The Mountain West Conference is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season, and it's already generating buzz in the basketball world. With the season just around the corner, the conference is making waves with its impressive rankings and potential. But here's the intriguing part: despite the roster turnover, the Mountain West is gaining recognition from a popular rating system, KenPom, which is a significant achievement for a mid-major conference.
According to KenPom's initial rankings, the Mountain West is looking strong with two top-50 teams, five top-80 teams, seven top-100 teams, and nine top-160 teams. The top-ranked teams are 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), and San Jose State (160). Fresno State (190) and Air Force (257) are also part of the conference.
The conference's strength is further highlighted by its top-6 ranking for teams projected to go .500 in conference play, trailing only the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, and ACC. This is a testament to the Mountain West's competitive edge and the depth of its talent.
However, the conference is not without its challenges. The transfer portal and NIL have disrupted the stability of mid-major programs, leading to significant turnover in the top scorers, rebounders, and minutes leaders from the previous year. This means that many teams will have new faces on the court and new strategies to implement.
Despite these challenges, the Mountain West is determined to make a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament for the eighth consecutive year, with a goal of securing four or more bids for the fifth straight year. Grand Canyon, a consistent performer with seven 22-win seasons since 2014-15, adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to the conference.
San Diego State is expected to be a strong contender, but the question remains: who else will rise to the top? The conference's success will depend on the performance of its teams and the ability to overcome the challenges posed by the transfer portal and NIL. As the season unfolds, the Mountain West will have to prove its mettle on the hardwood, and only time will tell if these projections will hold up.
So, what do you think? Who will be the surprise contenders this season? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! The Mountain West Conference is ready to showcase its talent and determination, and we can't wait to see the results.
