Mountain West teams prepare for upcoming season amid new era

As the 2026 college football season approaches, teams in the Mountain West Conference are eager to showcase their skills. Four teams will participate in Week 0 games on Saturday. The conference aims to elevate its status following the departure of five teams to the Pac-12, as it looks to crown a new champion this year. Among the contenders, UNLV is seeking its first championship title after four consecutive game appearances. New Mexico, with a strong coaching presence from Jason Eck, aims for a successful season as well. Hawaii hopes to have an impactful year as a full member of the conference, leveraging its top offense. Meanwhile, North Dakota State transitions to FBS competition, facing challenges in key player replacements.

• 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — The Mountain West should be eager to prove itself in 2026