In recent years, the Mountain West Conference has made a strong case for being the top mid-major men’s basketball league in the country. Two seasons ago, six Mountain West teams reached the NCAA Tournament — a remarkable feat for any non–Power Five conference.
With elite returning talent, new coaches, and programs eager to take the next step, the 2025–26 season could be another banner year for the Mountain West. Here’s RallyFuel’s full season preview and rankings.
1. San Diego State Aztecs
The Aztecs are the unanimous preseason favorite among both fans and conference coaches — and for good reason.
Guard/forward Miles Byrd is not only the best player in the Mountain West, but one of the nation’s top mid-major stars. Defenders Magoon Gwath, BJ Davis, and Reese Waters all return, giving San Diego State a strong veteran core.
Add in Elize Harrington, the conference’s Preseason Freshman of the Year, and the Aztecs look poised for another March run.
2. Utah State Aggies
Utah State, coming off a 26-win season, once again figures to be a top challenger.
Guard Mason Falsleve (15.0 PPG) leads the way, joined by transfers Zach Kellar (Utah), MJ Collins Jr. (Vanderbilt), and Garry Clark (Texas A&M–Corpus Christi).
The Aggies’ mix of scoring and size gives them one of the league’s most balanced rosters.
3. Grand Canyon Lopes
New to the Mountain West, Grand Canyon University arrives with championship pedigree — Coach Bryce Drew led the Lopes to four WAC titles in five years.
Even after losing all five starters, GCU reloaded through the portal with Brian Moore Jr. (Norfolk State), Dusty Stromer (Gonzaga), and Jaden Henley (UNLV).
Expect the Lopes to compete immediately in their debut Mountain West season.
4. Boise State Broncos
Three straight NCAA Tournament appearances make Boise State one of the most consistent programs in the West.
Despite losing forward Tyson Degenhart, Coach Leon Rice added key transfers Dylan Andrews (UCLA) and Drew Fielder (Georgetown). Returners Andrew Meadow and Pearson Carmichael provide experience and leadership.
5. New Mexico Lobos
A new era begins in Albuquerque as Eric Olen takes over for Richard Pitino, who departed for Xavier.
Replacing conference Player of the Year Donovan Dent (now at UCLA) won’t be easy, but Olen added an impressive trio of transfers: Deyton Albury, Kevin Patton Jr. (USC), and Luke Haupt (Point Loma Nazarene).
New Mexico remains a talented and well-supported program, even amid transition.
6. UNLV Rebels
UNLV turns to veteran coach Josh Pastner, formerly of Georgia Tech and Memphis, to lead the rebuild.
Pastner’s foundation starts with top recruit Tyrin Jones and transfers Kimani Hamilton (High Point) and Naas Cunningham (Alabama).
The Rebels’ fan base expects improvement, and NIL visibility in Las Vegas gives this program long-term upside.
7. Nevada Wolf Pack
Coach Steve Alford has a strong nucleus led by Elijah Price, last season’s Mountain West Freshman of the Year, along with Tyler Rolison and Corey Camper Jr.
Transfer guard Tayshown Comer (16.2 PPG at Evansville) brings scoring and experience to a team capable of outperforming its preseason slot.
8. Colorado State Rams
After years as an assistant, Ali Farokhmanesh steps into his first head coaching role at Colorado State.
Replacing NBA first-round pick Nique Clifford is tough, but sharpshooter Josh Pascarelli (15.9 PPG, Marist) adds scoring punch. The Rams’ offense should remain dangerous.
9. San Jose State Spartans
Power forward Sadraque NgaNga showed flashes of breakout potential last season and now anchors Coach Tim Miles’squad.
Transfer Colby Garland (Longwood/Drake) adds experience and shooting depth. San Jose State will lean on effort and chemistry to stay competitive.
10. Wyoming Cowboys
After a 12–20 campaign, Wyoming fans are hoping for a turnaround under Coach Sundance Wicks.
Transfer combo guard Jared Harris (Memphis) — a former four-star recruit — headlines the rebuild. The Cowboys’ athleticism and fresh energy make them an intriguing sleeper.
11. Fresno State Bulldogs
Losing Elijah Price to Nevada hurts, but guard Zaon Collins (12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds) provides leadership. The Bulldogs will need role players to step up to stay out of the basement.
12. Air Force Falcons
In the NIL and transfer portal era, the service academies face uphill battles. Still, Coach Joe Scott maximizes his talent every year.
Center Wesley Celichowski and guard Ethan Greenberg lead an experienced group that will compete hard in every game.
Fan Fuel Outlook
The Mountain West continues to prove it’s the nation’s premier mid-major basketball conference — deep, competitive, and nationally relevant.
Fans can fuel their favorite Mountain West athletes directly through RallyFuel, supporting verified NIL opportunities for players like Miles Byrd, Mason Falsleve, and Elize Harrington. Every dollar of fan support goes toward compliant, transparent NIL growth across college sports.
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