Mountain West Conference showcases competitive early season amid upheaval
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
The Mountain West Conference began the 2026 season with significant changes after several teams departed for the Pac-12. Despite this upheaval, teams like New Mexico and North Dakota State have emerged as strong early contenders, with New Mexico posting two dominant wins and North Dakota State starting 3-0. The conference is redefining its identity, attempting to remain relevant in college football's shifting. Other teams, including San José State and UTEP, are also showing promise. The early weeks of play indicate that the Mountain West can maintain a competitive presence, but growth is needed from several programs to achieve greater consistency.
- •New Mexico has outscored opponents 108–14 in two wins.
- •North Dakota State is 3–0, including a victory over Air Force.
- •San José State has won two of its first three games.
- •UNLV starts 1–2 overall, performing below expectations.
- •Northern Illinois has lost both of its games early this season.
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Mountain West Conference Is Finding Its Place in a Shifting FBS Landscape
"The Mountain West may lack the financial clout and national influence of the Big Ten and SEC, but its early results show that competitive football—and a promising future—remain strong throughout the conference. By Roger Holien | Mountain West Connection The Mountain West entered the 2026 season markedly different from a year earlier after the departure […]
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