The Mountain West Conference tips off the 2026-27 season with a significantly altered look after Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State departed for the Pac-12. The league has added Hawai'i, UC Davis and UTEP to create a new 10-team format.
UNLV reached the NIT second round in coach Kevin Pastner's first season and returns forward Tyrin Jones (11.9 points, 5.0 rebounds) and guard Isaac Williamson (8.6 points). The Rebels added transfers Sebastian Mack (Missouri), Cam Miles (Florida State) and MJ Thomas (New Orleans), while the status of Ole Miss transfer AJ Storr remains uncertain as he seeks an additional year of eligibility.
Nevada finished tied for fifth in the Mountain West last season and reached the NIT quarterfinals. Forward Elijah Price returns after earning second-team all-conference and all-defensive honors with averages of 12.8 points and 8.5 rebounds. The Wolf Pack roster includes six transfers in what will be coach Steve Alford's final season before retirement.
New Mexico tied for third in the conference and advanced to the NIT semifinals in coach Richard Pitino's first season. Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall returns after averaging 16.4 points, along with guard Uriah Tenette (10.6 points, 40% shooting) as the Lobos pursue a sixth conference title.
Grand Canyon also finished tied for third in its first Mountain West season after moving from the WAC. The Lopes added former five-star recruit Omaha Biliew, who played at Iowa State and Wake Forest, while guards Jaden Henley and Makaih Williams are among the key returners.
Wyoming finished ninth last season but was picked fifth in the preseason poll after averaging 76.9 points per game. The Cowboys return guards Khaden Bennett and Uriyah Rojas along with forwards Nasir Meyer and Gavin Gores.
Hawai'i joins the Mountain West after winning the Big West tournament and earning an NCAA Tournament berth. The Rainbow Warriors add forward Bol Dengdit (10.7 points, 5.2 rebounds at UC San Diego) to a backcourt featuring Isaiah Kerr and Tanner Cuff.
San Jose State finished 11th with a 3-17 conference record in coach Tim Miles' sixth season. The Spartans brought in forward Mookie Cook, guard Mekhi Mason and forward Robert Vaihola to address scoring and defensive consistency.
UC Davis enters the Mountain West after a 19-win season and a sixth-place finish in the Big West. Guard Connor Sevilla leads the Aggies' returning core.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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