Leavitt recently returned to work after maternity leave following the birth of her second child in May. In confirming her decision, she explained that balancing motherhood with the demands of serving as White House press secretary had become difficult. Trump said he respected the decision and praised her work in the administration.

Leavitt, 28, became White House press secretary in January 2025 after serving as a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. She had also worked in his first administration and previously ran for Congress in New Hampshire.

Trump said Leavitt will remain involved as an outside adviser and continue to have a role in Republican politics. A replacement for the press secretary position has not yet been announced.

Mickey Tabbed to Thorpe Award Watch List

Fifth year is one of 35 defensive backs to earn national recognition

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State defensive back Jaden Mickey was tabbed to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced. The fifth year is one of 35 total players and three Pac-12 student-athletes to be featured on the watch list. The Thorpe Award is presented annually to the nation’s best defensive back.

Mickey appeared in 13 games in his first season with the Broncos, starting 11. He posted 38 tackles, including 32 solo. He tied for third on the team with seven TFLs, notching a solo sack. He added five pass breakups and forced two fumbles, recovering one. He was tabbed Preseason All-Pac-12 first team by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports and landed on the Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000. Mickey played his first three seasons at Notre Dame, totaling 23 tackles and returning an interception for a touchdown in 28 games played.

Fifteen semifinalists for the Thorpe Award will be announced on October 27, followed by the selection of three finalists on November 24. The 41st recipient of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, which airs live on ESPN on December 11. The winner will be recognized at a banquet in Oklahoma City on February 9, 2027.

Broncos on 2026 Watch Lists

QB Maddux Madsen (Maxwell Award, Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, East-West Bowl 1000, AFCA Good Hands Team Nominee)

RB Dylan Riley (Maxwell Award)

TE Matt Wagner (East-West Bowl 1000)

OL Roger Carreon (Outland Trophy, East-West Bowl 1000)

OL Daylon Metoyer (East-West Bowl 1000)

EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, East-West Bowl 1000)

DB Jaden Mickey (Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, East-West Bowl 1000)

DB JeRico Washington Jr. (East-West Bowl 1000)

HC Spencer Danielson (Dodd Trophy)

–BroncoSports.com–

Charles Transitions to Assistant Coach

BOISE, Idaho — Boise State men’s basketball head coach Leon Rice announced that Matt Charles will transition to the role of assistant coach.

Entering his fourth season with Boise State, Charles joined the program prior to the start of the 2023-24 campaign and has served as director of operations. In his adjusted role, Charles will continue to spearhead and oversee all day-to-day operations of the men’s basketball office while adding assistant coach responsibilities to his plate.

In his three seasons at Boise State, Charles has been part of three 20-win seasons and has played a significant role in the team’s success. Since Charles joined the staff, the Broncos have won exactly two thirds of their games, amassing a 68-34 (66.7%) record.

Taking on a more prominent coaching role last season, Charles was a key component in the team’s rebounding success. The Broncos finished third in defensive rebound efficiency, per KenPom, and ranked tied for 11th—and first in the Mountain West—in rebound margin.

Prior to Boise State, Charles spent six seasons at Oklahoma State from 2017-23. During his time in Stillwater, Charles performed various roles, including student manager (2017-20), head manager (2020-21) and graduate assistant (2021-23).

–BroncoSports.com–

BOISE, Idaho — Boise State men’s basketball head coach Leon Rice announced that Matt Charles will transition to the role of assistant coach.

Entering his fourth season with Boise State, Charles joined the program prior to the start of the 2023-24 campaign and has served as director of operations. In his adjusted role, Charles will continue to spearhead and oversee all day-to-day operations of the men’s basketball office while adding assistant coach responsibilities to his plate.

In his three seasons at Boise State, Charles has been part of three 20-win seasons and has played a significant role in the team’s success. Since Charles joined the staff, the Broncos have won exactly two thirds of their games, amassing a 68-34 (66.7%) record.

Taking on a more prominent coaching role last season, Charles was a key component in the team’s rebounding success. The Broncos finished third in defensive rebound efficiency, per KenPom, and ranked tied for 11th—and first in the Mountain West—in rebound margin.

Prior to Boise State, Charles spent six seasons at Oklahoma State from 2017-23. During his time in Stillwater, Charles performed various roles, including student manager (2017-20), head manager (2020-21) and graduate assistant (2021-23).

–BroncoSports.com–

At least two deaths were confirmed. In Indiana, the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office said a 4-year-old child was killed when a tree fell onto a home in Geneva Township. In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine said another person died in Roseville after flooding prevented emergency crews from reaching the individual.

Authorities in Portage, Indiana, were also investigating a deadly house explosion and fire that happened after the storms passed through the area. The cause had not been determined.

Officials continued to warn about dangerous flooding conditions even after the strongest storms moved away. Recovery efforts remained focused on restoring power, clearing debris and monitoring areas where rising water could create additional problems.

Revised Chair Back Policy at Albertsons Stadium to Ensure Consistent Fan Experience

Revised stadium policy now excludes oversized chair backs to maintain seat integrity of fellow fans

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics has adjusted its chair back policy for Boise State football games at Albertsons Stadium starting with the 2026 season, as all foldable seats and seat cushions brought to Bronco games shall be no wider than 18 inches, contain no metal frames or pockets, and must not be brought into the stadium within a cover or bag. Seat cushions without a frame or pocket as well as foldable cushions are allowed in Albertsons Stadium. Seat cushions that are large in size and could be manipulated to conceal items are prohibited.

Learn more about the revised policy here.

The change in the policy is to support faster entry times into the stadium, ensure a safe experience, and to be courteous to other fans at their respective seat locations. The adjusted policy also aligns with fan expectations for non-football events, such as concerts and special events, at Albertsons Stadium that have been in place for the last two years.

Boise State is offering fans the opportunity to purchase compliant seat options on a single-game or season-long basis through its chair back program. Season-long chair back rentals are available for $90 per seat.

Bronco fans can also purchase conforming seat cushions and foldable seats at retailers, including Boise State-branded ones at the Blue and Orange Store in Boise and Albertsons Stadium.

“Our priority is always to provide a consistent and enjoyable game day experience for every fan,” said Nathan Burk, Chief Operating Officer, Boise State Sports & Entertainment Group. “This update provides fans first and foremost with a more consistent experience. We have received a significant amount of feedback from those who are seated next to, behind, or in front of a ticket holder using a stadium seat and attached chair back that encroached onto their seat or chair backs that sat too far forward or too far back on the bleacher, and in some cases had the ability to recline. Ticket holders will also experience a more efficient security check point experience. In developing this policy we investigated best practices from stadiums around the country. Finally, the updated policy ensures aisles, seating areas, and emergency access points remain clear, all the while preserving seat integrity in consideration to fellow fans. Today, stadium seats vary in size and can impact the comfort of adjacent fans.  Fans who enjoy additional back support can still enhance their experience through our season-long and single-game chair back rental options, which are specifically designed to fit our seating areas safely and comfortably.”

Fans who bring non-conforming chair backs on game day will be directed to bag check locations outside of Albertsons Stadium where they can check their items free of charge.

• Entry 1
• Entry 2
• Entry 3
• Entry 4 – inside the Caven-Williams Sports Complex

Patrons will be issued a ticket and will leave their bag with security staff while they are in the stadium. Upon exiting the stadium, patrons will use that ticket to claim the item they checked prior to entry into Albertsons Stadium. All high priority unclaimed items will be turned over to the Department of Public Safety in accordance with Policy 12160. All other unclaimed items will go to the lost and found located in the ticket office and be available to claim on the next business day.

Visit Albertsons Stadium Fan Guide for more information.

-BroncoSports.com-

Virgin-Morgan Lands on Lombardi Award Watchlist

Fifth year EDGE is lone Pac-12 player featured on watchlist

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan was named to the Lombardi Award Preseason Watchlist, the Rotary Club of Houston and Lombardi Award Committee announced. The fifth year is one of 54 players on the watchlist and the only representative from the Pac-12. The award is presented annually to college football’s most outstanding lineman or linebacker who best epitomizes his values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field.

Virgin-Morgan enters the 2026 season with 120 career tackles, including 16 sacks and 31 TFLs. He has led the Broncos in sacks and TFLs the last two seasons, notching 10 sacks and 15.5 TFLs in 2024 and six sacks and 13 TFLs in 2025. He was tabbed All-Mountain West both years, securing first team honors in 2024 and second team honors in 2025. In 2024, his 10 sacks ranked second in the MW and 14th in the FBS. He finished that year third in the MW in TFLs, tying for 17th-nationally. He has also forced three fumbles and recovered four fumbles during his time as a Bronco.

The San Diego native has played in 45 games and started 34, leading all active Broncos in both categories. He was tabbed Preseason All-America fourth team and Preseason All-Pac-12 first team by Athlon Sports. He also secured Preseason All-Pac-12 honors from Phil Steele and was featured on the Pac-12 Preseason Impact List. He is featured on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List and was named to the Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000. The winner of the 53rd Lombardi Award will be recognized at a ceremony in Houston on December 9.

Broncos on 2026 Watch Lists

QB Maddux Madsen (Maxwell Award, Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, East-West Bowl 1000, AFCA Good Hands Team Nominee)

RB Dylan Riley (Maxwell Award)

TE Matt Wagner (East-West Bowl 1000)

OL Roger Carreon (Outland Trophy, East-West Bowl 1000)

OL Daylon Metoyer (East-West Bowl 1000)

EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, East-West Bowl 1000)

DB Jaden Mickey (East-West Bowl 1000)

DB JeRico Washington Jr. (East-West Bowl 1000)

HC Spencer Danielson (Dodd Trophy)

–BroncoSports.com–

Madsen Named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Quarterback nominated for college football’s premier award for community service

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen was named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the Wuerffel Foundation announced. He is one of 113 nominees for the award, which is presented annually to the player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.

Madsen is a student-athlete ambassador for BroncoBOLD, Boise State’s mental health initiative. Through the organization, he visited local elementary schools for Chalk the Walk events during National Suicide Prevention Week, promoting mental health awareness. He also helped with the Best of the BOLD Awards, which recognized the achievements of high school ambassadors. A native of Lehi, Utah, Madsen also organized a toy drive with Foster & Heart, which offers support for foster children in the Treasure Valley.

Madsen received his bachelor’s degree from Boise State in May, graduating with a list of academic accomplishments. He is a member of the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society and earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District twice. He is also a four-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete and three-time Academic All-MW selection.

The fifth year enters the 2026 campaign with 507 completions for 6,586 yards and 50 touchdowns, ranking eighth in program history in each category. He guided the Broncos to their third-straight conference title in 2025, earning MW Championship Offensive MVP honors after totaling 299 yards and four touchdowns. He is featured on the Maxwell Award Watch List and earned All-Pac-12 Preseason second team nods from Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.

Broncos on 2026 Watch Lists

QB Maddux Madsen (Maxwell Award, Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, East-West Bowl 1000, AFCA Good Hands Team Nominee)

RB Dylan Riley (Maxwell Award)

TE Matt Wagner (East-West Bowl 1000)

OL Roger Carreon (Outland Trophy, East-West Bowl 1000)

OL Daylon Metoyer (East-West Bowl 1000)

EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, East-West Bowl 1000)

DB Jaden Mickey (East-West Bowl 1000)

DB JeRico Washington Jr. (East-West Bowl 1000)

HC Spencer Danielson (Dodd Trophy)

–BroncoSports.com–

THREE BRONCOS NAMED TO PAC-12 PRESEASON IMPACT LIST

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State’s Ava de Leest, Madie Donovan and Sophie Schmautz were named to the Pac-12 Preseason Impact List, the conference announced Tuesday.

The Broncos were picked to finish third in the Pac-12 preseason poll, voted on by the league’s head coaches.

De Leest, a sophomore goalkeeper from Fullerton, Calif., also earned a spot on the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Watch List. As a freshman, she was named Mountain West Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Year and earned United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region Second Team honors.

Donovan, a sophomore midfielder, started 16 of 19 matches as a freshman and finished with three goals and one assist. Her three goals were the most by a Boise State freshman in 2025. She was named to the Mountain West All-Newcomer and All-Tournament teams.

Schmautz, a junior forward from Boise, Idaho, played in all 19 matches last season, making six starts. She finished with four goals and eight points, including the game-winning goal against Utah State in the regular season. The win was Boise State’s first over the Aggies since 2021.

Boise State opens the 2026 season Aug. 12 against CSUN at Boas Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MT. Single-match and season tickets are available at BroncoSports.com/tickets.

2026 Pac-12 Predicted Order of Finish (as voted on by the league’s head coaches)

RANKTEAM

2026 Pac-12 Preseason Impact List

POS.NAMEYEARTEAM

–BroncoSports.com–

Boise State Announces Expanded Partnership with First Federal Bank

Provides opportunity to amplify community engagement with naming rights of the new Foothills Club in North End Zone

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics announced an expanded partnership with First Federal Bank, whose support will help create one of the signature gathering spaces inside the new North End Zone at Albertsons Stadium. As part of the multi-year agreement, First Federal Bank is proud to become the naming rights partner of the First Federal Bank Foothills Club, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening community connections and enhancing the fan experience for generations to come. The First Federal Bank Foothills Club will officially debut during Boise State football’s home opener against Memphis on Sept. 12.

The partnership was secured through Bronco Sports Properties, Boise State’s locally-based Learfield team.

“Thank you First Federal Bank for believing in EPIC and supporting spaces and programs that unite Bronco Nation,” said Boise State Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey. “It takes a TEAM! First Federal Bank is helping us create a place where families, friends, alumni and fans from every corner of Idaho can come together, be on the Front Porch of Idaho, and cheer on the Broncos! What’s Next!”

The First Federal Bank Foothills Club is one of two premier hospitality destinations within the North End Zone expansion. Situated on the concourse level, the 5,700-square-foot indoor-outdoor venue combines premium amenities with a spacious and relaxed atmosphere, allowing fans to remain connected to the excitement on the field while enjoying an all-inclusive food menu and a condensed non-alcoholic beverage package. Alcoholic beverages and additional items will be available for purchase. The space also features a built-in bar that measures over 30 feet long, TV monitors, with an eight-foot wall graphic of the Broncos retro logo.

Positioned directly behind the Loge Boxes, Ledge and Club Seats, the club offers outstanding sightlines and quick access back to seating through industrial-style garage doors designed for efficient game day flow.

The space is designed to be more than a premium hospitality area. It serves as another extension of Boise State’s role as the “Front Porch of Idaho,” a welcoming destination where the community can gather to celebrate, connect and cheer together.

Whether families are creating new traditions, alumni are reconnecting with former classmates, or lifelong Bronco fans are sharing stories with new generations, the First Federal Bank Foothills Club provides an ideal setting to experience Boise State football while remaining immersed in one of college football’s most unique game-day environments.

“First Federal is proud to expand our partnership with Boise State and continue the alignment of our brands,” said First Federal Bank President and CEO Jason Meyerhoeffer. “As Idaho’s community bank of choice, First Fed teaming up with Boise State – one of Idaho’s iconic brands – is a tremendous fit. The new First Federal Bank Foothills Club will provide engagement, camaraderie, and excitement on game days and throughout the year. In many ways, the space echoes our bank culture and approach to community involvement – creating meaningful connections, investing in relationships, and making a difference.”

First Federal Bank’s presence within Bronco Nation will be further elevated as the presenting sponsor of the Blue Chaos Flag, raised on a new platform west of the First Federal Bank Foothills Club immediately following the coin toss. Since its introduction in 2022, the Blue Chaos Flag has become one of Albertsons Stadium’s most meaningful traditions, recognizing former student-athletes, distinguished alumni and community leaders who embody the spirit of Bronco Nation.

The partnership also includes presenting sponsorships of the Jeramiah Dickey Show out of Bronco Studios presented by Ford, the Broncos Mobile App, and the Broncos Sept. 19 football matchup against South Dakota, along with branding on the kick plates for the Boise State men’s and women’s basketball teams.

The expanded partnership reflects Boise State’s continued investment in creating championship-caliber facilities that not only elevate the fan experience but also provide year-round spaces for community events, celebrations and student-athlete engagement.

First Federal Bank has partnered with Boise State Athletics since 2023.

About First Federal Bank

First Federal Bank is Idaho’s only mutual bank with more than $1.4 billion in assets. It has served the Gem State for over 110 years and has 14 branches located throughout the Magic and Treasure Valleys. First Fed provides businesses and retail customers with local access to premier financial services and solutions including personal banking, business banking, lending, and wealth management. As Idaho’s community bank of choice, First Federal team members serve on numerous boards and committees of nonprofits and civic organizations as well as take part in a wide range of community improvement initiatives and philanthropic efforts. In addition, the First Federal Foundation has donated over $1.5 million to local causes since its inception in 2003.

About Bronco Sports Properties/Learfield

Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

-BroncoSports.com-

Reuters reported that President Donald Trump announced the policy on August 10 while speaking with reporters in the Oval Office. He said vaccines for hepatitis B, COVID-19 and influenza, among others, would no longer be recommended for all children under the administration’s revised approach.

The announcement marks a shift in federal guidance surrounding routine childhood immunizations. Vaccine recommendations can influence conversations between families and healthcare providers, as well as broader public health programs and vaccination schedules.

The change does not mean the affected vaccines are prohibited. Instead, the administration is narrowing which vaccinations it recommends universally for children. Individual vaccination decisions may still depend on factors such as age, medical history, exposure risks and guidance from healthcare professionals.

Further details about how the revised recommendations will be implemented across federal health agencies were not included in the announcement.