Four starters transferred; Boise State picked to finish sixth in Pac-12 preseason basketball poll after 20-12 season

Pac-12 poll places Boise sixth

Boise State finished sixth in the Pac-12 preseason media poll, setting expectations for its first year in the revived conference after a disappointing final Mountain West season. The Broncos wrapped up exhibition play Thursday by beating NAIA school Bismarck State College 104-37.

Gonzaga received all 17 first-place votes, with Utah State second. San Diego State ranked third, followed by Colorado State, Oregon State, Boise State, Texas State, Washington State and Fresno State.

Utah State has a new coach, Ben Jacobson, and returns Mason Falslev, the 2025-26 Mountain West Player of the Year. San Diego State missed the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since 2019.

Two transfers remain unavailable

Washington is seeking a fifth year of eligibility and faced a legal setback Thursday. Coach Leon Rice said his status remained uncertain, adding that the situation could make a major difference for the team.

Rice sees progress in exhibition

After Thursday’s game, Rice told local media that some new players had been nervous during the first two exhibitions. He said the team used the final game to stop pressing and work on half-court defense.

Rice also said playing in the arena on game day could help players settle in. Boise State begins the regular season next Wednesday against West Coast Baptist.