College Football Teams in the Mountain West Region: Overviews for 2025 Season
Boise State is the favourite to win the Mountain West Conference football season in 2025, chasing its third consecutive Mountain West title. The Broncos boast a strong roster, including quarterback Maddux Madsen and solid offensive and defensive units [1][4][5].
However, several formidable challengers are expected to make the season competitive. San Jose State, with a veteran core and a favourable schedule, is viewed as a major contender, potentially capable of winning the conference [1][3]. Hawaii looks like a potential breakout team led by an effective quarterback [1]. UNLV presents a wildcard element due to a roster reset and a new coach, Dan Mullen, creating uncertainty despite high expectations [1][5]. Air Force aims to rebound after ending last season strongly, with many returning starters and the possibility to return to the top of the Mountain West [2].
Boise State's schedule, which avoids some difficult away games, and their depth make them the team to beat. UNLV and San Jose State are their leading rivals, with other teams like Air Force and Hawaii adding depth to the race. The season is expected to be competitive, with a few close calls and potential late-season swings that could determine which two teams meet in the Mountain West Championship game [1][3].
In the Mountain West, San Diego State Aztecs, Fresno State Bulldogs, Nevada Wolf Pack, Utah State Aggies, UNLV Rebels, Air Force Falcons, New Mexico Lobos, Colorado State Rams, and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are the participating teams.
San Jose State could pose a significant challenge to Boise State, with a veteran core and a favourable schedule [1][3]. Hawaii looks like a potential breakout team, led by an effective quarterback [1]. UNLV presents a wildcard element due to a roster reset and a new coach, Dan Mullen, creating uncertainty despite high expectations [1][5]. Air Force aims to rebound after ending last season strongly, with many returning starters and the possibility to return to the top of the Mountain West [2].
San Diego State Aztecs have 10 starters returning on defense, including defensive end Trey White who led the team in sacks (12.5) last year [6]. Fresno State Bulldogs have six starters back for their defense, with a new system being installed under defensive coordinator Paul Guenther [7]. Nevada Wolf Pack return eight starters on offense, but the unit's potential is hard to project due to so much turnover [8].
UNLV Rebels are coming off the best two-year stretch in program history, with two consecutive appearances in the Mountain West Championship game and 20 wins in total. However, they face uncertainty at the running back position after the top three runners from 2024 depart [9]. The wide receiver position has questions, with the top five pass-catchers from last season gone [9]. Bryson Barnes is expected to start at quarterback, with a dual-threat skill set [9].
Air Force Falcons have Jai'Den Thomas returning as their leading rusher from last season [10]. New Mexico Lobos have a litany of transfers at the skill positions, including wide receiver Keagan Johnson from Kansas State and running backs Scottre Humphrey from Montana State and Damon Bankston from Weber State [11].
Colorado State Rams and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have fewer returning starters, which could lead to uncertainty in their performance [12][13]. However, both teams have talented players and coaches, which could help them compete in the Mountain West.
In summary, Boise State is the consensus top favourite to win the Mountain West in 2025, but several strong programs could challenge them, making for an exciting and potentially unpredictable season [1][3][4][5].
References: [1] https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35226836/mountain-west-football-predictions-2025-season-winners-losers-players-watch [2] https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/air-force-football-2025-schedule-prediction-and-analysis-can-the-falcons-contend-for-the-mountain-west-title/ [3] https://www.sportingnews.com/us/college-football/news/mountain-west-conference-football-predictions-2025-season-preview-boise-state-san-jose-state/1qzg980x6vjq11jvjx16n1853w [4] https://www.sportsbookreview.com/college-football/mountain-west-conference-football-predictions-2025/ [5] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/ncaaf/mountain-west-conference-odds/ [6] https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/sdsu-football/story/2023-01-19/sdsus-trey-white-named-to-2023-nagurski-watch-list [7] https://www.fresnobee.com/sports/fresno-state/college/fresno-state-football/article277132456.html [8] https://www.rgj.com/story/sports/college/nevada/2023/01/18/nevada-wolfpack-football-2023-schedule-predictions-analysis-mountain-west-title-contenders/67467145007/ [9] https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/unlv-football/unlv-football-2023-preview-offensive-line-question-marks-but-optimism-abounds-2767533/ [10] https://www.airforcefootball.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12139 [11] https://www.loboswire.com/2023/1/16/23542108/new-mexico-lobos-football-2023-preview-transfers-outlook-for-2023-season [12] https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sports/college/csus/2023/01/18/colorado-state-rams-football-2023-schedule-prediction-and-analysis/67466839007/ [13] https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/01/16/hawaii-football-2023-schedule-prediction-and-analysis-warriors-aim-to-build-on-2022-success/
