Prater & The Ballgame

Boise State basketball coach Leon Rice joins the show in the KTIK Lithia Ford of Boise Studio to talk about six new players - and what makes them "dogs," Rice on changes to his coaching staff and what one opportunity means for former player/son Max Rice, Bob (Bronco Focus) continues his post-spring tour of new Pac-12 football members (Fresno State), former Boise State kicker Jonah Dalmas lands starting gig in the UFL (debut with Columbus Aviators at 11 a.m. Sunday on Fox), pros/cons of more international games in the NFL

Leon Rice, who joins the show in the KTIK Lithia Ford of Boise Studio, had six roster spots to fill this offseason - and he was searching for players with a "dog'' mentality. Who are the six players he found? What does he love about each one of them? And what's the latest on former player/son Max Rice joining the Broncos' coaching staff?

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to recap Fresno State's football program and the progress the Bulldogs made in their spring camp under coach Matt Entz. Bob's tops storylines: Fresno State is looking for an improved defense - and a new quarterback.

Boise State AD Jeramiah Dickey, in the KTIK Lithia Ford of Boise Studio, talks about a unique sports year, job offers and being a national voice for the Broncos' athletic department, Boise State football coach Spencer Danielson told KTIK that his roster has one final opening - what position makes the most sense, Bob (Bronco Focus) continues his tour of new Pac-12 football programs by looking into Oregon State, will LeBron James play a 24th season in the NBA

Jeramiah Dickey, who joins Prater and Mallory in the Lithia Ford of Boise Studio for his monthly appearance on KTIK, talks about the past athletic season - what made it unique, how he processes job offers (Kentucky?), the Pac-12 football schedule, jersey patches (local or national?) and other business he's paying attention to this summer.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to recap Oregon State's football program and the progress the Beavers made in their spring camp under new coach JaMarcus Shephard. Bob's No. 1 storyline: How can a new coach change a downward trend that's impacting the success of the program (on and off the field).

Boise State football coach Spencer Danielson shares his thoughts on the roster - and his offseason priorities, NFL camp updates on Kage Casey, Zion Washington and Taylen Green, Bob continues his post-spring football tour of new Pac-12 teams (Colorado State), Weekend Winners & Losers

Boise State football coach Spencer Danielson joins Prater and Mallory for a post-spring camp conversation. How does he feel about his roster going into summer conditioning? What are the next offseason priorities? What is the message to his players, including quarterback Maddux Madsen? How often is he starting to think about the Oregon "Scary'' Ducks?

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to recap Colorado State's football program and the progress the Rams made in their spring camp under new coach Jim Mora. Bob's No. 1 storyline: The impact Mora is having on the program.

Former Boise State offensive lineman Kage Casey hits NFL field for the first time as the Denver Broncos host rookie mini-camp, Casey is assigned No. 78 - same number Ryan Clady wore in Denver, seven other former Broncos in NFL camps this weekend, Boise State basketball signs guard from Illinois - B.J. (BNN Report) breaks down the roster, top Boise State athletes who are graduating this weekend, does the NFL need a draft lottery, Bob shares travel tips in his season debut of Baseball with Bob, Friday Five - our week in review, with a twist

Former Boise State/current Buffalo Bills WR Khalil Shakir on coming back to Boise - and how you can get involved, Shakir on being a #GirlDad and his passion for dogs, former Boise State basketball player/assistant coach Lexus Williams on why he's leaving for Minnesota, Boise State basketball agrees to play Nebraska in South Dakota, what international destination would fans enjoy for a Boise State football game, Bob (Bronco Focus) shares a list of Boise State athletes still competing this season, best gift for Mom (perfume?)

Former Boise State WR Khalil Shakir, now a top receiver with the Buffalo Bills, joins Prater and Ballgame to talk about 2026 ShakirFest (kids camp June 5 at Bishop Kelly HS, golf tournament at Timberstone on June 6), becoming a father, why he has a deep passion for dogs, his relationship with QB Josh Allen and the future of the Bills (has their Super Bowl window closed?)

Former Boise State basketball player and assistant coach Lexus Williams joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about his new job - assistant coach at Minnesota of the Big Ten. Why is Williams leaving Boise State? What attracted him to Minnesota? What kind of Boise State memories does he leave behind? PHOTO courtesy of Boise State Athletics

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share a list of Broncos still this competing this season. The list includes one top player on the women's golf team and six members from the track and field team.

How one person spent $25,000 to decorate their home with Boise State's blue turf - and the auction-company CEO (CollectU, CollectBSU.com) who is helping the athletic department sell more of the turf that will be replaced this summer, what kind of blue turf momentos do you have, Kellen invites three former Boise State players to Saints rookie mini camp, Bob (Bronco Focus) talks to the voice of LSU football about Ty Benefield, Boise State marketing AD on changes to ExtraMile Arena this offseason, Boise State basketball add another player, newest Kentucky Derby winners bails on Preakness - how will this trend impact the future of Triple Crown racing 

Mike Murtagh, the Broncos' new AD for marketing and fan experience, joins Prater and Mallory in the KTIK Lithia Ford of Boise Studio to share ExtraMile Arena changes happening for the 2026-27 basketball season. There are changes to the student section, a new Section 12 fan area and the controversial reseating of season ticket holders.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share his interview with Chris Blair. He attended many of LSU's spring practices and said this about the former Boise State defensive back: "His name came up constantly in a positive way,'' Blair said. 

Jay Sharman is CEO/founder of CollectU - a national company that helps college athletic departments turn renovation projects into revenue. Sharman joins the show to talk about his work with Boise State and its blue turf, which is being replaced this summer. Want to buy a chunk of the old one? There are plenty of options at CollectBSU.com ... and what's the story behind the $25,000 auction purchase that happened this week?

Former Boise State basketball standout Drew Fielder joins the show to talk about his journey to Alabama basketball - it's all about getting to the NBA, Bob continues his series of new Pac-12 football teams and spring camps (San Diego with a better offense?), the highs and lows of Boise State basketball in the now-complete Mountain West era, Idaho football coach Thomas Ford on the Vandals' spring camp

Former Boise State basketball standout Drew Fielder joins Prater and Mallory to talk about his offseason - going from the Mountain West to the SEC. What was the process like behind the scenes? How close did he come to staying in his hometown of Boise? What will he miss about Boise ... and what attracted the big man to Alabama?

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to recap San Diego State's football program and the progress the Aztecs made in their spring camp under coach Sean Lewis. Bob's No. 1 storyline: San Diego State lost 10 of 11 starters on defense - and should be much improved on offense.

Mountain West era officially over in Boise - what are the highs/lows of Boise State football during the MW era (2011-2026), how did former Broncos fare in the NFL's weekend of rookie mini camps, Bob recaps Washington State's spring football season in Bronco Focus, what's one series you're watching in the NBA and NHL playoffs, do you still listen to sports on the radio, Weekend Winners & Losers

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to recap Washington State's football program and the progress the Cougars' made in their first spring camp under new coach Kirby Moore. Bob's No. 1 storyline: Washington State returns a ton of skills players for the 2027 season. 

Live from Huber Field at Dona Larsen Park for our fifth annual Boise State softball show (games Friday and Saturday are the final Mountain West events in Boise ever), B.J. (BNN Report) helps to break down the Boise State football roster after spring camp, updates on six former Broncos in NFL rookie mini camps, Oregon Ducks could be the best team Boise State has ever played (up to 12 NFL Draft picks?), how do you watch the Kentucky Derby, Friday Five - our week in review, with a twist

The NFL offseason continues this weekend with rookie mini camps for eight teams - and there are at least 10 players with Idaho connections who could make their debuts on a NFL field, the list includes six former Boise State players, two from Idaho and two from Idaho State (including a wide receiver from Centennial High in Boise), Kentucky insider on the latest between Jeramiah Dickey and the Wildcats' vacant AD job, Bob profiles Boise State softball in Bronco Focus, longtime national horse racing reporter Dick Jerardi on this weekend's Kentucky Derby

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share the story of softball pitcher Shannon Keighran, a sophomore from Sonoma, Calif. Boise State is hosting San Jose State this week - Idaho Sports Talk with Prater & The Ballgame will broadcast from Friday's game. Both the game and the broadcast begin at 3 p.m.

Boise State unveils design of new blue turf to be installed this summer - with orange sideline yard-markers on the 11 and 2 to honor football icons Kellen Moore and Ashton Jeanty, the design is cool and the idea is unique but is it enough (what else can be done to honor both players?), what Kellen Moore is saying about the Saints' No. 1 draft pick, former Boise State TE Matt Lauter joins the show to talk about going to Raiders' rookie mini camp Friday, getting to know N Roman TIllmon and FS Travis Anderson - Boise State defenders who seemed to win starting jobs in spring camp (Bronco Focus), Boise State basketball loses assistant coach and lands new player, AC Boise soccer standout Blake Bodily on the first month of the season, do Boise sports teams have a loyalty problem, could the Blazers move to Seattle 

Matt Lauter, who has been training in Florida but flies to Las Vegas on Thursday, joins Prater and Ballgame for a conversation about rookie mini camp. The undrafted free agent has a three-year UDFA contract with the Raiders. and will be on the field Friday (along with Fernando Mendoza) as the NFL team gathers its rookies for three days of camp. 

True freshman wide receiver Rasean Jones is a new star on the Boise State football roster - his father JeBron joins the show to talk about his 18-year-old son and his future with the Broncos, Bronco Focus - who are the two new starters on the offense now that spring camp is over (Wednesday: two new starters on the defense), Steelheads extend their ECHL hockey series with a must-win victory, did coach Kellen Moore and the Saints get better through the the NFL Draft weekend

JeBron Jones, a long-time coach in Oregon and now Idaho, joins the show to talk about his son - Boise State true freshman wide receiver Rasean Jones. Rasean, 18, was the talk of spring camp and should be in a heavy rotation at WR this fall. What's his story, according to dad? What makes him so skilled? What makes him "humble and hungry?''

Boise State football completes spring camp with its annual Spring Game on Saturday - how do the Broncos look going into summer conditioning and what were Bob's top four observations from the game (Bronco Focus), OL Kage Casey leads a group of former Boise State players headed to the NFL (statewide roundup all of draft news), Steelheads are down 0-3 in their opening ECHL playoff series - can they get their mojo back with home games Monday and Tuesday (if necessary), longtime Boise-based media/communications director Mark Snider on Dirk Kempthorne - the sports fan, our Weekend Winners & Losers

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share four top observations from the Broncos' annual Spring Game on Saturday at Albertsons Stadium. Top storyline: Bob is "impressed'' with the wide receiver room. He also touches on QB, OL and DB.

Dirk Kempthorne was a Boise mayor, U.S. Senator, Idaho governor, a former Secretary of Interior - and a sports fan. He came up with the Governor's Trophy (Boise State-Idaho football rivalry), helped paved the way for a sports arena/professional sports in Downtown Boise, and loved to associate with some of the state's top athletic names (Jerry Kramer, Gary Stevens and former Olympians). Mark Snider, a Boise-based press secretary and communications director who worked with Kempthorne for several years, joins the show to share sports stories of Kempthorne's past. 

Live from the Boise Off-Road & Outdoor Expo at Expo Idaho ... Boise State football closes out its month-long spring camp with annual Spring Game on Saturday at Albertsons Stadium - previews from Bob (Bronco Focus) and B.J. (BNN Report), Kentucky radio host (ESPN Sports Lexington) on Jeramiah Dickey and his link to the Wildcats' AD job search, recap of the NFL Draft first-round and our party/contest at Burger N' Brew, how is former Boise State LT Kage Casey handling draft weekend, do the Raiders need to draft another running back, Friday Five - our week in review, with a twist

Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey has been linked to the AD vacancy at Kentucky, according to media reports. Alan Cutler of ESPN Sports Lexington joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about what's happening, what are the expectations for a new AD in Kentucky, and the timing of a new hire. Dickey has not made any public comments. 

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share what he expects from Saturday's Spring Game (1:30 p.m.). Players have been divided into Blue and Orange teams and Bob expects (for the most part) to see real game action and live tackling as the Broncos close out spring camp.

LIVE FROM OUR KTIK 2026 NFL DRAFT PARTY & CONTEST AT BURGER N' BREW ... How will the NFL Draft impact four former Boise State players already in the league - Khalil Shakir, George Holani, Ahmed Hassanein and JL Skinner, tight end Kenyon Sadiq (Skyline HS, Idaho Falls) is the eighth Idaho high school graduate to land in the first round of the NFL Draft (who are the other seven?), Bob talks about past Boise State draft picks and their NFL value in Bronco Focus, Oregon football reporter Ryan Clarke (Oregonian, OregonLive.com) on the Ducks' spring camp and Saturday's spring game (next live action against Boise State on Sept. 5 in Eugene)

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny at our NFL Draft Party & Contest at Burger N' Brew. Bob reviews first-round/other top picks from Boise State - and shares the players who provided the best value in their NFL careers. 

KTIK NFL DRAFT PARTY IS THURSDAY AT BURGER N' BREW ON STATE STREET - A $1,000 PRIZE PACKAGE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER ... Former Boise State and NFL head coach Dirk Koetter on future NFL quarterback Taylen Green - what's the best fit and where's he going in this week's NFL Draft, Boise State starting CB Jaden Mickey sits down for a one-on-one interview with Prater and Mallory, idaho State football coach Cody Hawkins on the growth (and excitement) surrounding his program this spring, our NFL Draft position series focuses on safeties, Bob previews the only home track and field meet of this season in Bronco Focus (Ed Jacoby Twilight on Friday at Dona Larsen Park)

Dirk Koetter was Taylen Green's offensive coordinator during Boise State's 2022 season - and the Broncos were 8-2 with those two in charge of the offense. Green eventually transferred to Arkansas and this week will be selected in the NFL Draft. What are Koetter's thoughts on Green's professional future? Where will Green go - and what's the best fit?

Idaho State football coach Cody Hawkins, now in his fourth season in Pocatello, joins Prater and Ballgame for a conversation about spring camp progress, the stars of his Big Sky program, new players on an evolving roster - and a new vibe after finishing last season on a four-game winning streak.

Senior cornerback Jaden Mickey, a Notre Dame graduate transfer, joins Prater and Mallory for a wide-ranging, one-on-one conversation in the Boise State team room. Mickey started at nickel last year, and appears to be changing positions. One thing is clear: He's smart, he's motivated/driven and he's a defensive leader looking for a monster season in 2026. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOISE STATE ATHLETICS

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share details of the Ed Jacoby Twilight track and field meet. The meet is Friday at Dona Larsen Park (field events start at noon and prime-time track events start at 5:35 p.m.). Tickets cost $5 and there is free parking at Albertson's Stadium with a free shuttle to the park.

KTIK NFL DRAFT PARTY IS APRIL 23 AT BURGER N' BREW ON STATE STREET - A $1,000 PRIZE PACKAGE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER ... Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey in the KTIK Lithia Ford of Boise State Studio to talk about the timing behind an extended contract for football coach Spencer Danielson, what's going on behind the scenes with Leon Rice's basketball program and what he wants in a new campus president, hear from Danielson and his spring camp/Spring Game press conference, Bob talks spring camp progress in Bronco Focus, our NFL Draft series focuses on defensive linemen

Boise State AD Jeramiah Dickey joins Prater and Ballgame in the Lithia Ford of Boise Studio for his monthly segment on KTIK. Dickey explains the timing behind an extended contract for football coach Spencer Danielson, what's next for the new Pac-12 (new logo and new branding?), what's going on behind the scenes with men's basketball ... and is he making a visit to the White House?

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share details of his spring camp interview with football coach Spencer Danielson. He said the more intense practices, and the live tackling, have paid off and should improve results during the regular season. 

KTIK NFL DRAFT PARTY IS APRIL 23 AT BURGER N' BREW ON STATE STREET - A $1,000 PRIZE PACKAGE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER ... Boise State football coach Spencer Danielson lands contract extension through 2030 season - was it necessary and why, Boise State hosts annual Spring Game on Saturday - Bob IDs six players he'll be watching in Bronco Focus, NFL Draft series focuses on EDGE position, some former Boise State players back on the NFL practice fields (we talk about top storylines), Steelheads have home playoff games scheduled for Sunday-Monday-Tuesday, AC Boise picks up first home win, Weekend Winners & Losers

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to talk about six players he can't wait to watch Saturday afternoon in Albertsons Stadium: WR Rasean Jones, RB Harry Stewart, OL Tyler Ethridge, LB Logan Brantley, DB JeRico Washington Jr. and DB Travis Anderson. The Spring Game starts at 1:30.

KTIK NFL DRAFT PARTY IS APRIL 23 AT BURGER N' BREW ON STATE STREET - A $1,000 PRIZE PACKAGE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER ... Johnny and Greg take a look at the top tight ends in this year's NFL Draft highlighted by an Idaho Falls native. Bob looks back on what might have happened if Taylen Green stayed at Boise State in Bronco Focus - Does BSU still make the CFP in 2024? There are some good upcoming playoff road trips from Boise if you're a pro sports fan in the area. BJ Rains checks in with the BNN Report as he fills everyone in on where things stand with the  BSU men's basketball roster. Greg and Johnny discuss the new normal with Boise State's relationship with the NFL Draft and recap the week with another Friday Five.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Johnny and Greg to look back and ponder if BSU would have made the CFP with Taylen Green at quarterback in 2024. Taylen Green's dual-threat ability is going to get him drafted into the NFL in one week. Would Green's penchant for running the football himself have taken away from the monster season Ashton Jeanty had?