Mountain West Preview 2026: New Guys
Summary
The hosts preview the 2026 Mountain West Conference, analyzing league realignment and team-by-team outlooks using their signature rose, thorn, and bud format. They discuss New Mexico’s potential, UNLV’s offensive firepower, and Hawaii’s roster changes, while highlighting Northern Illinois quarterback Teron Dickens as a major storyline. The episode also covers Air Force, Wyoming, San Jose State, and newcomer UTEP, concluding with a time capsule prediction segment.
Topics discussed
Intro: NASCAR trip and Mountain West preview setup
Conference realignment and FCS upset draft promo
New Mexico Lobos: Offense, pass rush, and Jack Lane
UNLV Rebels: Jaden Thomas, Jackson Arnold, and defense
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: Offense, depth, and portal strategy
Nokian Tires ad read and ocean tire trivia
Air Force Falcons: QB play and defensive improvements
Nevada Wolfpack: Coaching change and QB battle
Wyoming Cowboys: Defense, offense, and new coordinator
Homefield Apparel sponsor segment
San Jose State Spartans: Turnovers and Ken Niumatalolo
Northern Illinois Huskies: Transition and Teron Dickens
UTEP Miners: New league entry and Scotty Walden
North Dakota State Bison: FBS transition and roster
Preseason awards and Hawaii coach Timmy Chang
Listen ad-free on Castria