🏈 2025–2026 Mountain West Football Preview
New Coaches, Familiar Faces, and a Season Full of Possibilities
The Mountain West Conference is entering a pivotal season of change and opportunity. With realignment on the horizon—some teams preparing to depart for the Pac-12 and new programs stepping in to take their place—the league is in the midst of a significant identity shift.
With several teams undergoing major transitions and others looking to build on recent momentum, fans across the conference have plenty to look forward to.
This dynamic of teams either staying in the Mountain West Conference or bolting to the new Pac-12 conference the following year should make for some fascinating dynamics this year when they play each other.
Add to that a wave of coaching changes, including four programs debuting first-year head coaches, and 2025 is shaping up to be anything but predictable.
Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the head coaches and the passionate communities they lead.
New Coaches, New Vision
🔴 New Mexico Lobos – Jason Eck | Albuquerque, NM
Jason Eck Hired to Lead the Lobos
After a short but dramatic stint with Bronco Mendenhall at the helm, New Mexico had to regroup quickly when he bolted for Utah State after just one season.
In steps Jason Eck, the former Idaho head coach who brings toughness, energy, and a proven ability to build a winner in hard places.
Eck turned Idaho into a top 10 FCS program, posting a 26–13 record and reaching the playoffs in all three of his seasons.
His teams knocked off FBS programs like Nevada and Wyoming and pushed the likes of Washington State and Oregon to the wire.
Jason Eck brings grit, vision, and a proven track record to Albuquerque. After turning Idaho into an FCS playoff contender, he now faces the challenge of rebuilding a Lobo program hungry for respect and relevance.
New Mexico fans—known for their loyalty through tough years—are hopeful Eck’s arrival marks the start of a new era.
This is a no-fluff hire. Eck isn’t a splashy name, but he’s a builder, and that’s exactly what New Mexico needs.
It’s very refreshing for UNM to have a coach who truly wants to be part of the New Mexico community, buy a house right away, and lay down roots with their young families.
It’s also refreshing to see a coach come to UNM and comment on how much potential this place has, noticing what they have in terms of new locker rooms, new New Mexico training facilities, which was christened the Mark Paulsen Athletic Performance Center, and in 2025.
Compare that with some coaches who have national name recognition and see what the UNM athletic programs are lacking.
Then, you see how some coaches like Eck, who come from non-Power 5 programs and were successful with what they had, will do with more weapons, so to speak, in their coaching arsenal.
It’s genuinely refreshing to hear a coach arrive at UNM and immediately recognize the untapped potential here. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, they see what’s possible—noting the impressive upgrades like the new locker rooms and the state-of-the-art Mark Paulsen Athletic Performance Center, set to open in 2025.
Now contrast that with coaches who carry national name recognition. Too often, they walk in and fixate on what UNM lacks, rather than what’s been built and where it can go.
That’s why someone like Coach Eck stands out. He comes from a non–Power 5 background, where he achieved success without top-tier resources.
So, imagine what he can accomplish now—with a stronger infrastructure, modern facilities, and a growing support system—adding more tools to an already proven coaching arsenal.
Game Day Vibe: University Stadium, set against the Sandia Mountains, delivers a uniquely Southwest atmosphere that fans cherish.
🔵 Utah State Aggies – Bronco Mendenhall | Logan, UT
Bronco Mendenhall Returns to the MW
Bronco Mendenhall is back in familiar territory—and the Mountain West just got a lot more interesting.
After a brief advisory role at New Mexico, Mendenhall makes his full return to head coaching as he takes the reins at Utah State.
His arrival immediately raises the Aggies’ profile. Known for his no-nonsense, discipline-first approach, Mendenhall brings with him a track record of winning and transforming programs.
At BYU, he compiled an impressive 99–43 record over 11 seasons, never posting a losing record and consistently fielding physical, well-coached teams that outperformed expectations.
Under his watch, the Cougars became a perennial bowl team, known for defensive toughness and preparation.
When he took over at Virginia—a program that hadn’t won more than five games in years—he guided the Cavaliers to their first Coastal Division title and a 2019 Orange Bowl appearance.
His decision to join the Mountain West again, this time in Logan, speaks volumes. This is not a coach easing back into the game—this is a leader who believes Utah State is a place where he can win and win soon.
Mendenhall inherits a roster that’s better than many think. With several returning starters, solid line plays on both sides of the ball, and a quietly impressive offseason haul of transfers, the Aggies could be a dangerous out for anyone in the Mountain West.
The pieces are there, and now, they have a coach who knows how to make the puzzle fit.
Sure, Bronco Mendenhall’s sudden departure from New Mexico after just one season raised plenty of eyebrows.
The frustration only grew when, during a press conference, he dismissed rumors about the Utah State job as “pure speculation”—only to accept the position just two days later. That left a bitter taste among Lobo fans and media alike, who felt blindsided by the abrupt exit.
Still, the storyline only adds fuel to what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the season.
When Utah State travels to Albuquerque to face New Mexico on October 25, emotions will be high, and don’t be surprised if University Stadium is packed to the brim. That one could feel personal for Lobo Nation.
As for the move itself, it’s hard to deny the strategy behind it. Utah State offers a more stable foundation, a recent history of success, and a football culture hungry to return to the top tier of the Mountain West. Mendenhall sees a quicker path to contention—and now, it’s up to the Aggies to prove him right.
Bronco Mendenhall isn’t here to rebuild—he’s here to reload. And the rest of the Mountain West better take notice.
Game Day Vibe: Maverik Stadium rocks with small-town intensity, backed by a loyal and loud fan base.
🔴 UNLV Rebels – Dan Mullen | Las Vegas, NV
Dan Mullen Takes Over at UNLV
When Barry Odom left for Purdue, UNLV wasted no time—and no opportunity—making a bold, headline-grabbing move.
Enter Dan Mullen: the former Florida and Mississippi State head coach with over 100 career wins, a proven track record in the SEC, and a reputation as one of college football’s sharpest offensive minds.
Just a couple of years ago, this kind of hire might have seemed far-fetched. UNLV wasn’t exactly known as a football destination, and big names weren’t circling the program.
But times have changed. With state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium as its home field, increased investment in facilities and recruiting, and a program on the rise, UNLV has become a much more attractive landing spot—and Mullen’s arrival proves it.
Mullen brings far more than just name recognition. At Mississippi State, he turned a historically mediocre program into a top-10 team, developing players like Dak Prescott and bringing national attention to Starkville.
At Florida, he posted back-to-back New Year’s Six bowl appearances and elevated the Gators into SEC contention.
Now, he brings that same quarterback expertise and play-calling prowess to the desert. For a team like UNLV—loaded with young offensive talent and looking to build on a 2023 season that saw them reach the Mountain West title game—Mullen could be the missing piece.
His ability to scheme creatively, elevate quarterbacks, and attract national-level recruits gives the Rebels a real shot to not just stay competitive in the conference, but to dominate it.
It’s also a statement. In an era where college football is more fluid—and competitive—than ever, UNLV is showing it’s not content to sit back.
They’re swinging big. And with Mullen now at the helm, the Rebels aren’t just aiming for bowl games anymore—they’re chasing championships.
Game Day Vibe: Allegiant Stadium offers a dazzling backdrop to the energy of Las Vegas—a true spectacle of college football.
🔵 Fresno State Bulldogs – Matt Entz | Fresno, CA
Matt Entz Takes Over at Fresno State
Fresno State didn’t just make a coaching hire—they made a statement. With the arrival of Matt Entz, the Bulldogs are doubling down on a culture of toughness, defense, and championship expectations.
Entz comes to the Valley with serious credentials. During his tenure at North Dakota State, he posted an astonishing 60–11 record and led the Bison to two FCS national championships.
Under his watch, NDSU remained a dominant force in college football, known for physicality, discipline, and elite-level defensive play.
He built winners—not just teams—and now he brings that same championship mindset to a Fresno State program that expects nothing less.
This move wasn’t by accident. Entz had just landed at USC as linebackers coach and seemed poised to rise in the Power Five ranks.
But when Fresno State came calling, he made a calculated decision to return to the head coaching spotlight.
That tells you all you need to know—this isn’t a stepping-stone job for Entz. He sees Fresno as a place where he can win now.
And the foundation is already in place. The Bulldogs boast one of the most passionate fan bases in the Mountain West, a rich tradition of producing NFL talent, and a “anytime, anywhere” attitude that fits Entz’s style perfectly. He inherits a roster with experience, toughness, and a defense that’s hungry for leadership.
The Fresno faithful will expect results—and fast. Entz knows pressure, and he’s never shied away from it.
His move west is about more than a new challenge; it’s about proving his blueprint for success works at any level.
With Entz on the sideline, Fresno State isn’t just aiming to stay competitive. They’re ready to chase Mountain West titles—and maybe more.
Game Day Vibe: The “Red Wave” at Valley Children’s Stadium turns up the heat—this is Central California’s team, and the fans make sure you know it.
🔁 Returning Coaches Making Their Mark
🔵 Boise State Broncos – Spencer Danielson | Boise, ID
After guiding the Broncos to a 12–2 record and an MW title, Spencer Danielson earned a long-term extension. Young and driven, he’s built deep trust with fans and players.
Game Day Vibe: Albertsons Stadium and its iconic blue turf remain one of college football’s most intimidating settings.
🔵 Colorado State Rams – Jay Norvell | Fort Collins, CO
Now in Year 4, Norvell is pushing the Rams upward after a bowl season. With improved depth and momentum, CSU looks ready to challenge the upper tier.
Game Day Vibe: Canvas Stadium, paired with stunning Rocky Mountain views, delivers a top-tier fan experience.
🔵 Air Force Falcons – Troy Calhoun | Colorado Springs, CO
Troy Calhoun keeps the Air Force rolling with discipline and grit. The option remains deadly, and the Falcons are always a tough out.
Game Day Vibe: Falcon Stadium blends patriotism with altitude—a unique football experience.
🔵 Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors – Timmy Chang | Honolulu, HI
Timmy Chang enters Year 4 under pressure to deliver wins. A program legend, he still has the fans’ support, but expectations are rising fast.
Game Day Vibe: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex pulses with island pride and unmatched atmosphere.
🔵 San Diego State Aztecs – Sean Lewis | San Diego, CA
Sean Lewis returns in Year 2 with offensive upgrades in focus. SDSU fans want points—and wins—and Lewis is tasked with delivering both.
Game Day Vibe: Snapdragon Stadium blends SoCal’s laid-back vibe with hard-nosed Aztec football.
🔵 San José State Spartans – Ken Niumatalolo | San José, CA
Ken Niumatalolo brings Navy-tested leadership to a program seeking stability. The Spartans are building with culture and purpose.
Game Day Vibe: CEFCU Stadium is small, but the passion is loud and real.
🔵 Wyoming Cowboys – Jay Sawvel | Laramie, WY
Jay Sawvel takes over in Laramie, ready to maintain the Cowboys’ gritty identity. Wyoming is high, cold, and hard-hitting—just the way fans like it.
Game Day Vibe: War Memorial Stadium, set at the highest elevation in FBS, is as tough a venue as any in college football.
🔵 Nevada Wolf Pack – Jeff Choate | Reno, NV
Jeff Choate brings edge and intensity back to Nevada. With a defensive mindset and blue-collar approach, the Pack hopes to return to its tough roots.
Game Day Vibe: Mackay Stadium, backed by the Sierra Nevada mountains, remains one of the West’s most underrated home fields.
🏆 What to Expect in 2025
From rising powers to rebuilds, the Mountain West is wide open in 2025. New coaching hires bring bold energy. Veteran leaders aim to build momentum. Whether you’re a Lobo longing for a breakthrough, a Bronco chasing another title, or a Spartan hoping for stability, every fan base has a reason to believe.
The Mountain West 2025–2026 season promises drama, rivalry, surprises, and plenty of Saturday magic.
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