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Mountain West/Pac-12 teams highlight best defensive players for 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Mountain West/Pac-12 teams highlight best defensive players for 2026 season

Summary

Eighteen teams from the Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences have identified their best defensive players as the 2026 season approaches. Notable players include Air Force linebacker Blake Fletcher, who excels in tackling and discipline, and Boise State edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan, known for his significant sack totals. Other highlighted players include Colorado State's Oumar Diomande, who led his team last season, and New Mexico's Jaxton Eck, the reigning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. Each team aims to improve upon last year's performances, with these key players expected to be central to their defensive strategies.

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Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Air Force's Blake Fletcher is known for his tackling ability.
•Boise State's Jayden Virgin-Morgan has 16 career sacks.
•Colorado State's Oumar Diomande achieved 116 tackles last season.
•New Mexico's Jaxton Eck is the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year.
•Teams aim to build stronger defenses for the upcoming season.

Latest Updates

4:00 PMYahoo Sports — Every Mountain West/Pac-12 Team’s Best Defensive Player in 2026

What they're saying

"
Continuing the theme of this week, we are highlighting the best offensive player on each of the eighteen teams in either the Mountain West or Pac-12 conference. See below for who begins the year as each team’s best player. Air Force LB Blake Fletcher Fletcher is a throwback at linebacker, specializing in downhill tackles that […]
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

NCAAF College Sports

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External links

Yahoo SportsAug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM
Every Mountain West/Pac-12 Team’s Best Defensive Player in 2026
Continuing the theme of this week, we are highlighting the best offensive player on each of the eighteen teams in either the Mountain West or Pac-12 conference. See below for who begins the year as each team’s best player. Air Force LB Blake Fletcher Fletcher is a throwback at linebacker, specializing in downhill tackles that […]

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