“You have been called to this kingdom for such a time as this.” — Esther 4:13-14.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Amidst the solitude of the locker room at State Farm Stadium, Boise State coach Spencer Danielson found himself reflecting on the season’s end and the disheartening loss.

Yet, even in this moment, he couldn’t contain his passion for what his team represents.

There’s more at stake than merely proving their worth after a somewhat close defeat of 34-14 against Penn State in the College Football Playoff. This is about showcasing that their approach actually works — especially in a sport that seems to be losing its essence to financial motivations.

“We’re different,” Danielson remarked. “What we’re doing here is unique in college football.”

As he continues, inviting YSL News to observe his team’s blend of coaching, growth, accountability, and yes, affection, the changing landscape of college football becomes clearer.

He feels an urgency to speak out.

“You have coaches and programs who are now bound by financial incentives. They’re tied to the money,” Danielson stated. “They’ve altered their beliefs to achieve victories. They may not want to, but with everyone else doing it, what options do they have?”

Danielson, at just 36 and a head coach for barely over a year, feels a deep sense of purpose regarding his role with this program.

He insists that a clear plan is always accessible. Once you lay it all out plainly, there’s no room for alternative routes.

“Once you shift your core beliefs as a coach and person,” he added, “You can’t revert back. Doing so would require a complete overhaul.”

He believes someone needs to articulate the direction in which college football is moving.

The situation would have resonated even more had Boise State not stumbled in the fourth quarter after narrowing the gap to just three points. It could have been even more pronounced given that big-spending SEC teams like Alabama and South Carolina faced humiliating losses in bowl games while lamenting their absence from the CFP.

Despite this, it has been remarkable to witness the significant changes that occurred in the short span since Danielson took on the role of head coach. He led Boise State to win back-to-back Mountain West Conference titles for the first time ever and regained their standing in national discussions after a decade. Securing a Top 4 seed in the CFP and earning a first-round bye was no small feat.

Ashton Jeanty, the team’s standout tailback and Heisman Trophy runner-up, came close to breaking Barry Sanders’ legendary single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards, falling short by just 28 yards. Jeanty demonstrated his skills on a grand stage, rushing for 104 yards against a formidable No. 6 rush defense.

After the game, Penn State coach James Franklin stopped Jeanty on his way out, clasping his hand firmly.

“I admire how you play, my friend,” Franklin acknowledged. “I appreciate your character and how you conduct yourself. We need more individuals like you in our sport.”

This reflects the tangible outcomes of prioritizing emotional and physical investment over mere financial gain, illustrating a commitment to player growth both on and off the field.

It starkly contrasts with the prevailing model among Power conferences.

Importantly, Boise State isn’t shunning player compensation. The team managed to provide Jeanty with compensation through its collective — albeit only after he chose to forgo over a million-dollar offer from various Power conference programs.

He revealed to YSL News that he willingly left “a lot” of money behind because he felt a connection with Boise State, “and they were committed to my growth as a player and as a person.”

There’s a clear alignment in Boise State’s philosophy. Danielson, like most coaches, advocates for players to receive their rightful earnings, but he believes the inflow of money and the newfound freedom for players has broken down the age-old model of player development and mentorship.

The focus has shifted from earning to simply receiving. While some programs are thriving, many others are faltering as they stray from the core values that once defined them.

Today, we see players suing coaches and collectives over unmet promises, and collectives withholding payments from players who don’t perform or opt out of participation.

Nick Saban, hailed as the greatest coach in football history, departed Alabama last season due to his frustrations with the changing landscape. If he finds it overwhelming, what does that suggest for the rest of the sport?

Ultimately, how does this reflect on Boise State and the program Danielson has cultivated — to be in a tightly contested playoff game against a powerhouse like Penn State in the late stages of the third quarter and almost achieve the unimaginable?

Even after Penn State secured their victory, Boise State’s team lingered on the field for 20 minutes, running a lap in appreciation to their fans — a show of unity that’s hardly seen in other programs.

During the post-game press conference, star player Ahmed Hassanien’s story further highlighted what has been built against the backdrop of financial challenges. Leaving a difficult upbringing in Cairo, Egypt, he found his path to Boise State through a connection with Danielson from their previous college days.

At halftime, as Boise State trailed 17-7, he stood in the locker room passionately declaring, “This isn’t just a fairy tale. We deserve to be here. This will not be my final game at Boise State.”

As his tenure at Boise State came to a close, it was an emotional moment for Hassanien.

“Coach D,” he said, tears breaking his voice, “You changed my life. I want everyone to hear this. You changed my life. I love you.”

Emphasizing Culture

This story started in November 2023, when Boise State athletic director Jeremiah Dickey dismissed coach Andy Avalos and appointed Danielson as the interim head coach.

Danielson entered the team meeting room at Boise State, facing a hundred anxious players who hung on his every word. The Broncos had lost five games and had a slim chance of reaching the MWC championship game. It wouldn’t be surprising if both the coaches and players were concerned about their individual futures.

“He told us to give him two weeks. Just two weeks,” Jeanty recalled. “Mature adults finish what they start, and we’re uncertain where this journey might take us.”

Since then, the team has won 15 out of 18 games, with only a close defeat to Oregon in September, losses to Penn State and UCLA in a less significant bowl game, where Boise State fielded a quarterback with no prior college experience.

Now, almost 13 months later, this journey continues to flourish, even with the financial constraints that Group of Five schools face. The program remains in pursuit of growth and improvement.

Meanwhile, larger Power conference schools are reloading after failures in the CFP and bowl games, backed by wealthy NIL collectives and the pull of playing in significant television broadcasts on a weekly basis.

These teams are attracting new talent, adapting their strategies to blend various NIL arrangements and personalities that could either complement or hinder team success.

By the time the next season kicks off in the fall of 2025, compensated college football may be a reality. The NCAA has proposed a salary pool estimated at $20 million per team for those programs that can manage it.

For teams that can’t support this, there remains just one viable strategy, and it must be executed flawlessly.

“I firmly believe that culture leads the way,” Dickey stated. “As we continue to make our sport more formalized, I observe how other teams with substantial budgets may not always succeed. This brings me back to the importance of culture, and our culture embodies Spencer.”

Finding the Right Match

This is the reality for Group of Five teams, where budgeting for travel is tight, and the luxuries enjoyed by larger conferences are often unattainable, especially during critical conference matchups.

In mid-November in Laramie, Wyoming, it’s cold and damp, and the amenities are non-existent. Just a basic Holiday Inn lacking meeting space, with the team arriving late due to travel issues.

However, Boise State kept to its schedule.

The crucial Friday walkthrough—an essential moment to align and focus on the game plan—was held in the Holiday Inn parking area, with ice on the ground and, believe it or not, no lights.

“It doesn’t matter. Just put the ball down,” Boise State guard Ben Dooley said. “Put the ball down and let’s play.”

This program and its players are not accustomed to luxury or complacency. There’s a strong sense of teamwork over individual focus.

These players won’t appear among top recruits or star transfers. They fit perfectly into what Danielson seeks, and they are nurtured into standout college athletes, some even reaching NFL potential.

Consider players like Hassanien, who began playing football as a high school sophomore and sought an opportunity. Danielson, previously the defensive coordinator, signed him and helped him develop into a player who recorded 23 sacks over two seasons, likely making him a mid-round NFL Draft pick.

Then there’s nose guard Herbert Gums, who had offers from LSU, Arkansas, and Missouri as a running back after a stellar junior season but shifted to defensive line, where he excelled this season in the MWC and will likely join an NFL camp next summer.

Quarterback Maddux Madsen, named after MLB pitcher Greg Maddux, fits an interesting mold as well. Though officially listed at 5’10” and 203 pounds, those numbers are slightly off.

He might not possess the strongest arm or extraordinary athleticism (much like his namesake), and if he were to shave his slightly awkward mustache, he would resemble a young teen mowing lawns in the neighborhood. Yet, on the field, he’s a fierce competitor—a gritty player who pairs perfectly with Jeanty.

During a challenging game against Penn State, Madsen threw three interceptions, matching his entire season total. He was devastated in the locker room afterward, trying to hide behind a towel.

“We wouldn’t be here without you,” Jeanty reassured him. “We succeed and falter together.”

A Beacon on the Hill

An hour prior to kickoff, Danielson made a walk through the locker room, announcing he would be praying on the field and welcoming those who wanted to join him.

Some players participated, while others opted to remain in the locker room.

This option brings some controversy within the program, and Danielson is aware of it. He is a man of faith and would resign if he were ever prohibited from openly discussing his beliefs with willing players.

This past summer, Jeanty asked Danielson to officiate his baptism, and not long after, a group of players approached Danielson with the same request.

They made their way to the field access at Albertson’s Stadium, descending two flights of stairs, crossed the street, and entered into the Boise River.

“He and I frequently discuss this,” Dickey shared. “For a long time, I used to conceal who I was in this profession. I refuse to do that any longer, and I want him to feel the same. This isn’t forced, and he’s not shuttling players to church. I told Spencer I’ve concealed my true self for too long, and I won’t live in fear about something that’s profoundly important to me.”

They gathered on the field just moments after the loss to Penn State. With confetti fluttering down and the Lions celebrating their triumph, the hard work and dedication they had all put in was visible.

“You all represent so much more than just this moment,” Danielson remarked. “Don’t ever accept anything less. We’ve set a benchmark. We will shine bright like a beacon.”

After about an hour, the locker room began to empty as their journey came to a close. At least, for now.

The new season is just around the corner, with offseason training sessions starting in a few days.

“Dry those tears,” cornerback Jeremiah Earby spoke up. “It’s time to get back to work.”