Look for UNLV, New Mexico to battle for Mountain West supremacy

The Mountain West Conference’s outlook for the 2026 season places UNLV and New Mexico at the forefront of the title race, while several other programs jockey for position. Below is a detailed look at each team, including last year’s records and key storylines. **1. UNLV (10-4)** The Rebels must maintain their strong road performance, as three of the league’s most challenging contests—against Hawaii, Air Force and New Mexico—are all played away from Allegiant Stadium. If the quarterback battle between returner Alex Orji and Auburn transfer Jackson Arnold yields a productive starter, UNLV can again field one of the conference’s most dynamic offenses. Defensive consistency will be crucial; the unit needs to improve on that side of the ball. Look for a significant contribution from running back Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas, who ranks eighth all‑time in school rushing yards. It will also be interesting to see how a group of talented but unproven wide receivers develops. **2. New Mexico (9-4)** Prior to the camp injury that sidelined fifth‑year quarterback Jack Layne with an elbow tendon issue, the Lobos were projected to sit atop the conference. They return head coach Jason Eck, the reigning Mountain West Coach of the Year, and retain twelve starters, including standout linebacker Jaxton Eck. The Lobos host UNLV, Air Force and North Dakota State, venues where they went 6‑0 a season ago. The Nov. 14 showdown in Albuquerque figures to be a pivotal clash, as the No. 1 ranking remains a toss‑up between New Mexico and UNLV. **3. Hawaii (9-4)** Last season’s mixed results belie the potential of an offense led by former Bishop Gorman standout Micah Alejado. Under head coach Timmy Chang, Hawaii has steadily built a contender capable of lighting up scoreboards on a weekly basis. However, road games have remained a sticking point for Chang’s squad. The Rainbow Warriors avoid Air Force on the schedule and will host UNLV, New Mexico and North Dakota State. A setback comes from the loss of preseason all‑conference wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, who is out with a knee injury. **4. Air Force (4-8)** The Falcons enter the year looking to rebound from a 2025 campaign in which three losses came by a field goal or less, including a 51‑48 defeat at UNLV. Head coach Troy Calhoun, now in his 20th season, continues to rely on a versatile quarterback in Liam Szarka, who accounted for 1,294 passing yards and 922 rushing yards a year ago. Air Force’s road slate features trips to Army and New Mexico, but the squad gets a home date with UNLV on Oct. 17. **5. North Dakota State (12-1)** As the newest FBS members, the Bison bring a pedigree of success from the FCS level, where they captured ten of the last fifteen national championships. North Dakota State arrives unbothered by the step up in competition and intends to pursue a league title immediately. Ten starters return for a bruising roster that will face a demanding road trip to UNLV, New Mexico, Air Force and Hawaii. **6. UNR (3-9)** The Wolf Pack look for a marked improvement under third‑year head coach Jeff Choate. Three of their toughest opponents—Air Force, Hawaii and New Mexico—are scheduled in Reno. To compete weekly, UNR must upgrade its backfield production, with Choate weighing options among returner Carter Jones, UCLA transfer Luke Duncan and fifth‑year player AJ Bianco. After a seven‑game skid a year ago, the squad needs to start games faster; they were outscored 72‑29 in the opening quarter of 2025. **7. Wyoming (4-8)** Wide receiver Tyler Hughes, a transfer from William & Mary, brings experience after throwing for 2,330 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 670 rushing yards and eleven scores. Head coach Jay Sawvel, entering his third year, will look to upgrade an offense that averaged just sixteen points per game in 2025. While the running back corps remains a position of strength, the wide receiver group is young and untested. Wyoming’s defense should keep them competitive, but scoring will be essential to turn close games into wins. **8. San Jose State (3-9)** The Spartans’ recent flush of talent evaporated after numerous departures via the transfer portal, leaving head coach Ken Niumatalolo with a rebuilding task. One bright spot remains the team’s ability to accumulate passing yards, though turnovers continue to plague them—San Jose State threw seventeen interceptions and gave the ball away twenty‑seven times in 2025. Their familiarity with the Mountain West could provide a slight edge over the two teams positioned directly below them in the standings. **9. UTEP (2-10)** As a new conference member, the Miners anticipate a stiffer test than they faced in Conference USA. Head coach Scotty Walden enters his third year with what he calls his best roster to date, highlighted by a nonconference slate that includes trips to Oklahoma and Michigan. UTEP must also navigate road games at New Mexico, North Dakota State and Air Force. The program has not won a postseason bowl game since 2021. Like San Jose State, UTEP is rebuilding after losing several key contributors, though transfer running back EJ Colson is