Details of the Field Transformation (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Ashton Jeanty, the Las Vegas Raiders running back whose college stardom at Boise State propelled him to the NFL, will see his legacy etched into the very field where he dominated. The university plans to install permanent orange hash marks at the two- and 11-yard lines on both sides of the blue turf, nodding to Jeanty’s jersey number and that of Broncos legend Kellen Moore. This tribute arrives as part of a turf replacement this summer, coinciding with broader stadium upgrades ahead of Boise State’s entry into the Pac-12 conference.[1][2]
Details of the Field Transformation
Boise State Athletics revealed the enhancements during the seventh replacement of the signature blue turf at Albertsons Stadium, known as Lyle Smith Field. Workers will lay the new surface this summer, ensuring it stands ready for the Broncos’ 2026 home opener against Memphis on September 12. The orange markings specifically target the hash marks near the sidelines at the two-yard line for Jeanty and the 11-yard line for Moore, creating subtle yet enduring symbols visible to every player and fan.[1][3]
Additional updates include outlines shaped like the state of Idaho around the kickoff spots on the 35-yard lines in both end zones, reinforcing the program’s “front porch of Idaho” identity. The field will also feature a crisp white Pac-12 logo, marking Boise State’s transition from the Mountain West Conference. These changes form part of a $65 million renovation to the stadium’s north end zone, blending tradition with fresh ambitions.[2]
Jeanty’s Meteoric Rise from Blue Turf to Raiders Glory
Jeanty wore number two during his three seasons at Boise State from 2022 to 2024, rewriting the program’s record books as a running back. In 2024 alone, he rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, falling just 28 yards short of Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS record. His efforts helped the Broncos secure a 12-2 record, two straight Mountain West titles, and a historic No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff, including a Fiesta Bowl appearance.[2]
The accolades piled up: Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, two-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, and a runner-up finish in Heisman Trophy voting behind Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Selected sixth overall by the Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft – Boise State’s highest pick ever – Jeanty quickly made his mark in Las Vegas. Last season, he set a franchise rookie record with 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns, proving his blue turf magic translates to the pros.[2][3]
Kellen Moore’s Foundational Legacy
Kellen Moore donned number 11 as Boise State’s quarterback from 2007 to 2011, establishing himself as the winningest starter in college football history with a 50-3 record. He threw for 14,667 yards, 142 touchdowns, and just 28 interceptions, earning three conference Offensive Player of the Year honors and a spot as a 2010 Heisman finalist – the program’s first such achievement. Moore led the Broncos to a landmark 2010 Fiesta Bowl victory and opened his senior year with a win over Georgia.[1]
Today, Moore serves as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, building on a professional path that included a Super Bowl win as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025. His on-field mastery at Boise State shifted perceptions of what a mid-major program could accomplish, much like the trailblazing efforts of late coach Lyle Smith, whose name graces the field.[3]
A Tribute Rooted in Program Pride
Boise State Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey emphasized the deeper meaning behind the markings. “Similar to Lyle Smith, Ashton and Kellen didn’t just help us win a lot of games, they changed what was possible for Boise State football,” Dickey stated. “We wanted to create something epic to celebrate their impact. This is more than a tribute; it is a permanent reminder of the standard they set.”[1][2]
The timing aligns with the blue turf’s 40th anniversary this fall, since its debut in 1986. By embedding these honors into the field itself, Boise State connects its past triumphs to future aspirations in the Pac-12, where Jeanty’s Raiders journey adds a pro football bridge for fans.[1]
What This Means for Broncos and Raiders Faithful
For Raiders supporters in Las Vegas, the news strengthens ties to Jeanty’s Boise roots, where his explosive runs first captivated audiences. The permanent markings ensure every future game on the blue turf evokes his record-breaking campaigns and Moore’s precision passing. As the new surface gleams under the lights come September, it will stand as a testament to how two players elevated a program – and carried that spirit into the NFL.[4]
Raiders fans might catch glimpses during broadcasts or visits, a subtle reminder of the blue turf’s role in forging their star back. Meanwhile, Boise State enters a new era, its field forever marked by the players who redefined winning there.
