who will be in the mountain west in 2026

Project Fab

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14-03-2025

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The Mountain West Conference in 2026: A Shifting Landscape

The Mountain West Conference (MW) is on the precipice of significant change. The landscape of college athletics is constantly evolving, fueled by conference realignment, name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, and the ever-shifting power dynamics within collegiate sports. Predicting the exact composition of the Mountain West in 2026 is challenging, but by analyzing current trends and ongoing negotiations, we can paint a reasonably accurate picture of what the conference might look like in three short years.

The Current State of Affairs:

As of late 2023, the Mountain West boasts a membership of 12 teams, a number that’s already been subject to recent change. The departures of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State to the Big 12 in 2024 dramatically reshaped the landscape of the Pac-12, triggering a ripple effect across the NCAA. This instability has left many conferences scrambling to adapt, and the Mountain West is no exception. The existing members, as of late 2023, include:

• Air Force
• Boise State
• Colorado State
• Fresno State
• Hawaii
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• San Diego State
• San Jose State
• UNLV
• Utah State
• Wyoming

Potential Additions: The Great Unknown

The most significant uncertainty surrounding the MW's 2026 composition lies in potential additions. Several factors will determine which schools ultimately join:

• Geographic Proximity: The MW has historically prioritized geographic proximity to minimize travel costs and maximize fan attendance. This suggests that future additions are most likely to come from the western United States.

• Athletic Success and Competitiveness: The conference will want to add programs that can compete at a high level, boosting the overall profile of the MW and its chances of securing lucrative television deals.

• Academic Standards: Maintaining academic integrity is crucial. The MW will undoubtedly consider the academic standing of any potential member.

• Financial Stability: Adding financially sound institutions is paramount for the long-term health of the conference.

Likely Candidates:

Several schools are frequently mentioned as potential candidates for Mountain West membership:

• Schools from the WAC (Western Athletic Conference): The WAC contains several schools geographically situated within striking distance of existing MW members. These schools often lack the resources and national profile to compete in Power Five conferences, making the Mountain West a potentially attractive option. Specific schools like Utah Tech, Tarleton State, and potentially others could be considered. However, the viability of expansion from the WAC is largely dependent on whether the WAC itself remains stable or experiences further attrition.

• Independent Schools: Several schools currently operate independently, seeking a conference affiliation. These schools could prove attractive additions to the MW, offering a chance to bolster the conference’s competitiveness. The challenge here is that successful independent programs often have the option to seek more lucrative opportunities.

• Schools from other conferences facing instability: While less likely given existing relationships, a major shakeup in another conference could lead to unexpected transfers. This scenario is difficult to predict, but remains a possibility given the dynamic nature of collegiate sports.

Challenges Facing the Mountain West:

The Mountain West faces several significant challenges as it looks towards 2026:

• Maintaining Competitiveness: The departure of several prominent programs, along with the potential for further realignment, could hurt the conference's overall competitiveness on the national stage.

• Securing a Lucrative Television Deal: The value of the Mountain West's television contract is directly tied to its membership and competitiveness. Adding strong programs is crucial to securing a favorable deal.

• Dealing with Travel Costs: The vast geographic expanse of the Mountain West presents logistical challenges and high travel costs, particularly for Hawaii.

• NIL Landscape: The rapidly evolving NIL landscape impacts the recruiting efforts of all conferences. The MW must be proactive in supporting its member schools to compete effectively in this arena.

The Future Outlook:

While predicting the exact composition of the Mountain West in 2026 remains a challenge, several scenarios are plausible:

Scenario 1: Status Quo with Minor Additions: The MW maintains its current core membership, potentially adding one or two programs from the WAC or independent ranks. This scenario maintains stability but limits the conference's growth potential.

Scenario 2: Moderate Expansion: The conference adds three to five schools, significantly expanding its footprint and competitive landscape. This would require careful planning and a strategic approach to minimize disruptions.

Scenario 3: Significant Restructuring: A major shift in the landscape of college athletics could lead to a dramatic restructuring of the Mountain West, possibly through mergers with other conferences or a significant overhaul of its membership. This scenario is less likely but remains a possibility.

Conclusion:

The Mountain West Conference in 2026 will likely be a different entity than it is today. While the current members will likely form the foundation of the conference, the addition of new programs is almost certain. The exact composition will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including geographic location, competitive balance, financial stability, and the overall dynamics of college athletics. The coming years will be crucial for the MW as it navigates these challenges and shapes its future. The conference's success will hinge on its ability to adapt strategically and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving landscape. The Mountain West needs to find a balance between stability and ambition, building a sustainable and competitive future in the ever-changing world of collegiate sports.