ALBUQUERQUE – The new athletic year has arrived in college sports, and a new-look Mountain West will look to rebuild its image, starting with football.
Every school has internal and external expectations. For many, making or winning a bowl game is the ultimate litmus test to see whether a program is improving on the national stage, managing to stay relevant or experiencing a down year.
Every team has its own version of success. Here is a look at the teams expected to make a bid for a conference title and a bowl game this year.
Placing a team that made the conference championship last year into the bowl-bound category makes sense, and the path to the postseason should be manageable despite roster setbacks.
The Rebels put together a strong recruiting and transfer class, ranking No. 68 in the nation with 47 commits. The class features 45 three-star athletes, according to 247Sports, and includes former Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold.
A quick rebuild was necessary after UNLV lost players like quarterback Anthony Colandrea to Nebraska and wide receiver Troy Omeire to New Mexico. However, the incoming talent keeps the Rebels in the driver’s seat for bowl potential.
The front half of the schedule will test whether UNLV can contend nationally. If the program can walk away at least 2-4 in that stretch, a bowl appearance is likely in 2026.
Hawaii saw its hard work pay off in 2025, finishing with a 9-4 record that included a 35-31 comeback win against the California Golden Bears in the Hawaii Bowl. As one of the newest full-time members of the conference, the Rainbow Warriors look to continue that upward trajectory.
The program’s 2026 recruiting class is not as strong as its peers, ranking No. 124th in the nation with 37 commits. However, if Hawaii can survive an opening road game against Stanford and a home matchup against UNLV, the Rainbow Warriors should be able to win the six games required for bowl eligibility within conference play alone.
After missing out on the conference championship game last year, the Lobos are looking to prove they belong at the top as they continue their revival in 2026. Second-year head coach Jason Eck has done wonders in Albuquerque, posting a 9-4 record in 2025 to secure the program’s best season since 1982.
Eck has bolstered the roster by pulling talent from current and former conference rivals, landing transfers like Omeire and former Boise State linebacker Clay Martineau. UNM will boast a deep core of talent on the field and the sidelines. That depth should serve the team well heading into a season where the Lobos are tied at No. 29 for the easiest schedule in the nation, according to Sports Illustrated.
Athlon Sports recently announced its preseason All-Mountain West team, and the Lobos had 17, the second-most among the 10 Mountain West teams. The Lobos had seven first team picks, which led all programs in the league.
Offensively, running back Scottre Humphrey and receiver Troy Omeire received a first team selection, as did tight end Cade Keith and center Kaden Robnett.
Making the first team roster defensively for the Lobos were lineme Darren Agu, linebacker Jaxton Eck and safety Austin Brawley.
The Lobos did have the most All-Mountain West team, members, 16, when Phil Steele publications announced its preseason teams earlier in June.
The 2026 season opens on Saturday, Sept. 5 when UNM hosts Central Michigan at University Stadium at 8 pm.
The Lobos recently announced their expected roster for that opening night game, with Farmington High alum Mikey Beck added to the roster.
Beck lettered in football for four years at FHS under head coach Jeff Dalton, while also lettering basketball and track and field. He caught passes for more than 1,000 yards in two of his final three seasons at FHS and finished his career with 158 catches for more than 2,600 yards and 36 touchdowns.