Over the years, the Boise State Broncos have operated like most college football teams, providing content and putting things on display ahead of their first game of the season by releasing an official depth chart the week of the first matchup.
On Monday, though, they altered those plans.
Just a few days before the Broncos' season-opener against the Oregon Ducks, head coach Spencer Danielson found out that Dan Lanning's team did not plan to release a depth chart — something that has become the norm in Eugene — and he followed suit, opting for secrecy over transparency.
According to Idaho Statesman's Shaun Goodwin,made this decision after learning of Oregon's plans.
So, why are we here in the first place, and what is with the Ducks not choosing to
give a look at which players might take the field on Saturday? Lanning was asked about that Monday night during his weekly press conference, and his response aligns directly with the philosophy he's held throughout his tenure in Eugene.
"What's the advantage in releasing one?" Lanning said bluntly.
Dan Lanning was asked about the philosophy behind not releasing a depth chart ahead of Week 1.
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) September 1, 2026
"What's the advantage?"
If you've been following Lanning's career, then this decision comes as no surprise, and it follows suit with what he's done over the years. Oregon has become a program that is not going to talk about position battles, reveal injuries, or tip its hand at any point in time. If it doesn't help give the team an advantage on the field, Lanning is not going to talk about it off the field.
While that may take away some weekly fodder for fans in terms of having a depth chart to talk about, it may give the Ducks a bit of an advantage on the field.
That's likely something that all Oregon fans would accept and come to terms with.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon, Boise State make same unusual decision ahead of Week 1 matchup
