A reshaped Mountain West faces a pivotal season after 5 teams bolt for the Pac-12

Commissioner Gloria Nevarez attempted to present a positive outlook on the newly formed Mountain West Conference, expressing confidence in its bright future. The league, experiencing its 28th season, recently lost five prominent football programs to the Pac-12 Conference: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State.

To replace these teams, the Mountain West added FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, as well as Northern Illinois and UTEP, reducing the total number of football-playing members from 12 to 10.

Nevarez expressed optimism about the league's prospects, stating that industry experts and those within the league are highly positive about the retained and attracted talent, as well as the coaching caliber. Oddsmakers predict a competitive race, with New Mexico, North Dakota State, and UNLV having odds of 3-1 or better to win the league title. Other teams like Air Force and Hawaii are also expected to be significant factors in the conference standings.

The loss of UNLV and Air Force to the Mountain West Conference may have saved the league from potential disbandment. The Pac-12 made an offer to the Rebels and Falcons, potentially preventing them from joining the American Conference, where both Army and Navy currently reside. North Dakota State, known for its dominance in the FCS, could have continued to compete for titles and potentially add to their trophy collection had they remained in the conference.

North Dakota State's coach, Tim Polasek, emphasized that the team is well-positioned to compete at a high level due to the available scholarships and resources. He also noted that playing in the Mountain West is not a foreign concept, having previously served as Wyoming's offensive coordinator from 2021-23. Coach Dan Mullen of UNLV expressed his team's commitment to achieving the conference championship, with the players embracing the expectations.

Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas, a significant player for UNLV, might have been lured away by a Power Four school, but his decision to stay at UNLV reflects the strong culture and opportunities within the conference.

Rob Harley, the interim head coach at Northern Illinois, was thrust into the role shortly after Thomas Hammock's departure. Harley, previously the defensive coordinator, credits the strong foundation laid by previous coaches, which he believes will serve as a solid base for the team's success. Nevarez predicted stability for the conference due to multimedia contracts that extend through the 2031-32 academic year and acknowledged the decision to maintain 10 football programs for now, despite the possibility of adding more teams in the future.