Mountain West Connections All-Conference Selections Recap
While the official All-Mountain West Conference team will be announced later during Media Days, we’re getting a head start on the action by rolling out our own preseason picks.
Our staff submitted their individual ballots, and we compiled the top vote-getters to form this year’s MWCConnection All-Conference teams.
Each squad includes 12 offensive and 12 defensive players, structured to reflect today’s versatile schemes.
Offensively, we selected
2 running backs, 2 wide receivers, and a FLEX—who can be either a running back or wideout.
On defense, the lineup features 2 interior linemen, 2 edge rushers, 3 linebackers, and 4 defensive backs, with one additional FLEX defender to account for various formations.
Special teams selections include a kicker, punter, long snapper, and return specialist. Altogether, that’s 28 players per team, for a total of 56 standouts recognized across the conference.
If you’re curious how these picks compare to last year, check out our postseason 2024 team for a full breakdown. Let the debates begin!
The Mountain West Connections all-conference teams have been announced, and once again, the depth of talent across the league is on full display. All 12 teams were represented in the selections, though some stood out more than others.
Boise State dominantly led the way, placing a staggering 14 players on the list, 12 of whom earned first-team honors. The Broncos’ top-heavy showing is a reflection of both returning star power and high expectations following their College Football Playoff appearance.
San Diego State and San Jose State followed with 8 and 7 selections, respectively, each placing 3 players on the first team. The Aztecs, despite a rocky 2024 campaign, made a noticeable leap from the December list, showing improvement and potential under their current regime.
Hawai‘i also saw an uptick with 6 players selected, 2 of whom landed on the first team. Meanwhile, Wyoming showed surprising strength with 5 total picks and 2 first-teamers, outperforming expectations based on last season’s record.
Air Force and Fresno State had 3 selections each, but the Falcons made the most of theirs—2 of their 3 were first-teamers. Conversely, Fresno State saw a significant drop in recognition compared to earlier projections.
UNLV and Utah State had only 2 picks apiece, though both Rebels earned first-team honors. With a roster heavy on transfers, UNLV’s low total may not reflect their potential ceiling this season.
New Mexico, Colorado State, and Nevada rounded out the list with 3, 2, and 1 selections, respectively. However, none of their players made the first team, highlighting a gap in star-level talent or returning production.
Among the most competitive position groups were running back, wide receiver, long snapper, and returner, with narrow margins separating first and second-team selections. Battles for second-team spots at offensive line, linebacker, and defensive back were especially tight, with strong cases to be made for several players who just missed the cut.
A total of six players were unanimous selections—Maddux Madsen, Matt Lauter, Kage Casey, Trey White, Jordan Pollard, and Gabriel Plascencia—a slightly lower figure than in past years, perhaps reflective of deeper parity across the conference.
With roster turnover, emerging stars, and shifting dynamics, these selections offer a glimpse at who to watch this season—but as always in the Mountain West, expect surprises.
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