The Mountain West Conference is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season, and it's already generating buzz among basketball enthusiasts. With the season just around the corner, the conference is making waves with its impressive rankings and the potential for a strong showing in the upcoming tournament.
But here's where it gets interesting: despite the conference's recent success, there's a debate brewing about its long-term sustainability. The transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights have created a challenging landscape for mid-major programs, leading to significant roster turnover. This shift could impact the conference's performance and its ability to maintain its current level of respect.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to the KenPom rankings, the Mountain West Conference is making a strong showing. The initial rankings (https://kenpom.com/conf.php?c=MWC&y=2026) reveal a diverse talent pool within the conference:
- 2 top-50 teams
- 5 top-80 teams
- 7 top-100 teams
- 9 top-160 teams
Here's the full list of rankings:
- San Diego State (No. 30)
- Utah State (42)
- Boise State (53)
- Colorado State (79)
- Grand Canyon (80)
- Nevada (92)
- New Mexico (97)
- UNLV (107)
- Wyoming (155)
- San Jose State (160)
- Fresno State (190)
- Air Force (257)
The Conference's Potential
The conference's strength is evident, with a strong showing in KenPom's projections for teams with a .500 conference record. The Mountain West ranks in the top-6, just behind the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, and ACC. This indicates a competitive and talented conference, but the gap between the next-highest projected team is relatively small, at 1.03.
The Challenge of Sustaining Success
However, the conference faces a significant challenge in maintaining its current level of success. With 13 of its 14 top scorers, nine of its top-11 rebounders, and 16 of its top-18 minutes leaders from the previous year no longer on the roster, the Mountain West must adapt. The transfer portal and NIL rights have accelerated the turnover, making it difficult for mid-major programs to retain their key players.
The Road Ahead
Despite these challenges, the conference is determined to make a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament for the eighth-straight year, with the potential for four or more bids for the fifth-straight year. The addition of Grand Canyon, a team with a strong track record of success, will only add to the excitement and competitiveness of the conference.
Who Will Rise to the Top?
San Diego State is expected to be a strong contender, but the question remains: who else will join them? The conference's future success depends on the ability of its teams to adapt and build upon their current talent. The comments section is open for discussion! Share your thoughts on the conference's prospects and the key players to watch in the upcoming season.
