Boise State's Star Pass Rusher Ranked Among Nation's Best
ESPN's preseason top 100 list includes Boise State edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan at No. 61, making him one of only two Group of Six players recognized. The fifth-year senior has started all 14 games in each of the past two seasons and led the team in sacks and tackles for loss last year. Oregon, Boise State's season-opening opponent, had eight players on the list.
Virgin-Morgan's recognition places him among an elite group, as he is one of just two players from the newly expanded Group of Six conferences on the list. His consistent production over two full seasons as a starter has made him a cornerstone of the Broncos' defense, with his 13 tackles for loss last year demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses behind the line of scrimmage.
The ranking also provides a notable storyline heading into Boise State's season opener against Oregon. The Ducks, who boast eight selections on the same list, will present a significant early-season test for the Broncos' defensive star. This matchup pits one of the nation's most talented rosters against a player ESPN considers the top defensive disruptor outside the power conferences.
This ranking could elevate Boise State's national profile and aid in recruiting by showcasing that elite individual talent can thrive outside the Power Four conferences. The recognition may also influence preseason narratives, potentially shifting perceptions of the Broncos' competitiveness in their season opener against Oregon. For fans of the new Pac-12, it serves as a marker of the conference's ability to retain and develop high-caliber players, which could impact viewership and conference prestige as the 2026 season approaches.