Boise State safety Ty Benefield be a two-way player in 2025?
April 16, 2025 – Idaho Press
Boise State’s Ty Benefield leading on defense while also giving offense a shot this spring
BOISE — Earlier this spring Boise State safety Ty Benefield said he was joking with Boise State safeties coach Tyler Stockton about the possibility of taking some snaps at wide receiver and becoming a two-way player, like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter did at Colorado last season.
After the Broncos’ first spring scrimmage on April 4, Benefield received a call from Bronco head coach Spencer Danielson. Apparently, his joke wasn’t such a far-flung idea, after all.
With Boise State suffering a couple of injuries at the position this spring, Benefield has been working both sides of the ball over the last week, playing at wide receiver, as well as his normal duties at safety.
Boise State safety Ty Benefield (0) celebrates an interception, stopping a Washington State drive in the end zone at the end of the first half on Sept. 28, 2024, in Boise.AP Photo/Steve Conner
April 17, 2025 – Yard Barker
The New and Already Most Overused Term in College Football: Travis Hunter 2.0
It was slowly building after the conclusion of the 2024 college football season, but as spring practices began and have continued, it quickly spiraled out of control. People need to stop using the term “Travis Hunter 2.0” or “the next Travis Hunter”.
Just a quick google search finds the following college players and even recruits being touted as the next Hunter:
Ty Benefield – Boise State
Koi Perich – Minnesota
Boo Carter – Tennessee
Demetres Samuel Jr. – Syracuse
Jaylen Mbakwe – Alabama
Salesi Moa – 2026 recruit
Paris Melvin Jr. – 2026 recruit
CJ Sadler – 2026 recruit
Jermaine Bishop – 2026 recru
April 18, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State spring game preview: 3 things to watch as Broncos scrimmage on the Blue
2. Will Ty Benefield play both ways?
Due to injuries in the wide receiver room, safety Ty Benefield has taken some snaps on offense during spring practice.
Benefield led the Broncos in total tackles (82) and interceptions (two) as a sophomore last season while playing a team-high 1,070 snaps.
Colorado’s Travis Hunter shined on both sides of the ball a season ago en route to the Heisman Trophy. While Benefield is unlikely to have a Hunter-sized role for Boise State’s offense, the talented athlete could be used as a part-time weapon at receiver.
April 18, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
Keep an eye on these four things in Boise State football’s spring game
Will Ty Benefield play two ways? Junior safety Ty Benefield is expected to be one of the leaders on defense in 2025, but he’s also spent the last couple of weeks practicing at wide receiver. Between a mixture of players moving on, injuries and lack of experience, the wide receiver room is looking thin heading into 2025. Just one returning receiver — sixth-year Latrell Caples (473) — had over 400 receiving yards last year. Benefield played two ways in high school and said he’d “really like” to try it in college, while Danielson said spring was the perfect time to “put guys in those situations.” Whether Benefield plays at receiver on Saturday — and if he plays well — will be an indicator of what we could see come August.
April 18, 2025 – SportsNet
Could Canadian safety Ty Benefield be the next Travis Hunter at Boise State?
The Boise State Broncos know Ty Benefield is an excellent safety.
Now, they’re trying to find out if the Canadian might be able to help the team on offence, too.
At spring practice this week, the NCAA football squad had the Vancouver native lined up as a receiver on some plays. One wonders if Benefield could draw comparisons to Travis Hunter, the former two-way star at Colorado who is poised to be a high pick in next week’s NFL Draft.
“We even had a couple plays on offence for him the other day, just because he’s that type of football player,” Broncos head coach Spencer Danielson told reporters, per Sports Illustrated. “We had some receivers out, and it’s like, ‘Hey, Ty, go out there and catch a couple passes.’ He’s just that guy for us.
“Is that going to turn into anything or not? We’re going to continue to walk that path. But I’ll tell you what, Ty Benefield is a leader on this team. He loves this team, and how his play … I mean last scrimmage, he played at a level that I hadn’t even seen him play at yet. So, it’s cool to see him continue to grow.”
Benefield was an honorable mention Mountain West all-star in his second college season last year, helping Boise State advance to the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Benefield, the son of former CFL star Daved Benefield, said he played receiver in high school in California and jumped at the chance to take reps at the position this spring.
“If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, I’ll take my butt back to the defence and play straight that way,” he said, per the Idaho Statesman. “So yeah, we’ll see. I’d really like to (do it), yeah.”
Boise State plays its annual spring game on Saturday, which could give a better idea of how much the team wants to experiment with Benefield at receiver.
The team’s season opener is Aug. 28 at South Florida.
“I know what type of athlete he is,” Danielson said. “I watched him in high school do it, and spring ball is the time to kind of put guys in those situations and see what they can do, and he had a big-time catch in Thursday’s practice when he was out there.
“Ty is such an elite competitor. He loves football, and everything he does is about growing to be the best version of himself. Even a guy going into his sophomore year last year, we put a lot on our safeties and he did a great job executing in all situations. And now seeing him through spring ball, he is taking his game to the next level.”
April 27, 2025 – Standard Examiner
Utah in the NFL draft: After Dart, Royals leads selections with Utah ties
May 11, 2025 – SI.com
Canadian Travis Hunter? Boise State’s 2026 NFL Draft safety prospect could play both ways this season
Safety Ty Benefield, junior
Ty Benefield emerged as one of Boise State’s top defensive players last season, leading the team with 82 total tackles and two interceptions. The Vancouver, British Columbia native received all-Mountain West Conference honorable mention and was a finalist for the Cornish Trophy, an award presented annually to the top Canadian player in college football.
During spring practice, Boise State experimented with using Benefield as a two-way player at wide receiver and safety.
“He’s that type of football player,” Broncos head coach Spencer Danielson said. “We had some receivers out, and it’s like ‘Hey, Ty, go out there and catch a couple passes.’ He’s just that guy for us.
“Is that going to turn into anything or not? We’re going to continue to walk that path. But I’ll tell you what, Ty Benefield is a leader on this team. He loves this team. … It’s cool to see him continue to grow.”
Benefield was rated a three-star prospect coming out of Crean Lutheran High School in Southern California. He chose the Broncos over offers from BYU, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, among others.
May 22, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State’s projected defensive starters for 2025 season
Returning starters (6): Defensive tackle Braxton Fely; Edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan; Linebacker Marco Notarainni; Cornerback A’Marion McCoy; Cornerback Jeremiah Earby; Safety Ty Benefield
Free safety: Ty Benefield, junior
An honorable mention all-MWC pick as a sophomore, Benefield led the team with 82 total tackles and two interceptions. He may also see time on offense in 2025 at wide receiver.
June 3, 2025 – MSN.com
Three Boise games moved to Friday
June 4, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State favored to reach College Football Playoff in ESPN FPI update
June 21, 2025 – SI.com
Thirteen Boise State players included on Phil Steele’s preseason all-Mountain West first team
On the defensive side, Steele had senior defensive tackle Braxton Fely, junior defensive end/edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan, senior linebacker Marco Notarainni, cornerback A’Marion McCoy and safety Ty Benefield on the first team.
June 23, 2025 – BroncoSports.com
Broncos Place 18 on Phil Steele Preseason All-Mountain West Team
Defensively, EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan, defensive tackle Braxton Fely, linebacker Marco Notarainni, cornerback A’Marion McCoy and safety Ty Benefield secured first team honors. Long snapper Mason Hutton rounds out the first team picks for the Blue and Orange.
July 2, 2025 – SI.com
Several Boise State players receive strong ratings in EA Sports College Football 26
Other notable player grades for Boise State are senior cornerback A’Marion McCoy (87 overall), junior safety Ty Benefield (86 overall), junior quarterback Maddux Madsen (86 overall) and senior defensive tackle Braxton Fely (85 overall).
July 2, 2025 – MWconnection.com
Boise State Football’s Top Players: #8
Zach: Ty Benefield (Junior DB)
Expectations are high for Benefield who is entering his second season as a starter. In fact, there are even rumblings that Benefield may see some time at wide receiver after playing some snaps in spring ball. Benefield’s sophomore season was a bit of a mixed bag. He really struggled in coverage at times and was occasionally a liability when teams threw the ball deep downfield. On the other hand, Benefield is an excellent tackler, finishing last season with 82. There is no doubt that Benefield will be locked in this fall and should be an impact player; he has the potential to be an NFL safety if he can improve in the pass game.
Aiden: Ty Benefield (Junior DB)
Zach laid it all out for you above. What I would add to his profile heading into 2025 is that he has had high expectations since he began receiving reps in the secondary as a freshman. There is a reason that after tenacious tackler JL Skinner departed for the NFL, Benefield was the next one on the defensive side of the ball to be given the number zero. As mentioned above, last year was not all sunshine and rainbows as consistency eluded the California native. Without knowing the true impacts that Notre Dame transfer Jordan Mickey and Arizona transfer Demetrius Freeney will or will not have, Ty Benefield is going to have to serve as a steady rock that his fellow Broncos can lean on.
July 9, 2025 – Bronco Sports
Boise State Places 21 on Athlon Sports Preseason All-Mountain West Teams
Athlon Sports Preseason All-MW
First Team (10)
QB Maddux Madsen
AP Sire Gaines
WR Latrell Caples
TE Matt Lauter
OL Kage Casey
DL Jayden Virgin-Morgan
DL Braxton Fely
LB Marco Notarainni
CB A’Marion McCoy
S Ty Benefield
July 10, 2025 – College Football News
Boise State Football Defense Preview 2025: The Bronco Pass Rush Will Keep Dominating
The Broncos have the parts back to keep the attacking style of D among the nation’s elite. Here’s the CFN Boise State Preview, breaking down the defense.
Leading tackler Ty Benefield is back at one safety spot. A bit unsung, he made 82 tackles with five tackles for loss and two picks – the all-star recognition will be there this time around.
He’s not alone with third-leading tackle Zion Washington back at strong safety – he made 67 tackles with six broken up passes. Davon Banks can take a corner spot, but he’ll most likely work at the nickel after a strong 35-tackle season highlighted by a big pick-six against San Jose State.
July 16, 2025 – Deseret News
2025 Mountain West Football preseason all-conference team
Defense
- DL Braxton Fely** Sr. Boise State
- DL Jayden Virgin-Morgan* Jr. Boise State
- DL Trey White* Jr. San Diego State
- DL Gafa Faga Sr. San José State
- LB Marco Notarainni* Sr. Boise State
- LB Tano Letuli Jr. San Diego State
- LB Jordan Pollard* Sr. San José State
- LB Marsel McDuffie Sr. UNLV
- DB Ty Benefield Jr. Boise State
- DB A’Marion McCoy Gr. Boise State
- DB Al’zillion Hamilton Sr. Fresno State
- DB Ike Larsen Sr. Utah State
July 17, 2025 – BroncoSports.com
Madsen Voted Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, 10 Broncos Named Preseason All-Mountain West
In 2024, Benefield led Boise State in total tackles (82), solo tackles (59), interceptions (2), fumble recoveries (2), defensive snaps (899) and total snaps (1,070). He added 5.0 TFLs, five pass breakups and a forced fumble. He was a Cornish Trophy Finalist and earned All-MW Honorable Mention. The junior was featured on the Athlon Sports and Phil Steele Preseason All-MW First Teams.
July 23, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State nears last year’s season ticket total
https://www.si.com/college/boise-state/football/boise-state-nears-last-year-season-ticket-total
July 23, 2025 – Idaho Press.com
FIVE BY FIVE: Twenty-five notes as Boise State enters 2025 fall camp
Boise State safety Ty Benefield (0) celebrates an interception, stopping a Washington State drive in the end zone at the end of the first half on Sept. 28, 2024, in Boise. – AP Photo/Steve Conner
Safeties: The cornerback position looks to be in good hands with returning starters A’Marion McCoy and Jeremiah Earby, and Ty Benefield figures to have a tight grip on one of the safety positions, rounding out the Bronco secondary, which is shaping up to be a battle.
Ty Benefield: Benefield is another Boise State junior who with a big year could make the leap to the NFL next season.
Benefield on trying to return to CFP: “Now our leaders and leadership group is setting that goal of letting people know that just because we went one time doesn’t mean we’re obliged to go a second or third time. We have to work way harder to go a second time, because we’re losing a lot. We can’t get complacent.”
July 28, 2025 – Bronco Sports.com
Broncos Place Eight on Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist
https://broncosports.com/news/2025/7/28/football-broncos-place-eight-on-shrine-bowl-1000-watchlist
BOISE, Idaho – Eight Boise State football players were selected to the 2025 Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist, the East-West Shrine Bowl announced. Ty Benefield, Kage Casey, Jeremiah Earby, Matt Lauter, Maddux Madsen, A’Marion McCoy, Marco Notarainni and Jayden Virgin-Morgan represent the Broncos on this year’s list.
Benefield enters his junior season with 128 career tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. He has three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. In 2024, he was a Cornish Trophy Finalist and earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention. He is a 2025 Preseason All-MW selection.
July 28, 2025 – SI.com
Eight Boise State players make Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list
A first-team all-Mountain West pick last season, Benefield has 128 career tackles entering his junior season. He led the team last year with 82 total tackles and two interceptions.
Benefield could play both ways for the Broncos this season at safety and wide receiver.
“We even had a couple plays on offense for him the other day, just because he’s that type of football player,” Broncos head coach Spencer Danielson said back in spring practice. “We had some receivers out, and it’s like ‘Hey, Ty, go out there and catch a couple passes.’ He’s just that guy for us.
“Is that going to turn into anything or not? We’re going to continue to walk that path. But I’ll tell you what, Ty Benefield is a leader on this team.”
July 29, 2025 – MW.com
MW Places 36 on East-West Shrine Bowl 1000
https://themw.com/news/2025/07/28/407806/
Boise State
Ty Benefield, SAF
Kage Casey, OT
Jeremiah Earby, CB
Matt Lauter, TE
Maddux Madsen, QB
A’Marion McCoy, CB
Marco Notarainni, LB
Jayden Virgin-Morgan, EDGE
July 30, 2025 – SI.com
Two Boise State players named to national defensive award watch list
Ty Benefield, A’Marion McCoy on Jim Thorpe Award watch list
Junior safety Ty Benefield and senior cornerback A’Marion McCoy are both on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday.
The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the top defensive back in college football.
Benefield led the Broncos in total tackles a season ago with 82 while also adding five pass breakups, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He received all-Mountain West honorable mention.
July 30, 2025 – MW.com
Three MW football players on Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List
July 30, 2025 – Bronco Sports.com
Benefield, McCoy Featured on Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
Boise State defensive backs Ty Benefield and A’Marion McCoy were named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced.
The award is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back. Benefield and McCoy are two of 35 players on the list, with Boise State being one of six teams with multiple selections.
Aug 4, 2025 – BroncoSports.com
Boise State Ranked 25th in Preseason Coaches Poll
https://broncosports.com/news/2025/8/4/football-boise-state-ranked-25th-in-preseason-coaches-poll
Aug 7, 2025 – BroncoSports.com
Are stats for ‘losers’? The Boise State secondary isn’t paying attention to them
Boise State football junior safety Ty Benefield doesn’t believe in statistics. In fact, he had some strong words that the stat nerds out there won’t like to hear: “Stats are for losers.” Benefield made that comment Tuesday evening with a sly grin, but he said it within the context of a serious point. “If you watch us on the field during our games, it’s the pursuit of the defense,” Benefield said. “Everybody pursues the ball. We all swarm. That’s the most important thing.”
But in 2025, Benefield doesn’t want even to give the statisticians room to talk. “The amount of talent that we have staying on this team, and the abilities that we have … with the stats, that probably wasn’t statistically one of the best defenses, (still) got that far into the playoffs,” Benefield said. “Imagine what we’ll do when we fix all those things.”
Aug 9, 2025 – East Idaho News
Are stats for ‘losers’? The Boise State secondary isn’t paying attention to them
Aug 12, 2025 – Idaho Press
Benefield turns focus to finishing plays, making defense better
Ty Benefield spoke candidly about the missed opportunities that both he and the Boise State defense had last season.
The junior safety acknowledged that he dropped a couple of potential interceptions on the field last season and that the defense at times needed to make more tackles in the open field. He said that finishing those plays was one of the biggest focuses of his offseason.
“I left plays out there on the field last year,” said Benefield. “If you would have asked me about those last year, I would have been visibly upset. But now it’s in the past, and I know when those plays come this year, they’re going to be made, and people are going to be happy.”
On a defense which finished tied for eighth in the Mountain West and 107th in the nation with just seven interceptions a season ago, Benefield was the only Bronco to record multiple interceptions last season. He had picks against Washington State and San Jose State and led the team with 82 tackles.
Still, those missed opportunities stick in his mind.
“Got to catch those, got to get those,” Benefield said. “I’ve been really working on and off the field, working every single day to be able finish those plays. It’s really about feeling comfortable. If you’re comfortable the whole rep when you’re covering somebody and your eyes are where they are supposed to be, that play is going to be made.”
Aug 16, 2025 – Discovering Bulloch
QB, depth, transfer class put Eagles in the thick of 2025 Sun Belt race
Aug 18, 2025 – Bronco Sports.com
Boise State, Jacksons Announce Next Set of Collectible Football Trading Cards
Each pack will contain 14 cards with a one in 10 chance for a signed “signature” card from team standouts, including: wide receiver Cameron Bates, defensive back Ty Benefield, wide receiver Latrell Caples, offensive lineman Kage Casey, running back Breezy Dubar, running back Sire Gaines, tight end Matt Lauter, quarterback Maddux Madsen, defensive back A’Marion McCoy, linebacker Marco Notarainni, running back Malik Sherrod, and EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan.
Aug 27, 2025 – Sportsnet.ca
Canadians in NCAA football: Several linemen on NFL, CFL radars
S Ty Benefield (Boise State, junior, Vancouver)
Benefield was one of the key players on defence for a College Football Playoff team last year, being named an honourable mention Mountain West all-star.
This year at spring practice, he even took some reps at wide receiver. Boise State is expected to be a national contender again this year, starting the season ranked 25th.
Benefield is the son of former CFL star Daved Benefield.
The Broncos open their campaign Thursday at South Florida.
Sept 1, 2025 – Yahoo Sports
‘They can’t play’: Boise State’s Danielson demands more effort after loss
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/t-play-boise-state-danielson-234502051.html
With nothing but losses as an underdog, there’s not much of a sample size for determining Danielson’s ability to switch from good cop to bad cop. But everyone got an idea Monday, when he had to discuss a game in which the Broncos gave up 34 unanswered points and lost to a team that was a touchdown underdog.
The second-year head coach slammed the effort levels of the Broncos, saying what he saw was “not the standard” for Boise State. And he wasn’t afraid to let that be known to his players.
Sept 1, 2025 – Green, Gold, and Bold
Byrum Brown Delivered Tebow-Style Performance as USF Bulldozed Boise State
USF had the ball at Boise State’s 23-yard line, trailing by four points, midway through the second quarter. That’s when quarterback Byrum Brown dropped to pass, then broke from the pocket and trucked toward the end zone.
Trucked?
Yes, seriously, Brown was a fully loaded 18-wheeler as he gained steam with his eyes squarely on six points. That’s when Boise State safety Ty Benefield tried to cut him off at the goal line.
Instead of trying to elude Benefield, Brown lowered his right shoulder and smashed into him, knocking Benefield to the ground as Brown secured the touchdown. That gave USF a lead it would never relinquish in a 34-7 opening-game win.
Sept 4, 2025 – CBS Sports
College football rankings: Boise State, North Carolina highlight Bottom 25, Alabama makes an appearance
There is no play that better encapsulates the Broncos’ rapid fall from the AP Top 25 into the CBS Sports Bottom 25 than a bit of Bronco-on-Bronco crime that turned out to be a harbinger of things to come. South Florida quarterback Byrum Brownbroke through a series of tackles on a designed run early in the second quarter and was nearing the open field when Broncos safety Ty Benefield came charging into the play with a full head of steam.
But as Benefield tried to level the boom on Brown, he completely whiffed and crushed linebacker Marco Notarainni instead. Brown proceeded to elude a handful of more feeble tackle attempts before waltzing into the end zone. The play was called back due to a hold on South Florida, but it was emblematic of the Broncos’ sloppiness.
Sept 5, 2025 – BroncoSports.com
FB | Ty Benefield Postgame Press Conference, vs. EWU
https://broncosports.com/watch?Archive=5946&type=Live
Broncos All Access
Sept 6, 2025 – SI.com
‘We’re going to keep it rolling;’ What Boise State defensive leader said after Eastern Washington victory
Junior safety Ty Benefield said it was a complete performance for the Broncos (1-1) coming off last week’s loss at South Florida. “Doing what we do best, playing as a team, as one unit — not offense and defense — just one unit, a team,” Benefield said after the game. “It was really fun today, and we’re going to keep it rolling.”
Here are the postgame press conference highlights from Benefield and wide receiver Ben Ford.
Benefield on early takeaway
“The D Line did an excellent job of compressing guys and doing their games and stunts and all that. And we just worked off of that. They give us such a good spot that we just fly to the ball, and now it’s our job to swarm and make that play. It was great to have that happen early in the game.”
Benefield on several quick defensive stops
“It was huge. You obviously don’t want to be on the field too long; it starts getting tiring. I’m just kidding. (Head coach Spencer Danielson), if you see this, I’m just kidding. But it’s huge to be all on the same page, communicating at a super-fast level to the point where we can get off the field like that, because it all comes down to communication. Communication breeds confidence. When you communicate, call them out on the stuff, you’re going to see it happening before your eyes. And now you just react and play fast.”
Benefield on intensity level in last week’s practices
“It was ramped up, now. We weren’t playing any games, and we’re going to keep doing that because it worked out great for us. Coach did such a great job of putting us in tough situations, so when we were forced to be in those situations in the game, it wasn’t anything. We’d seen it before.
Sept 19, 2025 – Bronco Sports
GAMEDAY vs Air Force
https://broncosports.com/gameday/football-vs-air-force/football/807
Benefield’s A Beast
Ty Benefield earned an All-Mountain West honorable mention nod and played a team-high 899 defensive snaps and 1,070 total snaps last year. He led Boise State in solo tackles (59), total tackles (82) and interceptions (2). Benefield, a 2024 Cornish Trophy Finalist, is featured on the Thorpe Award Watch List. Benefield matched his career-high with a team-high nine tackles (six solo) against Eastern Washington, and matched his career-high with 3.0 tackles for loss. Against USF, he played 55 of 56 defensive snaps, recording six tackles (five solo). The Altadena, Calif., native has recorded five games with two or more TFLs.
Sept 21, 2025 – 247 Sports
Van Sickle: Benefield a bright spot amidst a struggling defensive backfield
On a night when Boise State’s defensive backs struggled mightily, Ty Benefield was the clear bright spot.
In a 49–37 win over Air Force on Saturday, the junior safety was everywhere — totaling 11 tackles (eight solo), two tackles for loss, and a game-clinching interception that sealed the victory. From the opening quarter to the final whistle, he delivered several jarring hits, set the tone with his physicality, and reminded everyone why he has become the vocal leader of the Broncos’ defense.
Benefield’s interception, the fourth of his career, was the clinching moment of the game. Air Force was threatening to mount one final rally, but Benefield jumped the route and ended the Falcons’ hopes.
“Ty Benefield is one of the best safeties we’ve ever had here,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson told BNN and others after the game. “I tell NFL scouts all the time he’s the same way in practice. He makes nearly every tackle in practice.”
As strong as Benefield was, the rest of the Broncos’ defensive backfield struggled.
Sept 21, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
Air Force piled up yards and even took to the sky, but Broncos’ D finally held
Notarainni ended the night with 10 total tackles, just one behind Ty Benefield, who led the team and was a bright spot. Danielson said there are still coverage issues to fix, but Benefield enjoyed a fun night of playing shallow to ballhawk any runners or receivers running short routes.
“Ty Benefield is one of the best safeties we’ve ever had here,” Danielson said. “I’m not one bit shocked that he plays well in the game, because he practices that way.”
Sept 26, 2025 – Instagram
Bo Knows Creative
Sept 27, 2025 – Instagram
Boise State Football
Sept 28, 2025 – Watauga Democrat
Miscues do in Mountaineers at Boise State
Rashod Dubinion, seen here against Boise State’s Ty Benefield, rushed for a game-high 113 yards on 17 carries during App State’s contest at the Broncos on Saturday night.Photo courtesy of Taylor Newton/App State Athletics
Sept 30, 2025 – Fighting Irish Wire
Know your foe: An in-depth look at Notre Dame opponent this weekend, Boise State
Best defensive player – Cornerback Ty Benefield
Following up an 82-tackle, 2 interception sophomore year, Benefield is looking to replace that success. He’s well on his way, with 33 tackles and a pick, as he is one of the best tackling corners Notre Dame will face. While Benefield isn’t the best in coverage, he’s still solid in that area. The Irish’s CJ Carr will have to have eyes on him during run plays, potentially shifting away from his side.
Oct 2, 2025 – USA Today
What four players should we track as Notre Dame football hosts Boise State?
S Ty Benefield (0)
With the way the 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior from Altadena, California operates on the back end for Boise State, it’s easy for Irish fans to draw comparisons to another No. 0 who played a lot and did a lot for the Notre Dame defense the previous two years.
Benefield isn’t former Irish safety Xavier Watts 2.0 yet, but he means as much to the Broncos’ defense as X did to the Irish. Benefield leads Boise State in tackles (33) and tackles for loss (five for 13 yards). Last season, his first one as a starter, Benefield led the team with 1,070 snaps played, 899 on defense. He’s key on defense. He’s key on special teams. He’s key in the locker room. He’s key.
Benefield has made at least six tackles in each of the first four games, including a season high 11 at Air Force. He’s the ringleader of a Boise State defense that ranks 56th nationally in total defense (338.3 yards per game) and 37th in passing efficiency defense (115.03). You can bet Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr will know where Benefield lurks and works Saturday afternoon.
Oct 4, 2025 – Chicago Tribune
Oct 5, 2025 – Bronco Sports
Boise State Falls to No. 21/21 Notre Dame
https://broncosports.com/news/2025/10/4/football-boise-state-falls-to-no-21-21-notre-dame
Top Broncos
– Ty Benefield led the Broncos with eight tackles, including three solo. The junior also forced a fumble, recorded a pass breakup and combined for a TFL.
Notables
– Ty Benefield led the team with eight tackles and has led the Broncos in tackles in four out of five games. He is the first player to lead the Broncos in tackles in four of their first five games of a season since JL Skinner in 2021.
Oct 7, 2025 – Instagram – Jay Tust
Watch #BoiseState safety Ty Benefield on this play last Saturday…
What happens when there’s a 6-foot-6, 250-pound tight end between you and the ball carrier?
You run through the former to get to the latter!
“𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣.”
Oct 8, 2025 – Idaho Press
Bronco defense aims to fix mistakes, but saw positives against Notre Dame
“I thought we played good,” said Boise State safety Ty Benefield, who led the Broncos with eight tackles. “Obviously there are things to fix but I really like how we are on that type of timing, just going after the ball and giving it our all and not caring who it was.”
“They mean a lot because it’s very difficult to stop somebody on fourth and short,” Benefield said. “So, if you do that against a national ranked team and a good opponent, or even anybody, it says a lot.”
Oct 8, 2025 – KVTB – YouTube
Video: Boise State safety Ty Benefield on Notre Dame loss, matchup with New Mexico
Oct 12, 2025 – KVTB – YouTube
Set the tone: Virgin-Morgan and Benefield to lead Boise State’s defensive reset
Oct 10, 2025 – Bronco Sports
Game Day vs New Mexico
https://broncosports.com/gameday/football-vs-new-mexico/football/816
Junior safety Ty Benefield has been off to one of the hottest starts in the country this season. He leads the defense in total tackles (41), solo tackles (25) and TFLs (5.5) while tying for the team-high in snaps (299), interceptions (1) and forced fumbles (1). He is one of two players in the nation with 40+ tackles, 5+ TFLs, an interception and a forced fumble, joining Pitt’s Rasheem Biles. Benefield has also been the team’s leading tackler in four of the team’s first five games, a feat that has only occurred four times in program history since 2000.
Standout Safety
Ty Benefield has been one of Boise State’s biggest defensive contributors, leading the unit in solo tackles (25), total tackles (41) and TFLs (5.5) while tying for the team-high in snaps (299), interceptions (1) and forced fumbles (1). He is one of two players in the nation with 40+ tackles, 5+ TFLs, an interception and a forced fumble, joining Pitt’s Rasheem Biles.
Benefield’s Been Ballin’
Ty Benefield finished the game against Notre Dame with a team-high eight tackles, becoming the first Bronco to be the team’s leading tackler in four of the team’s first five games of the season since JL Skinner pulled off the feat in 2021. Benefield is the fourth Bronco since 2000 to pull off the accomplishment, joining Skinner, Leighton Vander Esch (2017) and Travis Burgher (2001). The junior safety also led Boise State in tackles against Eastern Washington (9), Air Force (11) and App State (7). Benefield recorded six tackles in the season-opener against USF, trailing team-leader Jayden Virgin-Morgan by two tackles.
Oct 11, 2025 – KVTB 7
Boise State defense looking for reset against New Mexico after Notre Dame loss
Behind Virgin-Morgan, Ty Benefield stands as a formidable presence in the secondary. Known for his speed and strength, Benefield is one of the top tacklers on the team and a key leader. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to finish strong in tackles, contributing significantly to the defense’s overall performance this season.
Reflecting on the team’s mindset after the Notre Dame loss, Virgin-Morgan stated, “We did lose a big game, but knowing that we still have a lot left in the season and just attack every single moment you get, every single rep that you get.”
This week’s practice has centered on fundamental skills: keeping heads up, wrapping up, finishing plays, and finding the football. The numbers back up their commitment to improvement, with Benefield ranking among the team’s leading tacklers and Virgin-Morgan consistently making his presence felt in the backfield with multiple tackles for loss.
Oct 11, 2025 – Winners and Whiners
New Mexico Lobos vs. Boise State Broncos Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 11, 2025
Oct 11, 2025 – Ty Benefield get interception for his Tio Chucho on his birthday
Boise State beat New Mexico 41-25 on Saturday night at Albertsons Stadium
The defense was inspiring – limiting the Lobos to two offensive TDs and 231 total yards. A’Marion McCoy and Ty Benefield each had interceptions.
Oct 11, 2025 – Albuquerque Journal
UNM football at Boise State: Photos
Oct 18, 2025 – KVTB
Set the tone: Virgin-Morgan and Benefield to lead Boise State’s defensive reset
Oct 18, 2025 – Fox Sports
Oct 23, 2025 – The Arbiter
What rivalry? Broncos command Rebels in statement victory
Saturday’s game was the third time this season the Broncos’ defense made seven or more tackles for loss. The defense has had at least five in every game this season. Jaden Mickey matched his career-high with seven tackles, leading the team in the box score alongside safety Ty Benefield.
Oct 25, 2025 – 247 Sports
Carroll: Five instant takeaways from Boise State’s 24-3 win over Nevada
Ty Benefield continues to play at a high level (Paywall)
Oct 25, 2025 – Idaho Press
Earby leads strong defensive showing for Broncos with first two interceptions of season
Boise State cornerback Jeremiah Earby has watched Broncos safety Ty Benefield get a couple interceptions already this season. He’s watched as A’Marion McCoy, the cornerback who plays opposite of him and his childhood friend, go on a tear the last month, now having four interceptions in the Broncos’ last five games.
Nov 1, 2025 – BroncoSports.com
Broncos Suffer Home Loss to Bulldogs
https://broncosports.com/news/2025/11/1/football-broncos-suffer-home-loss-to-bulldogs
Starting quarterback Maddux Madsen went down with an injury in the first quarter and the Broncos offense struggled to get anything going with backup Max Cutforth, as Boise State fell 30-7 to Fresno State on Saturday at Albertsons Stadium.
Top Broncos
– Ty Benefield matched his career-high with 11 tackles. Nine of those tackles were solo.
Nov 7, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State bye week report card: Defense
https://www.si.com/college/boise-state/football/boise-state-bye-week-report-card-defense
Boise State is licking its wounds following a 30-7 home loss to Mountain West rival Fresno State.
Fellow senior Jeremiah Earby has become a lockdown corner while safety Ty Benefield leads the team with 66 total tackles.
Nov 11, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State and San Diego State by the numbers
https://www.si.com/college/boise-state/football/boise-state-and-san-diego-state-by-the-numbers
Leading defenders
Safety Ty Benefield, Boise State: 66 total tackles, two interceptions, two pass breakups, one forced fumble.
Nov 13, 2025 – KVTB.com
On this episode of Bronco Studios Live presented by Ford, Jay Tust speaks with the Voice of the Broncos Bob Behler and Ty Benefield.
“In highschool my Uncle Billy Neely used to push me like crazy and say ‘Practice like you play’.”
Nov 14, 2025 – SI.com
Former defensive starter leaves Boise State program (Devon Banks)
https://www.si.com/college/boise-state/football/former-defensive-starter-leaves-boise-state-program
Benefield leads the team in total tackles at 66 and has logged two interceptions, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Nov 16, 2025 – Bronco Sports.com
Star Boise State offensive lineman to enter 2026 NFL Draft
https://broncosports.com/news/2025/11/16/football-broncos-fall-to-aztecs
Top Broncos
– Ty Benefield matched his career-high with 11 tackles.
Notables
– Ty Benefield has recorded 11 tackles in three separate contests this season, making him the first Bronco with three games of 11+ tackles since Alexander Teubner did so in 2023. Benefield is the ninth Bronco to achieve this feat since 2005.
Nov 23, 2025 – Instagram – Jay Tust
Boise State junior S Ty Benefield is having one of the best statistical seasons for a Broncos defensive back in the FBS era . . .
- He’s 1 of only 4 players IN ALL OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL with 70+ tackles, 7.0+ tackles-for-loss and multiple interceptions this season. And he’s ONLY safety.
- Leighton Vander Esch and Korey Hall are the only other Broncos with 70+ tackles, 7.0+ tackles-for-loss and multiple interceptions in the last 20+ seasons.
Benefield is BALLIN’.
#TUSTATS
https://www.instagram.com/jaytust
Nov 23, 2025 – MW Connection
Spit Take: QB Darius Curry Suspended By Colorado State
Following an odd sequence where a 90-yard catch-and-run TD by RB Javion Kinnard was called back to the Boise State 27-yard line for a ridiculous taunting penalty, the Rams had driven the ball back to the Broncos’ 5-yard line. On 1st and Goal, Curry dropped back and looked to get Kinnard his touchdown back. However, once DB Travis Anderson broke into pursuit of Kinnard, Curry realized that completing his throw would likely wind up with 6 being added to the Broncos’ already massive 27-point lead.
Curry tried to pull the throw back at the last moment, but it slipped out of his hand as he did, resulting in what looked like a clear fumble. Fellow DB Ty Benefield raced over to grab the loose ball, running with it before being tackled by Kinnard at the Broncos’ 28. The play was reviewed and overturned to an incomplete pass, but the actions of everybody while the play was live had still occurred, along with those that took place after the whistle.
While Benefield was still running with the ball, Curry attempted to run him down, being engaged by Boise State star LB Jayden Virgin-Morgan. Virgin-Morgan blocked Curry from the side by shoving him, which was perfectly legal.
Curry managed to stumble and stay on his feet, but he was not pleased. Taking exception to these actions, Curry proceeded to walk up and get in Virgin-Morgan’s face, spitting on him before walking back to his huddle. In an unsurprising turn of events, the much-maligned refs missed this and did not penalize or eject Curry, much to the chagrin of FOX play-by-play broadcaster Chris Myers, who called Curry’s spit-take “not cool.”
Nov 23, 2025 – SI.com
Star Boise State offensive lineman to enter 2026 NFL Draft
Danielson also said junior safety Ty Benefield may enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
“We don’t do senior night with guys that aren’t seniors, no different with Ashton (Jeanty),” Danielson said on Thursday. “We all knew at the end of (last) season that he was going to move on to the NFL. Same with Kage. He’s a redshirt junior, but he’s going to go be an NFL draft pick five months from now. He’s not going to go through our senior night stuff, but I’m writing him a letter and going through some of these things to enjoy this moment, because we know it’s his last time.
“Ty, there’s a really good shot that he declares (for the draft), too. We’re going to walk that path with him and his family here in a couple weeks, and we’ll see where that goes.”
Nov 26, 2025 – Off the Blue Podcast
Boise State safety Ty Benefield joins the show
On this episode of the Off the Blue Podcast presented by Select Health, Boise State safety Ty Benefield joins the show to discuss his family’s deep ties to football, growing up in Canada, the Broncos’ chase for a Mountain West title, and much more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcPwD7rW0hk
“Flying around as much as I can.”
“I grew up in Canada.”
Nov 28, 2025 – 247 Sports
Video: Spencer Danielson, Ty Benefield and Max Cutforth speak after their thrilling 25-24 victory over USU
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLljI5YDlOY
Nov 28, 2025 – Boise State Broncos YouTube
Ty Benefield Postgame Press Conference at Utah State
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_jxm4Cb4sY
Nov 29, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
Broncos survive in Logan: four takeaways from Boise State’s win and a breakdown of the metrics tiebreaker
A controversial targeting call against Boise State’s Max Steej nullified a Ty Benefield interception, allowing Utah State’s Miles Davis to score from 11 yards out, extending their lead to 21-10.
Dec 1, 2025 – Nevada Sports Net
Murray: My 2025 All-Mountain West football players of the year and all-league teams
Defensive back
First team: San Diego State’s Chris Johnson; Boise State’s Ty Benefield; UNLV’s Aamaris Brown; Nevada’s Murvin Kenion III
Dec 2, 2025 – SI.com
Four Boise State players receive first-team all-Mountain West recognition – Offensive linemen Kage Casey and Mason Randolph, cornerback A’Marion McCoy, safety Ty Benefield earn first-team honors
Junior safety Ty Benefield, junior offensive tackle Kage Casey, senior cornerback A’Marion McCoy and senior center Mason Randolph were all first-team selections by a panel of the conference’s 12 head coaches and select media members.
Benefield, a 2026 NFL Draft prospect, leads the Broncos with 92 total tackles (7.5 for loss). He is one of four players nationally with 90 or more tackles, seven or more tackles for loss, two or more interceptions and a forced fumble.
Dec 2, 2025 – Bronco Sports
Boise State Places Eight on All-Mountain West Teams
https://broncosports.com/news/2025/12/2/football-boise-state-places-eight-on-all-mountain-west-teams
Boise State placed eight football players on the 2025 All-Mountain West teams, the conference announced. Offensive linemen Kage Casey and Mason Randolph were named to the first team, as were safety Ty Benefield and corner A’Marion McCoy. Running back Dylan Riley, defensive lineman Braxton Fely, EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan and cornerback Jeremiah Earby were recognized on the second team. Offensive lineman Roger Carreon, punter Oscar Doyle and tight end Matt Lauter garnered honorable mention.
Benefield leads the Broncos in tackles (92) while ranking second in TFLs (7.5) and third in interceptions (2). He is one of four players in the nation with 90+ tackles, 7+ TFLs, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He has been Boise State’s leading tackler in nine games this year, including three games where he has posted 11 tackles. The unit ranks 11th in the country in passing defense, holding opponents to 167.1 yards per game. This is the first time the junior has been named to an All-MW team. Last season, he earned honorable mention.
Dec 2, 2025 – BVM Sports
Ty Benefield: All Over the Benefield
https://bvmsports.com/2025/12/02/ty-benefield-all-over-the-benefield
Ty Benefield is a standout junior safety for Boise State, leading the team with 92 tackles as they prepare for the Mountain West Championship. Possessing a unique skill set, Benefield excels at transitioning from secondary coverage to impactful plays in the backfield, cementing his status as a key player in a nationally ranked defense. His journey from a contact-averse youth quarterback in Canada to a dominant safety reflects not only physical growth but also a mental transformation, honing his approach to practice and game preparation. This season, Benefield stands out as one of only four players in Division I FBS to achieve significant defensive statistics in tackles and interceptions. His relentless pursuit of excellence is complemented by a strong work ethic and dedication to his teammates and the game.By the Numbers
- 92 tackles lead the Broncos, the most by a Boise State safety since 2021.
- Benefield is one of four Division I FBS players with 90+ tackles, 7+ tackles for loss, and 2+ interceptions this season.
State of Play
- Boise State finished the regular season tied for first in the Mountain West standings.
- The Broncos are set to host UNLV in the Mountain West Championship game, a rematch of last year’s final.
What’s Next
Benefield and the Broncos aim for a conference championship title, with a strong focus on utilizing their momentum from the regular season and continuing their dominance in the upcoming game. NFL scouts are showing increased interest in Benefield as he solidifies his future prospects.
Bottom Line
Ty Benefield’s evolution from a hesitant player to a defensive leader exemplifies the power of dedication and hard work. His commitment to excellence not only boosts his team’s prospects for success but also positions him as a noteworthy candidate for future NFL opportunities.
Dec 5, 2025 – Fox Sports
FULL-LENGTH REPLAY: MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP: UNLV AT BOISE ST.
https://www.foxsports.com/replay/fmc-j0nwomebz7ybhbrt
Dec 3, 2025 – Mountain West Confernce YouTube
Boise State safety Ty Benefield is a born leader for the Broncos. His relentless style of play pays homage to his father, who laid the building blocks of success.
The video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn1tNIjpaPE
Dec 3, 2025 – Bronco Sports B1 FEATURE
Ty Benefield: All Over the Benefield: Benefield’s practice habits have translated to an all-conference season
https://broncosports.com/news/2025/12/2/football-ty-benefield-all-over-the-benefield
Benefield’s football DNA runs through the Canadian Football League. His father, Daved, played 13 seasons in the CFL after starting at Glendale Community College and Cal State Northridge. The elder Benefield was a 28-year-old rookie when he got his shot in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1990s, but he quickly returned to the CFL. The Benefields settled in Vancouver, British Columbia, where Ty and his sister were raised by their mom and dad.
Benefield’s nickname of “Buck” was passed down to him from his father. The original “Buck,” the nickname Daved earned in college for being “wild and crazy” according to Ty, understood how difficult it would be for his son to play high-level football. Take the already slim chances of making the NFL as an American youth player, then add growing up in Canada, and the path is steep.
Dec 6, 2025 – The MW
CHAMPIONSHIP REAX: Ty Benefield Bronco safety
Ty Benefield reflects on Boise State’s title win, telling MWN’s Karlie Drew he had unwavering faith in his team. The Defensive MVP credits the Broncos’ resilience and trust in one another for pushing them through adversity.
Video: https://themw.com/news/2025/12/05/championship-reax-ty-benefield
Dec 6, 2025 – Bronco Sports
Broncos Claim Third Consecutive MW Crown
https://broncosports.com/news/2025/12/5/football-broncos-claim-third-consecutive-mw-crown
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.
Dec 6, 2025 – Boise State Football on X
DEFENSIVE MVP!!! TY BENEFIELD!!!
Dec 6, 2025 – Lufkin Daily News
Mountain West Championship Football – Steve Conner
Dec 6, 2025 – Idaho StatesmanPHOTOS: Boise State Mountain West Champions—again
Dec 6, 2025 – Steve Conner
Dec 6, 2025 – Post Game Conference
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjv9264VNW4
Dec 8, 2025 – MW Connection
Mountain West Connection Players of the Week: Championship Week
Defensive Player of the Week
Ty Benefield (Boise State)
There were a number of guys I could have gone with here. Boen Phelps and Max Stege both had great games. But Benefield was ultimately the difference maker when he started spying UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea in the second half. Benefield is the leader of this defense, and his eight tackles and fumble recovery were only a small part in the role he played Friday night. It was a great performance by Benefield and Boise State’s defense.
Dec 11, 2025 – 3 Down Nation
Five finalists for 2025 Jon Cornish Trophy unveiled
The five finalists have been unveiled for this year’s Jon Cornish Trophy, which is presented annually to the best Canadian player in NCAA football.
The six-foot-two, 205-pound Benefield, of Vancouver, posted 98 tackles (65 solo, 7.5 for loss) at Boise State. Benefield, whose father Daved played in the CFL, also had two interceptions and two fumble takeaways while earning First Team All-Mountain West honours and the defensive MVP in the conference championship game.
Dec 12, 2025 – Alex McComb
Dec 12, 2025 – Da Dawg Pound
Opponent Defensive Preview: Boise State Broncos, LA Bowl Edition
Overall, the Broncos’ defense leans heavily on team speed and creative disguises to generate plays. Up front, the defensive line doesn’t rely on an individual playmaker, but instead focuses on collectively soaking up blockers to allow LBs and DBs to rally to the ball. This is a classic G5 defensive strategy that Coach Pete Kwiatkowski implemented at Boise years ago and has deployed to great success at Washington and Texas. The DBs, particularly Ty Benefield (Boise’s leading tackler) and Jeremiah Earby (5th in tackles and T-1st in INTs), have flourished in this scheme.
Dec 12, 2025 – College Football Network
LA Bowl Preview: Boise State vs. Washington Prediction, Odds & Key Matchups
DB: Ty Benefield vs. Alex McLaughlin
On the defensive end, Boise State’s Ty Benefield has been a tackle machine and can cause some trouble for the Huskies offense. On the other side of the coin, however, Alex McLaughlin can do the same to the Broncos offense.
Dec 12, 2025 – Bronco Nation
Gameday – LA Bowl – Washington vs Boise
https://broncosports.com/gameday/football-vs-washington/football/835
Ty Benefield was named the game’s Defensive MVP following a standout performance against the Rebels. The junior safety tallied a team-high eight tackles, one TFL and a fumble recovery. On the season, Benefield has led the Broncos in tackling in 10 of the team’s 13 games this season, the most a Bronco has had since the FBS era.
Benefield Been Ballin’
Ty Benefield recorded a team-high eight tackles in the 2025 Mountain West Championship against UNLV. The safety is one of three players in the nation that has led team in tackling in 10 games on the season, joining Buffalo’s Red Murdock and Colorado State’s Owen Long. Benefield is the only Bronco to lead the team in tackling in 10+ games in Boise State’s FBS era. Benefield enters the LA Bowl with 100 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery this season. He is the first Boise State player and seventh Mountain West player to attain those numbers since at least 2005 and one of two FBS players to do so this year.
Dec 12, 2025 – Sofi Stadium.com
Boise State and University of Washington Play in the Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk
Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen returned to the starting lineup in the championship game after more than one month on the sidelines. He suffered a lower leg injury on Nov. 1 against Fresno State, but he was ready to go in the title game as he completed 17 of 31 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns and he ran 10-yards for another score.
Madsen has completed 169 of 286 passes for 2,283 yards and 18 touchdowns and he has relied on seven different targets in Latrell Caples, Matt Lauter, Chase Penry, Malik Sherrod, Chris Marshall, Matt Wagner and Ben Ford. Dylan Riley has rushed for 1,111 yards in 185 carries and 10 touchdowns and Sire Gaines has 795 yards and eight scores. Safety Ty Benefield and linebacker Marco Notaraini lead the defense.
Dec 14, 2025 – Canada Football Chat
Dec 17, 2025 – Northeast Now
Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond captures Jon Cornish Trophy
Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond captures Jon Cornish Trophy.
Ottawa’s Akheem Mesidor, a defensive lineman at Miami, was the award runner-up. Rounding out the finalists were Vancouver’s Ty Benefield (safety, Boise State), Edmonton’s Nuer Gatkuoth (defensive lineman, Wake Forest) and Rutgers safety Jett Elad, of Mississauga, Ont.
Dec 19, 2025 – Idaho Statesman
Boise State in transfer portal: What to know as retooling begins ‘holistically’
Boise State in transfer portal: What to know as retooling begins ‘holistically’Idaho Statesman Junior safety Ty Benefield also could try to make it in the NFL. Benefield filed paperwork with the league last week to receive a draft projection … |
Dec 19, 2025 – Draftwire – USA Today
2026 NFL draft: Underclassmen tracker
Safeties
Kamari Ramsey, USC
Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
Ty Benefield, Boise State
LInk: https://3downnation.com/2025/12/11/five-finalists-for-2025-jon-cornish-trophy-unveiled/
Dec 20, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State safety considering NFL Draft, return to college
All-Mountain West performer Ty Benefield led Broncos in total tackles
One of Boise State’s best defensive players has a decision to make.
Earlier this week, head coach Spencer Danielson confirmed that junior safety Ty Benefield has submitted paperwork to the NFL’s College Advisory Committee. The CAC provides draft grades and advice to aspiring NFL prospects.
The deadline to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft is Jan. 14.
“It’s not a question of if he would be drafted, it’s kind of a question of when,” Danielson said. “Him and his family are going to go through it, pray through it and we’re going to go through that process over the next few weeks. And I’ve told him that whatever is best for him and what he feels he wants to do in his heart, I will absolutely support him. There’s pros and cons to both ways, coming back to Boise State, declaring for the NFL.
“He’s a phenomenal, phenomenal young man. And he’s done an amazing job this season, an amazing job in his time here. We walked through a lot of information of what are some of those pros and cons. He’s going to take the next few weeks to decide what that (decision) is.”
A first-team all-Mountain West selection, Benefield started all 14 games as a junior and led the Broncos with 105 total tackles. He also notched three pass breakups, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery and was named Defensive Most Valuable Player of the Mountain West championship game.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Benefield also started every game last season as Boise State reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.
Benefield has one year of college eligibility remaining. If he decides to skip the 2026 NFL Draft, Benefield would be a hot commodity in the transfer portal market.
“Ty Benefield, who is one of the best football players in the country, has everybody probably trying to either get him to leave Boise State, (or) it’s NFL,” Danielson said. “I do believe that Ty and his family know through how he’s been able to develop here, how he’s been able to play, the amount of NFL attention he has right now … he knows he can accomplish all his dreams right here. If he decides to not go to the NFL, I believe that we would absolutely have a really good shot to keep him here because he knows the best thing for his long-term future is being here.”
Dec 31, 2025 – SI.com
Boise State football awards for 2025 season
https://www.si.com/college/boise-state/football/boise-state-football-awards-for-2025-season
Defensive player of the year: Ty Benefield, junior safety
Benefield was the undisputed leader of a Boise State defense that mostly performed at a high level over the final 11 games.
The NFL Draft prospect led the Broncos with 105 total tackles, nearly 30 more than the next closest player (Marco Notarainni finished with 77 tackles). Benefield also had two interceptions, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
One of the hardest hitters on the team, Benefield’s physicality was a trademark of the 2025 Boise State defense.
Boise State safety Ty Benefield. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
2025/2026 Season FINAL RESULTS
