Mountain West Connection
All you need to know about the Mountain West, and then some
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Lucky No. 22: Lobos Crack AP Poll For First Time in 90 Year History
The New Mexico Lobos break a 90‑year barrier by entering the AP Top 25 at No. 22, their first ever AP ranking. A 7‑1 record (4‑0 Mountain West) after wins over San Jose State and North Dakota State secured the milestone, echoing their last near‑miss in 1997. Coach Jason Eck’s second‑year squad now eyes a conference title—its first since 1964—and a potential CFP run, putting him among the fastest coaches to achieve such feats. The Lobos will debut the No. 22 banner against Nevada this Saturday.
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Week 9
Week 9 reshapes the Mountain West and PAC‑12 races as Fresno State upsets Oregon State 31‑14, keeping the Bulldogs in the championship hunt, while Boise State, Oregon State and New Mexico chase CFP hopes. North Dakota State bounces back with a 31‑7 win over UTEP, and Air Force secures bowl eligibility with a grind‑it‑out victory thanks to backup QB Kemper Hodges’ 200‑yard rushing performance. Utah State posts a season‑high 31 points against Colorado State, and San Diego State clings to bowl hopes with a 26‑20 win over Washington State. Meanwhile, New Mexico ekes a road win despite three interceptions, and UNLV scrapes a narrow triumph. The roundup highlights winners, slip‑ups and emerging spoilers heading into the season’s final stretch.
MWCConnection Reacts Survey: What do you think of New Mexico’s ranking?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mountain West fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys:
Mountaintop View 11-3-26
The Mountain West Connection roundup covers several hot topics: Oregon State’s JaMarcus Shephard publicly opposes the proposed Group of Six playoff despite a guaranteed CFP spot, while Wyoming fights to reach the Mountain West title game by needing a win over UNLV. Gonzaga launches its basketball season with a win over Purdue, and Boise State’s QB Maddux Madsen is listed as day‑to‑day after a minor injury. Colorado State’s coach outlines defensive expectations, and Rasean Jones earns dual Player‑of‑Week honors. The post also teases Week 9 analysis and a fan survey on New Mexico’s ranking.
“I thought both offense and defense were equal tonight.” Nevada Dominates Season Opener 86-49
Nevada’s men’s basketball blasts Robert Morris 86‑49 in its 2026‑27 season opener, giving retiring head coach Steve Alford a triumphant final home game. Elijah Price tops the box score with 19 points as the Wolf Pack rolls out 12 players in a dominant performance. Post‑game remarks from Alford, Price and Styles Phipps are available for fans who want insight into the team’s early momentum.
Same Miles, new mileage
Tim Miles celebrates a strong start for San Jose State, who eased past UTSA 95-74 in their season opener. The Spartans shot 59% and dominated the rebounding battle 43-22, highlighted by Robert Vaihola’s perfect 6‑of‑6 shooting and 13 points with 11 rebounds. Miles, the only active coach with postseason appearances at NAIA, D‑II and D‑I levels, points to a $4 million fundraising boost, a Costa Rica team‑building trip, and new talent as reasons for the improvement. Despite 21 turnovers and a second‑half defensive lapse, the team’s depth showed promise, with Mekhi Mason’s 26 points and Joey Chammaa’s 27. The Spartans now look to build momentum ahead of a Saturday matchup at UC Irvine and aim for a top‑20 mid‑major status.
MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 11-2-26. Mountain West November Team Rankings.
The latest Mountain West Recruiting Roundup details the rush to finalize 2027 classes, noting 37 offers this week—half from Hawaii’s 17 offers. New commitments include Air Force OL Caden McNiven, New Mexico DE Aaron Torres, and Texas State WR Barron Burkhall, while Colorado State, Utah State, and Washington State see decommitments. The Lobos earn a cover photo alongside Hawaii, Oregon State, SDSU, San Jose State, UNLV, and Wyoming. October’s Mountain West team rankings place UNLV first, New Mexico second, and San Jose State third, with tier groups outlined. The post also outlines the NCAA Evaluation Period rules and links to the recruiting calendar.
Mountain West Football Rankings: Week 9.
Week 9 Mountain West rankings shift after a weekend of mixed results. New Mexico climbs to No. 1, edging San Jose State despite offensive struggles but a defense that forced two turnovers and limited opponents to 238 yards. North Dakota State jumps to No. 2 after a 31‑point second‑quarter surge over UTEP, holding them under 100 passing yards. UNLV slips to No. 3 following a narrow win over last‑place NIU, while Wyoming and Air Force hold steady at No. 4 and No. 5, the Falcons rebounding with a run‑heavy victory over UConn. San Jose State, Nevada, Hawaii (bye), UTEP and NIU round out the top ten, each reflecting recent offensive or defensive woes.
PAC-12 Power Rankings: Week 9
Week 9 of the PAC‑12 season reshuffles the top spots as Boise State holds onto #1 after an astonishing comeback win over Texas State, despite surrendering 36 unanswered points and dealing with injuries to QB Maddux Madsen and DE Matt Wagner. Oregon State drops to #2 following a loss to Fresno State that dashes CFP hopes but keeps them in contention for the conference title. Fresno State climbs to #3 after beating Oregon State, though inconsistencies remain. Texas State slides to #4 after a narrow defeat to Boise State, while San Diego State and Utah State hold #5 and #6, each still eyeing a championship berth. The rankings set up a potential Boise State‑Oregon State showdown for the PAC‑12 title in December.
PAC-12 Players of the Week: Week 9
Texas State dominates the PAC‑12 awards for Week 9 as quarterback Brad Jackson earns Offensive Player of the Week after a 327‑yard, four‑TD second‑half heroics against Boise State, while freshman DB Jayden Bradley captures Defensive Player of the Week with an interception return for a touchdown. San Diego State senior kicker Cooper DiLeva is named Special Teams Player of the Week for making both field goals in a 26‑20 win over Washington State. Boise State freshman wideout Rasean Jones takes Freshman of the Week honors, stepping in for an injured Maddux Madsen and delivering 117 yards and three TDs in a comeback victory. The honors highlight key performances shaping the conference race.
Mountaintop View 11-2-26. Bulldogs beat Beavers, Broncos & Bobcats in Pac-12 After Dark; UNLV hangs on, Lobos ranked, new Pac Trophy
Fresno State Bulldogs shut out Oregon State, restricting Jesse Legree to under 100 yards and forcing two fumbles, widening the Pac‑12 race to a three‑team battle. Boise State Broncos survive a wild comeback, trailing 28‑3 at halftime before Max Cutforth throws three fourth‑quarter TDs to win by a slim margin, reviving Pac‑12 After Dark. UNLV Rebels hold off Northern Illinois despite being outgained, thanks to Jackson Arnold’s three touchdowns, keeping their conference title hopes alive. New Mexico Lobos earn their first-ever ranking, while Boise State stays ranked, and the Pac‑12 unveils a new portable shield trophy.
This Week in the Rankings
Week 9 polls shake up the Mountain West as New Mexico makes history, entering the Coaches Poll at #25 and debuting at #22 in the AP rankings after a 21-16 win over North Dakota State. Boise State climbs to #21 in the Coaches and holds #20 in the AP despite a close game versus Texas State, while Oregon State falls off the radar. The new rankings spark debate over whether the Lobos can overtake the Broncos, marking a landmark moment for UNM football.
PAC-12 MATCHUPS ON HALLOWEEN – SPOOKY AND SCARY
In a thriller on Sept. 12, the No. 20 Boise State Broncos rallied from a 28‑3 halftime deficit to edge Texas State 46‑45 at Albertsons Stadium. Backup QB Max Cuthforth sparked three fourth‑quarter touchdowns after starter Maddux Madsen left with a knee injury, while a late pick‑six by Madsen set up the final score. Texas State’s QB Brad Jackson threw for 327 yards and four TDs but missed a crucial two‑point try. The win keeps Boise State (7‑1, 4‑0 Pac‑12) atop the conference, while Texas State (4‑4, 2‑2 Pac‑12) remains a wild card. The Broncos now travel to Colorado State, and the Mountain West’s bowl picture continues to evolve.
2026 Mountain West Football Week 9 Recap
Week 9 of the 2026 Mountain West saw all favorites win and only two of five games decided by a single score, making for a low‑drama slate. Air Force beat UConn 35-26, relying on a dominant ground game—74 rushes for 366 yards and five TDs—while Kemper Hodges posts 200 rushing yards. North Dakota State crushes UTEP 31-7 after an early scare, finishing with a strong defensive showing and a 7‑2 record. Nevada tops San Jose State 28-13, highlighted by a celebratory lock‑arm by Dylan LaBarbera and Tanner Vaughan. The recap notes upcoming matchups for Air Force, UTEP and Hawaii.
Fresno State back on track
Fresno State snaps a slump with a 38-22 victory over Oregon State, posting 202 passing and 190 rushing yards while limiting the Beavers to 77 rushing yards and forcing multiple turnovers. The win moves the Bulldogs within one game of second place in the Mountain West and ties them for fourth with four contests left. A win at Utah State next week would secure bowl eligibility for a second straight year under coach Matt Entz. Fresno now faces a relatively easier stretch against Utah State, Texas State, Colorado State and a possible flex game versus San Diego State, while Oregon State’s CFP hopes fade.
What growing roots looks like when threes don’t win football games
In a 21-16 loss to New Mexico, San Jose State showed that continuity beats three‑point shooting. The Lobos forced three turnovers and blocked a 51‑yard field goal, scoring 13 points off those mistakes, while SJSU managed three red‑zone trips but settled for field goals. Quarterback Luke Weaver highlighted the huddle’s role in building chemistry for a roster that added 22 transfers this spring. Standout plays included freshman Carson Clark’s 91 receiving yards, Kiefer Sibley’s 102 rush yards, and safety‑turned‑receiver Tuli Tagovailoa‑Amosa’s 89‑yard pick‑six. Coach Ken Niumatalolo and Lobos coach Jason Eck stressed sticking with quarterbacks and leaning on defensive strength, underscoring how ‘rooted’ teams survive shaky offensive days.
MWCConnection Reacts Results: Fans weigh in on College Football Playoff Expansion
A recent fan poll by Mountain West Connection shows strong support for the proposed College Football Playoff expansion. Most respondents favor a 12‑team format that grants automatic berths to the five conference champions, the four Power‑5 winners, and the highest‑ranked Group of Six team. Nearly all voters want the Group of Six guaranteed representation, with many calling for multiple bids, and a third urging that every conference champion receive a spot. The poll reflects growing enthusiasm for a broader playoff.
Carry Your Shield: How Does PAC-12’s New Trophy Stack Up Against Other Conferences?
The Pac‑12 unveils a novel championship trophy—a removable shield that doubles as a logo—for all conference team sports, debuting with cross‑country this week. Writer Kyle McAllister compares it to the 10 major conference trophies, ranking the Pac‑12’s new design second only to its classic version and praising its standout flair amid a sea of silver‑football replicas. The piece details other trophies—from the wooden‑plank MAC plaque to the sleek Big 12 and iconic Big Ten silver football—highlighting design trends and fan sentiment. Readers are invited to weigh in on the shield’s appeal and rank all conference trophies themselves.
Ranking each Mountain West basketball team ahead of 2026-27 season
Ahead of the 2026‑27 season, Mountain West Connection releases its final preseason power rankings. Grand Canyon tops the list with four first‑place votes, followed by New Mexico at No. 2, Nevada at No. 3, and UN LV at No. 4. The bottom tier features UTEP at No. 9 and Air Force at No. 10, while Hawai‘i, San Jose State and newcomer UC Davis round out the middle spots. The poll reflects varied panelist opinions, with Nevada and UN LV fluctuating between the top five. Fans are invited to share their thoughts in the comments.
Ranking each Pac-12 basketball team ahead of 2026-27 season
Ahead of the 2026‑27 season, Mountain West Connection releases its final preseason power rankings for the newly‑minted Pac‑12. Gonzaga tops the list, fueled by Braden Huff and transfer Massamba Diop, and opens the season at No. 15 in the AP Top‑25. San Diego State lands at No. 2, followed by Utah State, Colorado State, Boise State, Oregon State, Texas State, Washington State, and Fresno State at the bottom. The poll notes that only Gonzaga received AP top‑25 votes, while the rest earned none. Fans are invited to discuss the rankings in the comments.
Mountaintop View 10-30-26: Nevada/UCLA Preview, MW Basketball, New Mexico in the CFP?, Colorado State/Utah State, Gonzaga Basketball, Washington State/San Diego State
The preview covers Nevada’s upcoming test at UCLA, with Chris Murray breaking down the Wolf Pack’s position battles, while also ranking the Mountain West’s top ten players. It outlines what New Mexico must achieve to reach the College Football Playoff and previews Colorado State’s bowl‑lurking game against Utah State. Gonzaga, now in the Pac‑12, is pegged as the conference favorite after a 76-72 loss to Arkansas, and a must‑watch matchup between Washington State and San Diego State is highlighted. The article bundles these storylines to gauge early‑season momentum across football and basketball.
Ranking the 10 best Pac-12 Basketball players entering 2026-27
Mountain West Connection ranks the Pac-12's top 10 players ahead of the 2026‑27 season, highlighting Gonzaga's dominance with four selections—including unanimous preseason Player of the Year Braden Huff (F), Defensive Player of the Year Massamba Diop (C), and breakout guard Davis Fogle. Oregon State contributes two guards, Daniel Freitag and Josiah Lake II, while Utah State's Mason Falslev lands at No. 2 after averaging 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals last year. The list also features players from San Diego State, Texas State, and Colorado State.
Ranking the 10 best Mountain West basketball players entering 2026-27
Mountain West Connection ranks the conference's top 10 players heading into the 2026-27 season, led by unanimous preseason Player of the Year Jake Hall (New Mexico). Nevada and Grand Canyon each place three players on the list, with standout guard Styles Phipps (Nevada) and forward Elijah Price (Nevada) rounding out the top five. Grand Canyon’s Jaden Henley is noted as currently ineligible. The article also highlights Phipps' transfer from Pepperdine and his solid stats (13.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.5 steals). Readers are invited to share their thoughts in the comments.
From Mayday to Mission Ready: Air Force’s New Quarterback Challenge
Air Force football faces its third different starter at quarterback this season as senior Evan Medders sits out with injury. Coach Troy Calhoun and OC Mike Thiessen are expected to hand the reins to freshman Howard Fisher IV for the upcoming game against UConn, continuing a trend that has seen the Falcons use eight signal-callers since 2024 and compile a 14‑17 record in that span. By contrast, the program enjoyed stability with Haziq Daniels (2020‑22) and posted a 23‑9 record. The article outlines the recent QB carousel, past successes, and the high stakes of the UConn matchup.
The Jason Eck Effect: How Belief, Physical Football and a Rebuilt Roster Have Changed New Mexico
Jason Eck’s arrival is revitalizing New Mexico football. The article details how Eck’s belief‑driven culture, emphasis on physical play and a newly rebuilt roster have shifted the Lobos toward controlling the line of scrimmage and injecting fresh energy into Albuquerque. It traces the program’s turbulent 27‑year history under coaches like Rocky Long, Mike Locksley, Bob Davie and Danny Gonzales, highlighting past stand‑outs such as Brian Urlacher and recent talents like Devon Dampier and Jaxton Eck. The piece blends personal memories with a broader look at how the current coaching philosophy could finally give Lobo fans the consistent success they’ve long awaited.
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