Report: Boise State's Spencer Danielson gets 5-year deal
The average annual value of $2.2 million reportedly doubles the salary Danielson earned in his first full season running the program in 2024.
Danielson, 36, guided the Broncos to a Mountain West Conference title and finished 12-2 following a 31-14 loss in the CFP to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. He was named the MWC Coach of the Year.
Danielson is 15-3 overall, including his tenure as Boise State's interim coach in late 2023 following the firing of Andy Avalos after a 5-5 start that season.
His new deal will start at $2 million per year and increase by $100,000 each year during the five-year term. The only Mountain West coach who earns more annually is UNLV's Dan Mullen at $3.5 million for 2025.
Danielson has been coaching at Boise State since 2017 when he arrived as a graduate assistant. He served as the defensive coordinator from 2021-23.
--Field Level Media
Field Level Media 2025 - All Rights Reserved
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Penn State Top 25 Players for 2025, RB Nick Singleton
In a year where parity came to the forefront in the college football landscape, Penn State made the most of its opportunity. In an expanded 12-team format, Penn State was able to sneak into the CFP as the third-best team in the Big Ten. With major improvements on both sides of the ball, they made major strides to achieve this goal. However, the path ahead in 2025 is going to be much trickier to navigate for this iteration of the Nittany Lions. After a disappointing CFP semifinal exit against Notre Dame, it was expected that a large portion of Penn State's core would depart the program. However, that was not the case, and several key players on both sides of the ball decided to run it back and have another go at winning a championship. For them, it means everything. Combined with the continuity of Andy Kotelnicki as the OC and the arrival of Jim Knowles to helm the defense, Penn State will be looking to finally get the championship monkey off their back. Nittany Lions Wire will be taking a deeper look at the top 25 players on the 2025 roster, in no specific order, going into the 2025 season. Today we will take a look at one of the starting running backs on the roster, Nicholas Singleton. 2024 in Review To say that Nicholas Singleton was a vital aspect of the Nittany Lions' offense is an understatement. Coming off of a sophomore season in which he earned all All-Big Ten third team nod, expectations for his growth were lofty. Plus, paired with Kaytron Allen in the backfield, it felt like destiny for these two players to have break through campaigns, especially Singleton. And break through he did. In a stellar junior season, Singleton had 172 carries for 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns, whilst adding 41 catches, 375 yards and 5 touchdowns receiving. To top it all off, he even returned kicks, with a long of 66 yards. His stats in the Big Ten also stood out, ranking first in all-purpose yardage with 1,805 and fourth in yards per carry, at 6.3. When you combine these stats with Allen's and consider that they were one of two duos to each have 1,00 rushing yards in the FBS, it is even more impressive. You can say that Singleton certainly got the job done in many respects. One of his best all around games in the season opener against West Virginia, where he went for 114 yards on just 13 carries. He added 56 return yards for a total of 183 all-purposes yards for a triumphant all-around performance for his squad. Penn State fans will be ecstatic if these kinds of performances continue from their lead back. Biggest Question for 2025 The biggest question for Nicholas Singleton is also for the whole team as well: Can his return, as well as Allar's and Allen's offensively, combined with their transfer portal additions, finally get them over the hump? Anything short of a championship in Happy Valley will be viewed as a disappointment. After all, returning for that singular purpose will hurt even more without a championship to remember. However, a more personal question pertaining to Singleton alone is how much of a role he will continue to have with new receivers to work into the offense for Allar. One thing that may have held Penn State back was their lack of offensive production from the wide receiver position. Thus, it wouldn't be ludicrous if throughout the season, as Hudson, Ross, and Pena get worked into the offense, that Singleton's role will get diminished. How he responds will be huge, because his presence alone can change any game he's in. If Singleton continues to be his usual self, a smaller role may not be a problem for him. Look for him to maybe be more effective as a pass-catching back in short-yardage situations while picking up crucial yardages as a physical back in short-yardage situations. 2025 will be a success if... Nicholas Singleton simply has to continue to complement Allen and Allar in the backfield in whatever role is required of him. Chances are at leas one of the receivers Penn State added in the portal will be effective, but that does not mean Singleton can take his foot off the gas. There are no easy wins in the Big Ten and Penn State will need all of their offensive weapons in sync to truly click on the field in tough games. They get Oregon at home in Week 4, but must travel to Ohio State smack dab in the middle of the season. Tough tests on the road against Iowa and UCLA also await, so even if Singleton is not the focal point of the offense, he can still be the difference in some of their more daunting games. The bottom line for Singleton is he can ill-afford to phone it in as he is one of the returning leaders for this squad. Whether it be on or off the field, Singleton will succeed if he continues to make his presence felt. Some new additions to the squad will almost certainly be able to feed off his energy should he maintain a championship mentality. His teammates should expect nothing less from him anyway. 2025 will be a disappointment if.. Somehow both Singleton and Allen regress, or in diminished roles, they cannot affect the game like we were accustomed to seeing them do in 2024. Should this happen, Penn State fans might be in for a long and frustrating campaign not unlike several others almost a decade ago. Most importantly, Singleton can't just do it against the cupcakes. He must prove he can consistently perform against the game's elite. Otherwise, his return to Happy Valley will just be for naught. You can bet your bottom dollar that Andy Kotelnicki will find ways for Singleton to continue to affect the game while also focusing on the passing attack. Maybe working him into short-yardage packages could see him wear down opposing defenses more, thus opening up new avenues for the passing game. Should this fail to happen however, then Singleton might be in for a huge regression that could negatively impact the Nittany Lions this year. Realistic Outlook for 2025 If all things go as planned, there should be no reason to believe there will be a significant fall-off from Nicholas Singleton this year. After all, the return of Allen gives the Nittany Lions the best RB tandem in the nation and if Allar continues to show his maturity can carry over, then the Penn State backfield is the least of this teams' worries. It is the lofty championship expectations placed on this team's shoulders that should give Penn State fans pause. While Singleton's return signals that he is all in for a championship, it will be unacceptable if his play falters and Penn State don't achieve it. The onus is well and truly on for the Nittany Lions, and especially a player of Singleton's caliber, to continue their ascent up the Big Ten pecking order. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State Top 25 Players for 2025, RB Nick Singleton
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
What to know about the Oregon Ducks in 2025
With Dan Lanning paving the way, Oregon is entering an era of NIL-fueled success, taking the program to new heights with strong recruiting and on-field performance. Lanning dove headfirst into the transfer portal and hit the recruiting trail hard to reload for 2024, replacing a slew of departed stars. Now, with more holes to fill from last season's roster, Lanning's banking on another group of newcomers to keep the Ducks flying high. Here's where Oregon stands as the 2025 season creeps closer. 2024 in review Lanning's third year in Eugene was special. The Ducks racked up 12 regular season wins - their best showing since 2010 - snagged a Big Ten title and punched a ticket to the College Football Playoff. They earned the No. 1 overall seed before coming up short in a rematch against Ohio State. Even with a brutal Big Ten slate, Lanning had Oregon looking like a national contender up until the end. Head coach profile Lanning's got a fiery edge, and he's built Oregon into a machine. In three years with the Ducks, he's 35-6, mixing a high-octane offense with a defense that hits like a freight train. His 'stay hungry' mantra has Eugene buzzing with dreams of a title, and he's got the financial backing from megabooster Phil Knight to get there. Before he traveled west, he was calling defenses at Georgia, helping them lock up national championships in 2021 and 2022. Top offensive players Offensive linemen Isaiah World and Emmanuel Pregnon, who transferred in from Nevada and USC, respectively, will anchor the left side of the offensive line and both have All-Big Ten potential. World is viewed as a first-round talent and has three seasons of starting experience, while Pregnon didn't allow a sack while starting all 13 games for the Trojans last season. Top defensive players Edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei returns for his junior season after recording 38 tackles and a whopping 10.5 sacks in 2024. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Uiagalelei is a physical freak with first-round draft potential. Additionally, transfer safety Dillon Thieneman arrives from Purdue after back-to-back 100-tackle seasons to start his college career. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 1 safety transfer of the cycle and he's another player with first-round potential. 2025 schedule Aug. 30 vs. Montana State Sept. 6 vs. Oklahoma State Sept. 13 at Northwestern Sept. 20 vs. Oregon State Sept. 27 at Penn State Oct. 11 vs. Indiana Oct. 18 at Rutgers Oct. 25 vs. Wisconsin Nov. 8 at Iowa Nov. 14 (Fri.) vs. Minnesota Nov. 22 vs. USC Nov. 29 at Washington Oregon's September trip to Penn State has game-of-the-year potential, pitting two projected top-five teams against each other in a prime-time White Out. The Ducks haven't played in Beaver Stadium since 1964 (the stadium has changed quite a bit since), and with Penn State's nasty defense going up against the Ducks' explosive offense, it'll make for a highly anticipated rematch of last year's conference title game, which both teams will be trying to return to this season. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Scouting the Oregon Ducks ahead of 2025
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
What to Know About the Ohio State Buckeyes for 2025
The Ohio State Buckeyes finally made it over the hump in the Ryan Day era. It was much more bumpy of a ride than they expected, but they got it done after the expanded 12-team CFP gave them new life. Heading into 2025, there are several new faces on both sides of the ball, but ever loftier expectations after a seemingly bizarre regular season but a stellar postseason. Questions still remain for the team and Ryan Day: can he finally beat Michigan on his fifth try? Can Julian Sayin pick up where Will Howard left off as a full-time starter? Will new defensive stars emerge? All those questions were rendered moot with that championship victory, but may rear their ugly head again should they go unanswered this fall. Here is a look in on how the Buckeyes are shaping up for a pivotal 2025 season. 2024 in Review As expected, the Buckeyes were a juggernaut in both non-conference and Big Ten play. However, their road to the College Football Playoff wasn't all sunshine and lollipops. Two seemingly inexplicable losses, one to Oregon where Will Howard completely lost control of the clock, and the most bizarre of all, to that Team Up North in one of their worst seasons in recent memory. In fact, it was so embarrassing not just because of who it was, but because of who they were missing. Both Will Johnson and Mason Graham were limited in this game, and yet they could only muster 10 measly points, while Michigan's putrid offense did just enough to squeeze by. Nevertheless, a 10-2 Ohio State was certainly good enough for a CFP bid, and given a second life, they seized their opportunity. With wins over Tennessee, a resounding revenge game against Oregon, and a tense affair against Texas, Ohio State emerged from the weirdness of the regular season as champions, vanquishing a pesky Notre Dame squad and thus perhaps completing the hardest path of any team in the first-ever 12-team CFP. 2025 will look mightily different, however. There is still no margin for error, as they have only completed one of their goals: winning a title. Losing to Michigan for a fifth time in the Ryan Day era will be inexcusable, though, and could see this team have a whole new look to it come 2026. Head Coach Profile It's safe to say that Ryan Day has a more positive light shining on him after a championship victory. The question must be asked even so: how much of that came from the redemption a 12-team CFP gave him and his squad? After all, while a 70-10 overall record as the Buckeyes' adds some gloss to his resume as the best among active head coaches, four of those losses now are to That Team Up North. Imagine the uproar in Columbus if a fifth defeat occurs. Therefore, Day's continued ascension among active head coaches will not necessarily be easy. It's not his fault that one game as Ohio State's head coach takes precedence over other head coaches and their rivalries. It just means more for the Buckeyes when this consistent losing starts to become inexplicable and inexcusable. Day's got the chip under his belt. A win over Michigan would do him a world of good. A loss and despite his championship pedigree, we could see a new face helming the Buckeyes in 2025. It's that serious for Ryan Day. Top Offensive Player I'm sure you don't need me to tell you who this player is. The resume in just one season in Columbus should tell you all enough. As soon as he stepped foot in the Shoe, Jeremiah Smith became yet another electrifying receiver in the annals of Ohio State history. Forget about the records. The way he achieved them was bedazzling and spectacular. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Cris Carter's freshman records aren't the only ones he will be breaking in his Ohio State career. And with two years of eligibility left, those records could certainly fall sooner rather than later. The only concern anyone could have for Smith is if his rapport with Julian Sayin is wholly different than the one he established with the experience of Will Howard. Sayin is undeniably talented, but he could have a contrasting agenda entirely from what Will Howard bought to the table. In a season where Ohio State can start to rely on more weapons, look for Sayin to incorporate as many components of the offense as possible. While it certainly doesn't seem as if that would be to Smith's detriment, it is the only way I can see his meteoric rise as the best receiver in teh country being slowed. Top Defensive Player Ohio State fans must be super happy that Caleb Downs transferred in. He has been an absolute revelation on the back end for the Buckeyes and much like Smith, he is not going anywhere. The unanimous All-American can do it all, most famously returning a punt 79 yards last year in a victory over then No. 15 Indiana. It's his big plays on the biggest stages that separate Downs from his teammates. A season-high in tackles against the Ducks in the regular season and against Notre Dame in the championship game. A pivotal interception against Texas in the semifinal. No other player on the Buckeyes defense meant more than it mattered than Downs. Now the question is can he be a leader for the new faces in this defense. New starters will abound galore and it will be a player like Downs who has to make sure they adjust not only well, but to championship standards. Anything less, and this group can underwhelm. From the jump, Downs must be locked in not just for himself but for the sake of the squad. His play must elevate those around him and he certainly has the traits to do it. 2025 Schedule Preview The schedulers weren't kind in the slightest when they were looking at Ohio State. If the Buckeyes go undefeated this season, it will almost certainly be earned through grit and perseverance. The first team to roll into Columbus will be a red hot Longhorns squad that will be wanting sweet revenge after the events of last year and will be riding the hype of Arch Manning. Ryan Day will have to have this green players ready for battle immediately or else Ohio State could stumble right out of the gate. Aug. 30 – vs. Texas Sept. 6 – vs. Grambling State Sept. 13 – vs. Ohio Sept. 27 – @ Washington Oct. 4 – vs. Minnesota Oct. 11 – @ Illinois Oct. 18 – @ Wisconsin Nov. 1 – vs. Penn State Nov. 8 – @ Purdue Nov. 15 – vs. UCLA Nov. 22 – vs. Rutgers Nov. 29 – @ Michigan Nonetheless, that non-conference showdown is nothing compared to the Big Ten gauntlet they face. Illinois is no slouch in Week 6 and has the experience to stun the Buckeyes at home. The game that everyone could be circling however, is their Week 8 matchup at home against Penn State. James Franklin, Drew Allar and Co, will be looking for their marquee win to prove that they are the undisputed kings of the Big Ten. The Buckeyes will be looking to prove otherwise, but they may not have the benefit of experience and depth on their side this time around. Home field advantage may be all that the Buckeyes can lean on in this encounter. And of course, leave it to the schedule to have The Game at the end of the season loom over their heads all year long. Overall, while it will be tough, should the Buckeyes emerge undefeated somehow, they would certainly make the case for best overall resume. However, nothing is given to you in this sport, and new faces in the squad have to willing to take it. Anything short of the three goals laid forth for any Buckeyes team: a win over Michigan, a Big Ten title, and a championship: and the thoughts of 2024 will soon fade as quickly as Ryan Day's job will. The Buckeyes and their fans want it no other way. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: What to Know About the Ohio State Buckeyes for 2025
