The Mountain West Conference is set for a significant transformation as five prominent teams—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State—have moved to the revamped Pac-12. New additions include Hawaii, which gains full-time membership, along with UC Davis and UTEP. Grand Canyon, which joined in the previous season, will also be entering its second year in the conference.
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1. New Mexico Lobos
2026-27 Record: 26-11
2027-27 Conference Finish: T-3
New Mexico is positioned as a leading contender due to its strong historical support and infrastructure. The Lobos return Jake Hall, a key player after averaging 16.4 points per game last season and earning first-team All-Mountain West honors and Freshman of the Year. Coach Eric Olen, who guided the team to the NIT semifinals, aims for further success.
2. Grand Canyon Antelopes
2026-27 Record: 20-12
2027-27 Conference Finish: T-3
Grand Canyon's debut in the Mountain West confirmed its readiness for a higher level of competition. With head coach Bryce Drew at the helm and returning scorer Makaih Williams, the Antelopes hope to ascend the standings by improving their shooting and overall performance.
3. Nevada Wolf Pack
2026-27 Record: 24-13
2027-27 Conference Finish: T-5
Nevada features a mix of established talent and new recruits. Elijah Price, an All-Mountain West and All-Defensive selection last year, leads the returning players. The addition of transfer big men Cedric Lath and Simon Majok aims to enhance the team's frontcourt strength.
4. UNLV Rebels
2026-27 Record: 18-17
2027-27 Conference Finish: T-7
This season is a pivotal one for head coach Josh Pastner as he seeks to restore UNLV's historic reputation in the conference. With returning players Tyrin Jones and Issac Williamson, the Rebels will strive to establish dominance in the new Mountain West landscape.
5. Wyoming Cowboys
2026-27 Record: 18-15
2027-27 Conference Finish: 9th
Wyoming emerges as a potential darkhorse with significant returning talent, including Nasir Meyer and Khaden Bennett. Head coach Sundance Wicks seeks to leverage the returning players’ experience to improve the team’s competitiveness.
6. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
2026-27 Record: 24-9
2027-27 Conference Finish: 2nd (in Big West)
After several years as a football-only member, Hawaii joins the Mountain West in all sports. The effectiveness of the team will depend on the new seven-player transfer class as most of last year’s key contributors have departed. The unique travel challenges for visiting teams may play to Hawaii’s advantage.
7. San Jose State Spartans
2026-27 Record: 9-24
2027-27 Conference Finish: 11th
Despite a promising start under Tim Miles in 2022-23, San Jose State has faced consecutive disappointing seasons. With pressure mounting to enhance the team's performance, the Spartans are expected to rely on incoming transfers to rebound from a tough previous season.
8. UC Davis Aggies
2026-27 Record: 19-14
2027-27 Conference Finish: T-6 (in Big West)
Moving up from the Big West, UC Davis looks to maintain its competitive edge through continuity, returning five main contributors from last season. Coach Jim Les is aiming to capitalize on existing team dynamics combined with new talent from the transfer portal.
9. UTEP Miners
2026-27 Record: 11-20
2027-27 Conference Finish: 11th (in C-USA)
UTEP transitions to the Mountain West facing challenges, particularly after a difficult previous season and the loss of all eligible players to the transfer portal. Coach Joe Golding has brought in new talent, but immediate competitiveness is uncertain.
10. Air Force Falcons
2026-27 Record: 3-29
2027-27 Conference Finish: 12th
Under new head coach Joe Crispin, Air Force aims for a fresh start after enduring a winless conference season last year. Transitioning to a faster-paced system, the Falcons face significant hurdles as they look to improve their standing.