Mountain West Connection
All you need to know about the Mountain West, and then some
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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.
Staying power: How the West’s best networks keep rosters home
The article examines why mid‑major football programs in the Mountain West keep most of their players despite the transfer portal. New Mexico’s “Green Bay Packers” model blends NIL, philanthropy and local sponsorships, letting the Lobos retain 57 of 70 newcomers and secure a 9‑win season. Oregon State freshman star Jesse Legree also re‑signed, citing culture over money. Boise State, Fresno State and Washington State rely on local fan bases and limited pro‑team competition to stretch NIL dollars. San Jose State struggles against Silicon Valley wealth and Power‑Four poaching, despite adding dozens of transfers. Across the Group of Six, community ties and smart human‑capital strategies prove more cost‑effective than big‑budget recruiting.
Stats Corner: Cross-Country Conference Games: Is the Trip Worth the Risk?
The article examines whether long‑distance conference road trips affect outcomes and betting lines, using recent cross‑country games as case studies. BYU’s 39‑31 loss at UCF after a 2,342‑mile drive sparks the debate. In the ACC, nine games across two time zones produced four road wins and five road losses, with underdogs covering the spread five times, indicating betting markets struggle to price these matchups. The Big 12’s two games (Arizona beating West Virginia, BYU losing to UCF) show mixed results, while the Big Ten’s larger sample highlights UCLA’s dominance on the road and Oregon’s inconsistent performance. Overall, travel distance matters but is only one factor among team quality and preparation.
Pac-Mountain Pulse Ep. 15: Is the CFP expansion good? Who Can Still Make a Bowl Game?
In Pac‑Mountain Pulse Ep. 15, hosts Derek Raridon and Dom Gutierrez debate the likely expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams next season and explore how the change could reshape the postseason landscape. They zero in on Mountain West and Pac‑12 programs teetering on the bowl‑eligibility edge, outlining which clubs still have a realistic shot at a bowl game under the new format.
Mountaintop View 10-29-26. Conference Realignment, Top MBB Players, Bowl Projections, Maxwell Award, Kellen Moore.
The Mountain West Connection’s October 29, 2026 roundup covers conference realignment fallout, bowl forecasts and player awards. Analyst Chris Murray notes that while North Dakota State thrives in the MW, newcomers UTEP and Northern Illinois each have just one win. Sports Illustrated’s top‑76 men’s‑basketball list spotlights Gonzaga’s Massamba Diop at #36 and Braden Huff at #7. Bowl projections place NDSU in the Potato Bowl, Texas State in Puerto Rico, Oregon State in the Independence Bowl, and Boise State headed for the CFP. Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson and J‑Lee Greene make the Maxwell Award watch list, and former Broncos coach Kellen Moore returns to Boise this weekend.
AZTECS WILL FACE A DECISION ABOUT STARTING QUARTERBACK … FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON
The San Diego State Aztecs will start freshman QB Stone Saunders against Washington State on Halloween, after he threw for 369 yards and two touchdowns in his debut. Injured starter Jayden Denegal remains out, leaving Coach Sean Lewis to decide whether to stick with Saunders or revert after the bye week. The Cougars, 1‑7 and winless in the Pac‑12, host the Aztecs at 4:00 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, with SDSU a 2½‑point favorite and a projected 26‑23 win. Both teams rank near the bottom in offense and defense, making Saunders' down‑field threat and time‑of‑possession crucial for a bowl‑eligible finish.
2026 MW/PAC-12 All-Transfer Team: Week Eight
The Week Eight Transfer Portal Team spotlights 2026 newcomers shaping the Mountain West and Pac‑12. Standout QB Tyler Hughes (Wyoming) throws 10‑of‑17 for 113 yards and adds 146 rushing yards with two TDs. RB DeVon Rice (Hawaii) tallies three rushing TDs on 71 yards, while WR Gary Givens III (Nevada) records 45 receiving yards on four catches. Defensive impact includes Wyoming DE Donnie Wingate’s four tackles and a TFL, and Nevada LB Brady Kerperin’s nine tackles with a TFL. Special teams feature San Jose State K Trajan Sinatra perfect on two field goals (long 41) and Hawaii Punter Gehrig Heil averaging 45 yards per punt. The list rounds out with key contributors across the line, secondary and skill positions, illustrating the depth of talent added mid‑season.
Mountain West Basketball 2026-27 Preseason Predictions: All Conference Teams
The Mountain West Connection unveils its 2026‑27 preseason All‑Conference selections. First‑team guards Jake Hall (New Mexico) and Makaih Williams (Grand Canyon) join unanimous picks Elijah Price (Nevada) and Tyrin Jones (UNLV) alongside Wyoming’s Naz Meyer. Hall is the unanimous Player of the Year. Jones returns after a 13.2‑point, 4.3‑rebound season, while Price posted 12.8 points and 8.5 rebounds last year. The second team features unanimous honorees Uriah Tenette (New Mexico), Jackson Kiss (UNLV) and Efe Demirel (Grand Canyon), with Nevada’s Vaughn Weems and GCU’s Jaden Henley (currently ineligible) rounding out the guard spots. Honorable mentions include Dylan Darling (GCU) and New Mexico’s Rytis Petraitis and Hudson Mayes.
Pac-12 Basketball 2026-27 Preseason Predictions: All Conference Teams
Mountain West Connection previews the Pac‑12 2026‑27 season with its All‑Conference selections. The unanimous first‑team guards include Utah State’s Mason Falslev (15.5 ppg, 6 reb, 3.4 ast) and Oregon State’s Josiah Lake and Daniel Freitag. Gonzaga fronts the first team with preseason Player of the Year Braden Huff and Defensive Player of the Year Massamba Diop, forming a dominant frontcourt duo. The second team features Gonzaga’s Davis Fogle, San Diego State’s Elzie Harrington, Colorado State’s Kyle Jorgensen, Texas State’s freshman DJ Hall, and Utah State’s Karson Templin. Honorable mentions round out the list with Boise State’s AG Neto and Dovydas Butka. The rundown highlights stats, awards and potential impacts for the upcoming season.
College Football Award Watch List for the 2026 Season
Mountain West Connection highlights the 2026 college football award watch list for Boise State and Oregon State. Quarterback Madux Madsen (Boise State) posts a perfect 14 TD‑0 INT line and tops PFF pressure ratings, while Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson (69.2% completions, 2,604 yards, 24 TDs) chases a 5,000‑yard season. Boise State RB Dylan Riley leads the nation in rushing with 960 yards on 140 carries (6.5 YPC) and earns Doak Walker consideration. Texas State’s Torrance Burgess Jr. and Oregon State’s freshman WR Jessee Legree (1,040 yards, 14 TDs, 22.6 YPR) also draw award buzz. Tight ends Matt Wagner and Eric Olsen rank among the top graded at their positions, and Boise State’s offensive line features in the Joe Moore mid‑season honor roll.
Mountain West & Pac-12 Bowl Projections Week 8: High on the Cowboys.
Mountain West Connection releases its first weekly bowl projections for the 2026 season, covering both Mountain West and Pac-12 tie‑ins. The Potato Bowl is flagged as the de facto Mountain West championship game, while the Poinsettia Bowl serves as the Pac‑12 title slot. This week’s updates move New Mexico to the top MW spot, drop San Jose State, and keep Boise State and Oregon State as the leading G6 contenders. Wyoming climbs, Air Force stays steady, and the Pac‑12 picture remains largely unchanged apart from a brief Colorado State mention. The post also includes a detailed bowl affiliation key and invites reader comments.
Broncos Or Lobos? A Look Into The Hypothetical MW-PAC Matchup
The article pits New Mexico’s Lobos against the Boise State Broncos in a hypothetical 2026 showdown to gauge the Lobos’ Group‑Five CFP aspirations. While New Mexico’s defense shines—allowing just 11.3 points per game—and coach Jason Eck earns praise, Boise State’s veteran QB Maddux Madsen and superior special teams give the Broncos the edge. Offenses are statistically close, but the simulated game on a neutral dome ends 40‑16 in Boise’s favor, highlighting Boise’s balanced attack and New Mexico’s turnover woes. The piece examines coaching, quarterback play, offensive/defensive metrics, and special‑teams efficiency to argue that the Broncos would likely dominate the matchup.
Pac-12 Basketball 2026-27 Preseason Predictions: Awards
The Mountain West Connection’s Pac‑12 preseason preview crowns Gonzaga as the awards powerhouse for 2026‑27. Senior forward Braden Huff earns Player of the Year after a 17.8‑point, 5.6‑rebound comeback from a knee injury, while fellow Zags transfer Massamba Diop is named Defensive Player of the Year. Freshman of the Year ties between Gonzaga’s Ian Almansa and Juwan Ekanga‑Ehawa, and the Sixth Man award also splits between Gonzaga’s Javon Bennett and Isaiah Harwell. Mark Few (Gonzaga) shares Coach of the Year honors with Colorado State’s Ali Farokhmanesh. Utah State takes Best Offense; Gonzaga clinches Best Defense and Best Bench.
MWCConnection Reacts Survey: Group of 6 Playoff Autobids?
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:
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