The college football regular season has wrapped up, and this is the last week of the MWCConnection Football Rankings for 2025. Let us know what you think and feel free to drop your own rankings in the comments
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1) Boise State (+1)
The Broncos pulled it off again. Despite an inconsistent season and dropping two conference games late in the season, they made the title game and beat UNLV comfortably to capture their third straight championship. Their offense flowed much better with the return of their starting quarterback and their defense got better as the year went on. Boise State may not have the best record, they may not have been the best story, but they are the best team and finish the year as the top team in the Mountain West once again.
2) UNLV (-1)
The Rebels drop out of the top spot with the championship game loss, failing to put the exclamation point on their strong season. Anthony Colandrea carried the team throughout much of the season, earning him conference player of the year. He carried them as far as he could in the title game, but ultimately, they fell short. As good as their offense was, their defense struggled to pull its weight, and they had to settle for runner-up status for the third season in a row.
Since no other team played last week, the write-up is the same for the other 10 teams.
3) New Mexico (-1)
The Lobos keep finding ways to win, with the latest over former first-place San Diego State. Their efforts knocked the Aztecs out of the championship, but it wasn’t enough to put themselves in the title game. It’s been a tremendous season for New Mexico, with nine wins and a bowl game for the first time in roughly a decade. They can reach double-digit wins during bowl season if they keep this up.
4) San Diego State (-1)
The Aztecs controlled their own destiny more than every other MW team heading into the weekend, but they couldn’t take advantage, dropping the game against New Mexico in overtime. It’s still been a great season for San Diego State, mostly on the strength of their defense. However, Sean Lewis was hired for his offensive mind and that side of the ball will need to find ways to improve if they want to win a conference championship going forward.
5) Hawaii (0)
The Rainbow Warriors ended their regular season on a high note, with a solid offensive showing and an even better defensive one. They had a very successful season, despite some miscues, and are back in a bowl game after a long drought. Hawaii exceeded expectations in nearly every facet, and hopefully, this can be a stepping stone for the program as the offseason draws closer.
6) Fresno State (0)
The Bulldogs had a strong season, capped off with a big win to end the regular season. Their passing game could use a boost going into next season, but their run scheme went mostly according to plan. While Fresno State didn’t do quite enough to play for the championship, they will play in a bowl game, which is cause for celebration in 2025.
7) Utah State (0)
The Aggies were consistent in their inconsistency this season, and had a vintage performance in that regard on Friday. The offense came out aggressively, full of explosive plays behind their star quarterback. But they struggled on third and fourth down. While Utah State’s defense didn’t allow a ton of points (25), they gave up over 500 yards of offense and couldn’t come up with enough big plays. That’s what puts them here in the rankings.
8) Air Force (0)
The Falcons won a rivalry game this season, claiming the Ram-Falcon Trophy to close out the season. Their offense looked strong, even without their star quarterback. The system helped them put up over 40 points, with over 300 yards on the ground on the day. It was a trying season for Air Force, but the young team could make some noise next season if they stick around.
9) Nevada (0)
The Wolf Pack brought a two-game winning streak into a rivalry game and couldn’t sustain the momentum, getting blown out. There were some bright spots in November for the program, but not enough to make a difference in the rankings. The key now for Nevada is holding on to their young talent so they can build on the end of this season, rather than having to start from square one once again.
10) Wyoming (0)
The Cowboys end their season with four straight losses, which took them from a middling team to a program that is more at the bottom of the conference. It’s the same old pattern for Wyoming; one of the better defenses in the country is hampered by an offense that struggles to score points, especially in the passing game. They need to figure things out next season.
11) San Jose State (0)
The Spartans have been the most disappointing team of the Mountain West, which is saying something in a season full of disappointing teams. They didn’t have much offense, having to start a backup quarterback and shuffling a few during the game. San Jose State will be in search of many answers after the season, although their offensive system shows it can work.
12) Colorado State (0)
There isn’t much to say about the Rams that hasn’t already been said. They were up against a rival and a team that also isn’t very good this year, but it ended up not mattering, as they faltered once again. Colorado State now has a new coach, and will turn their attention to roster management.
