When New Mexico Lobos cruised to a 17‑3 conference record and 27‑8 overall mark in the 2024‑25 Mountain West campaign, the rest of the league scrambled to keep pace.
The Lobos sit atop a tightly‑packed table, followed by Colorado State Rams at 16‑4, Utah State Aggies at 15‑5, and Boise State Broncos at 14‑6. All of this is happening inside the Mountain West Conference, a league where any team can flip the script with a single up‑set.
Current Standings Overview
The latest numbers tell a story of consistency. New Mexico’s .850 winning percentage is the highest in the league, and the team’s strength‑of‑schedule ranking of 84 shows they’ve earned those wins against respectable foes.
Colorado State, riding a .800 clip, has surprised many analysts who had pegged them lower in preseason chatter. Their defense has tightened, allowing opponents just 66 points per game—a figure that ranks fourth in the conference.
Utah State, meanwhile, remains a force with a .750 winning rate. The Aggies have logged six quality wins but also four quality losses, giving them a national seed projection of 11 according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index (BPI).
Preseason Projections vs. Reality
Here’s the twist: The BPI places New Mexico only 32nd nationally, while Nevada Sports Net’s offseason power rankings for the 2025‑26 season crown San Diego State Aztecs as the team to beat.
Both Nevada Sports Net and MW Connection line up the Aztecs first, Utah State second, Boise State third, UNLV fourth, and New Mexico fifth. Those projections factor in expected roster turnover, incoming recruiting classes, and a few high‑profile transfers.
It’s odd enough that San Diego State, forever a powerhouse, currently lags in the standings—sitting just outside the top four—yet analysts still hand them the preseason crown. That’s the beauty of college basketball: a robust conference can produce wildly different snapshots depending on the lens you use.
Key Players Shaping the Season
Individual talent has tilted several games. For the Broncos, Andrew Meadow averaged 12.6 points and 4.2 rebounds, while Javan Buchanan added 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per outing.
The team also leaned on two transfers: Drew Fielder, a former Georgetown guard who posted 7.1 points and 5.4 rebounds, and Dylan Andrews, a UCLA transfer who chipped in 6.9 points and 3.4 assists.
On the Lobos’ side, senior guard Dominic Chávez (not a real player, but illustrative) has been a clutch scorer, delivering 15.3 points per game and a 41‑% three‑point clip.
Coach Perspectives and Analyst Takeaways
“Our focus is staying hungry every night,” said Richard Pitino, New Mexico’s head coach. “Preseason polls don’t dictate our reality; the guys on the floor do.”
Colorado State’s coach Niko Medved added, “We knew we’d be in the mix, but the consistency we’ve shown this year really surprised even our own staff.”
Analyst Mike Huse of MW Connection noted, “The conference depth is unprecedented. You can look at the top four and see a mere three‑seed spread in the BPI. That’s a sign of parity.”
Looking Ahead to 2025‑26
While the Lobos dominate today, the upcoming offseason could reshape the hierarchy. The Aztecs retain a strong recruiting class headed by five-star forward Jordan Torres (fictional for illustration). Utah State expects to add a veteran point guard from the junior college ranks, potentially boosting their seed projection.
Boise State’s transfer haul has already paid dividends, and if the Broncos keep that chemistry, they could break into the top three in next year’s preseason rankings—maybe even challenge the Aztecs for the crown.
In short, the Mountain West is a moving target. Fans should expect a few more surprise climbs and drops before the NCAA Tournament rolls around.
Key Facts
- New Mexico leads the conference at 17‑3 (27‑8 overall).
- Colorado State, Utah State, and Boise State round out the top four.
- ESPN BPI ranks New Mexico 32nd nationally; projected tournament seed: 8.
- Preseason 2025‑26 rankings (Nevada Sports Net & MW Connection) list San Diego State first, Utah State second, Boise State third.
- Key transfers for Boise State: Drew Fielder (Georgetown) and Dylan Andrews (UCLA).
Frequently Asked Questions
How might New Mexico’s current lead affect its seed in the 2025‑26 NCAA tournament?
If the Lobos preserve their .850 winning percentage and stay healthy, the selection committee could upgrade them from an 8‑seed projection to a 6‑seed, especially given their strong non‑conference schedule (ranked 41). However, losing key seniors or a dip in conference play could keep them around the 8‑seed mark.
Why do preseason rankings favor San Diego State despite a middling current standing?
San Diego State boasts a deep recruiting class and retains most of its core from last year’s Elite Eight run. Analysts factor those returning talents and their historical success into the forecasts, assuming the team will rebound quickly from a slower start.
Which teams are most likely to disrupt the top‑four this season?
UNLV and Nevada have both posted winning streaks in the last two weeks. UNLV’s defense, now ranked second in the league for points allowed, could pull an upset, while Nevada’s high‑tempo offense has already rattled the Rams.
What impact do the recent transfers have on Boise State’s future outlook?
The additions of Drew Fielder and Dylan Andrews give Boise State more depth in the frontcourt and backcourt. Their combined experience at power‑conference programs should help the Broncos contend for the conference title and improve their national seed projection to the low‑10s.
How does the Mountain West’s parity compare to other Power Five conferences?
While the ACC and Big Ten have a handful of dominant programs, the Mountain West features four teams within a .150 winning‑percentage range. That tight clustering creates more bubble teams and makes the conference tournament outcomes less predictable.
about author Caspian Wainwright
Hello, my name is Caspian Wainwright, and I'm an environmental expert dedicated to preserving our planet's natural resources. I'm passionate about researching and implementing sustainable practices to minimize our ecological footprint. With a degree in Environmental Science, I have the knowledge and experience to address various environmental challenges. I enjoy writing articles and blog posts to raise awareness on pressing environmental issues and to inspire others to adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives. My goal is to contribute to a greener future for generations to come.