Was debating about bringing back a weekly poll, but felt making a weekly tier list would be easier to keep up with. Do you feel like the teams are in the right tier? If not, then who would move and where to?

Ags are going to have a local over the air CBS affiliate broadcast their non-national broadcast games, I’m presuming using the same feed as the Big Sky’s ESPN+ deal.

It includes the one of the top FCS matchups of the season — when Montana comes to town in a few weeks — and is a way to get around the Big Sky’s seeming requirement to use Montana commentary in their games’ streams.

UCD has done these deals before and I’m wondering if it’s signaling similar deals for MW+ games in hoops and eventually football

With week 0 over with, how are you feeling about the teams that played and the conference in general?

For me:

San Jose State: More life in the offense than I expected, but still only see them as a step above the bottom of the conference.

UNLV: Same as last year, high potential offense with a limited defense(but better than last year).

NDSU: A legitimate conference contender out of the gate, and one of the few conference hopefuls to contend for a play off spot. Also looked good in every part of the game (offense, defense, etc..)

Hawaii: Looked rough and still rusty from the off season. Offense looks to have some potential, but the QB really needs to get more consistent and in sync with the receivers. May have overestimated them as potential conference dark horse contender, and could be just an above average team in conference.

UC Davis: Look a bit sloppy and careless (nearly choked to Portland State), but should improve and potentially fight for a playoff spot.

MWC: Playoff hopes took a big hit with UNLV and Hawii's loses, but New Mexico and NDSU still have a good shot if things fall our way.

It looks like the P4 conferences are going to all agree to ban pro players from returning to play in their conference. If the MWC decides to accept this players in their absence, how would feel about it? These borderline NFL talented players would greatly elevate the rosters across the conference, but is it something ethically acceptable to do?

Was thinking about trying out college fantasy football this season. I found a salary cap format, so there’s no draft to coordinate. You basically just get $100M and build your team.

They just added the rest of the FBS player pool, and honestly the Mountain West is where I’m struggling a bit. I know the obvious names, but once you get outside the top guys I feel like there have to be some really good fantasy values.

Curious who you guys think are the best fantasy players or sleepers in the conference this year?

Also thought it could be fun to make a Mountain West league if anyone here wants to compare teams. There’s no minimum or max league size, so figured I’d throw it out there.

Wyoming

1 Brent Vigen- Montana State
2 Corey Batoon- Missouri DC. He was at Hawaii for two seasons a few years ago as the DC and safeties coach. Already has some MW coaching experience.
3 Bryan Harsin- Former Boise State and Auburn HC. Does some carry some baggage because of his personality and Auburn drama. I do have to admit though he did have lots of success in the MW. Plus he won’t have to worry about Fresno state, SDSU, and Boise State. His toughest opponent will probably be UNLV.

Nevada

1 Tim Plough- UC Davis HC
2 Bobby Hauck- Former Montana HC and current Illinois DC. His age (62) is one of the biggest factors and that might prevent Nevada if they are looking for a long term hire.
3 Jay Norvell- Former Nevada and Colorado state HC. Had a decent amount of success at Nevada before I could see them wanting him back.

UTEP

1 Marcus Arroyo- Arizona State OC. The concern that I would personally have is that he did not do well at UNLV being the HC. So schools might be hesitant to give him a second chance. He has done a great job at ASU with the offense though.

2 Andy Avalos- Current TCU DC and Boise State HC. Already has a lot of MW coaching experience and the in state hire could help in terms of recruiting. I know his time at Boise did not end well and his teams were inconsistent. But he did MW coach of the year in 2022.

3 Holmon Wiggins- Current Texas A&M OC. Again another in state hire like Avalos and it would probably help out with recruiting. Plus he has a ton of experience as a high level D1 coordinator and position coach. Although I could see him waiting and wanting a higher level job than UTEP.

It didn’t take long before seeing Jones is a no-brainer NBA prospect. The role versatility and skill level will bring him far and here’s an in-depth scouting report of why he belongs in the NBA:

With multiple stories being posted that New Mexico and Hawaii have again reached out "for dialogue" with the Pac-12, how is the long term survival of the MW looking?

Yes, a kings ransom of the much dwindled settlement was paid to UNLV and Air Force, but the next rung of schools just received news their total take is in the single digits of millions and tiered conference payout is being kicked around at conference HQ. Looks like they may want out, announce they are leaving, and sue the MW for breach.

This would leave the MW with six total all sports schools and a "non conforming FBS conference"

Good to finally put this to rest.

This is the second part of the 2026 MWC Review covering Nevada, NIU, Wyoming, UTEP and San Jose State. Key players, new transfers, predicted finish.

https://www.sportico.com/leagues/college-sports/2026/mountain-west-five-schools-settlement-payment-amount-1234942167/