Boise State Quarterback Maddux Madsen Injured in Milk Can Rivalry Win Over Fresno State

Boise State’s Milk Can rivalry game against Fresno State took an unsettling turn when starting quarterback Maddux Madsen was carted off the field with an apparent right leg injury. The injury occurred in the first half, halting momentum and briefly silencing the typically raucous Albertsons Stadium crowd. Trainers quickly surrounded Madsen, who appeared unable to put weight on his right leg before being helped to the sideline.

The moment raised immediate concern for a Broncos team that had already clinched bowl eligibility and was trying to keep its strong late-season push alive. Madsen, who has been one of the offensive leaders for Boise State this season, was later spotted on crutches with his right shoe removed, according to Idaho Statesman reporter Shaun Goodwin.

“Maddux Madsen is back on the Boise State sideline – he has no shoe on his right foot and he’s on crutches,” Goodwin posted on X, formerly Twitter. The update confirmed what many feared — the sophomore quarterback was unlikely to return.

While Boise State entered the matchup as a heavy 17.5-point favorite, the injury added a sense of unease to a game that was already tighter than expected. Fresno State led early, forcing the Broncos to regroup behind their backup quarterback.

1. Backup QB Max Cutforth Steps Into the Spotlight

With Madsen sidelined, sophomore quarterback Max Cutforth stepped in and shouldered the offense with composure beyond his experience. Cutforth, a former January 2023 commit who joined the program as a late addition, found himself thrust into one of the most high-pressure moments of his young career — leading Boise State’s offense in one of its most storied rivalry games. The Nampa, Idaho native wasted little time making his mark. Late in the second quarter, he connected with wide receiver Chase Penry on a precise throw to the back of the end zone, tying the game at 7-7 and reenergizing the home crowd. The touchdown capped a poised drive that showcased Cutforth’s calm demeanor and understanding of offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s system. Cutforth completed six of his nine pass attempts for 40 yards, managing the game efficiently while leaning on Boise State’s reliable running game. His performance, while brief, provided a glimpse of potential for a player who arrived at Boise State with limited recruiting buzz — his only other reported offer coming from Linfield College, according to 247Sports. More importantly, Cutforth’s steady play allowed the Broncos to stabilize after the emotional shock of losing their starter, keeping them competitive through the second half.

2. Boise State’s Resilience Amid Adversity

The Broncos’ response to adversity reflected the grit that has defined their season. Already battle-tested by an early loss to USF and a midseason setback against Notre Dame, Boise State showed once again that it can adapt under pressure. With bowl eligibility already secured, the team used the rivalry stage to demonstrate its depth and toughness — hallmarks of the program’s long-standing identity. Running back Ashton Jeanty, Boise State’s highest-rated draft prospect in recent years, carried much of the offensive load, keeping the offense balanced and allowing Cutforth to settle in. The Broncos’ defense also stiffened after the early deficit, limiting Fresno State’s scoring chances and feeding off the home crowd’s energy. Even as the team focused on finishing strong, Madsen’s injury remained a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college football. The quarterback has been instrumental to Boise State’s offense, and his status will be closely monitored as the regular season winds down. Head coach Spencer Danielson praised his team’s resilience afterward, emphasizing that the program’s culture was built to handle moments like this. “We talk about next-man-up mentality all the time,” he said. “Max stepped in, our guys rallied, and we stayed together.”

3. Looking Ahead With Uncertainty

While Boise State’s bowl eligibility is secure, the outlook for the remainder of the season hinges on Madsen’s health. The Broncos’ offense has thrived under his leadership, and any extended absence could force adjustments in both play-calling and personnel. Cutforth’s steady showing was encouraging, but replacing a proven starter this late in the season presents challenges for a team still aiming for a strong postseason finish. The Broncos will now turn their attention to evaluation and recovery, hoping Madsen’s injury proves less severe than initially feared. Regardless, the coaching staff has gained confidence in its young backup and the team’s ability to adapt under pressure. Boise State’s 2025 campaign has been a mix of setbacks and breakthroughs — from early losses to Notre Dame and USF to now dealing with injury adversity in rivalry play. Yet, the Broncos continue to display the hallmark toughness that has long defined their program. With bowl season on the horizon, how the team responds to this latest challenge may determine not only the outcome of the year, but also the foundation for seasons to come.