Former No. 1 prospect Nelson commits to Boise State

Boise State made a splash on Saturday by landing quarterback Malachi Nelson, the highest-rated recruit in school history.

The No. 1 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, Nelson originally entered the transfer portal on Dec. 17 after spending his freshman season at USC. The five-start pocket-passer attempted only three passes this campaign.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Nelson, who has four years of eligibility remaining, received interest from several schools but had his first official visit at Boise State on Jan. 4.

Landing Nelson is a huge get for head coach Spencer Danielson. As an interim coach, Danielson helped Boise State win the Mountain West championship in 2023. The Broncos removed his interim tag last month.

Boise State will return 18 starters in 2024, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Nelson will compete for Boise State's starting job after quarterback Taylen Green transferred to Arkansas.