The Mountain West Conference is set for a reshaping of its football landscape as it welcomes North Dakota State, Northern Illinois and UTEP into the league, while longtime members Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State and Colorado State prepare to move on to the newly configured Pac‑12. Hawaii, which has been a football‑only affiliate since 2012, will now join as a full‑time member, adding another layer of geographic diversity to the circuit.
Conference leaders and coaches alike have voiced enthusiasm about the upcoming changes, emphasizing that the influx of new programs brings fresh talent, broader recruiting reach and the promise of heightened competition.
Coaches React
Troy Calhoun of Air Force praised the extended recruitment footprint into Texas and the Midwest, noting that the new alliances open doors for talent that could strengthen the league’s depth.
Timmy Chang of Hawaii expressed excitement about the new teams joining the conference and the opportunity it creates for his squad to contend for championships.
Jeff Choate from Nevada described the Mountain West as a tough and competitive arena, underscoring the league’s reputation for hard‑nosed play.
Jason Eck of New Mexico pointed to UNLV as a potential powerhouse and highlighted North Dakota State as a great addition that could shift the balance of power.
Tim Polasek of North Dakota State said he is eager to face new opponents and feels the energy brought by the expanding league will be palpable.
Rob Harley of Northern Illinois emphasized the quality and challenge that the league now presents from top to bottom, suggesting that depth will be a defining characteristic.
Ken Niumatalolo of San Jose State loves the diversity and excitement that the new members inject, seeing the conference as a vibrant mix of styles and ambitions.
Dan Mullen of UNLV highlighted the high expectations and competitive nature of the conference, indicating that every team will be measured against a new standard.
Scotty Walden of UTEP is thrilled about reigniting rivalries and appreciates the leadership the conference provides as it navigates this transition.
Jay Sawvel of Wyoming appreciates the addition of North Dakota State and UTEP for their brand presence and passionate fan bases, factors he believes will enrich the league’s atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of established programs and fresh entrants, the Mountain West is positioning itself for a future where championship aspirations are shared across a wider map. The coming seasons will test how well the conference can integrate its new members while preserving the rugged identity that has defined it for decades.