Mountain West Basketball Outlook: Early 2026 Season Favorites and In-Depth Reactions to Recent MBB Coaching Hires
As the 2025–26 college basketball season approaches, the Mountain West Conference is gearing up for what could be one of its most competitive years yet. With key roster changes, new coaching hires, and rising expectations across the board, fans and analysts alike are already making early projections about who might dominate the hardwood. From perennial powerhouses to programs undergoing transformative leadership changes, the Mountain West is buzzing with potential.
Early Favorites: Who’s on Top?
Heading into the 2026 season, San Diego State once again finds itself in the conversation as a preseason favorite. The Aztecs, led by veteran talent and bolstered by a top-50 recruiting class, return much of the core that made last season’s team a defensive nightmare for opponents. With a balance of experience, athleticism, and a proven system under Coach Brian Dutcher, SDSU remains the team to beat.
Not far behind is Utah State, which made a deep conference tournament run last year and has reloaded effectively through the transfer portal. Their dynamic guard play and up-tempo offense will be key to their title hopes, especially as they aim to improve defensively under their still relatively new coaching staff.
Another program drawing early attention is Boise State, which surprised many last season with its grit and depth. With most of its core returning and a few key JUCO additions, Boise is expected to make a serious push for the regular-season title.
Keep an eye on New Mexico and Colorado State as dark horses. Both squads have shown flashes of brilliance in recent years and could disrupt the pecking order with strong early-season performances.
Coaching Carousel: Bold Hires, New Directions
Beyond player projections, the Mountain West has seen several intriguing coaching changes this offseason that could reshape the conference’s landscape.
UNLV made headlines by hiring former NBA assistant Jared Jeffries, a bold move aimed at reinvigorating a program with a storied past but recent underachievement. Known for his player development and recruiting savvy, Jeffries brings a pro-level approach that could attract top-tier talent to Las Vegas.
Air Force also shook things up with the appointment of Jason Gardner, a former Arizona standout with deep ties to grassroots basketball circuits. Though unproven at the Division I level, Gardner’s energy and focus on modernizing the Falcons’ offense could lead to long-term gains.
Meanwhile, San José State replaced Tim Miles with Jamal Hartwell, previously an assistant at USC. His youth, recruiting connections in California, and emphasis on player-led culture signal a new era for a program long in search of identity and consistency.
Each hire reflects a different approach—from revitalization and recruiting emphasis to tactical overhaul. While it’s too early to judge their effectiveness, these coaching moves indicate that Mountain West athletic departments are taking big swings to compete nationally.
Final Thoughts
The Mountain West is entering a compelling chapter. With established contenders, promising newcomers, and ambitious coaching hires, the 2026 season is shaping up to be a must-watch. Whether the old guard continues to dominate or fresh blood rises to the top, one thing is clear: Mountain West basketball is on the rise, and the race for conference supremacy is wide open.
