The impending divorce is upon us, the Mountain West is set to split this summer with the “departing five” leaving to create the reformed Pac-12. The Mountain West has added the likes of North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, and UTEP to fill the gaps.
We at the Mountain West Connection intend to cover both conferences going forward. “Friday Five” will feature the five best of, well, anything leading into football season, alternating between each conference week-to-week. Best quarterbacks, stadiums,
mascots, who knows. We’re open to your ideas! This week, we start off with the Friday Five non-conference opportunities for the Mountain West next football season.
5. UNLV vs. Memphis, August 29th
At first glance Memphis might seem like an odd choice to start off this list. The Mountain West features double-digit Power Four opponents this season. I could easily make a list longer than five featuring those teams, but we have to keep our eyes on the prize: the College Football Playoff. The Pac-12 is the obvious foe in the Mountain West’s path, but the American Athletic Conference isn’t going anywhere. It remains a threat and you can bet this contest between UNLV and Memphis will be a data point when comparing the two. This is a must-win for both the Rebels and the conference.
4. UNLV vs. California, October 3rd
Let’s stay with the Rebels here. UNLV doesn’t have any Power Four road games this season, but the ACC’s (still feels stupid to type) Cal Golden Bears will play in Vegas this season. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele will be a star for the Bears in 2026. If the Rebels want the upperhand in playoff talks, winning this game will be vital.
3. Hawaii at Stanford, August 29th
The Rainbow Warriors experienced a breakthrough season under head coach Timmy Chang last fall, and the victory that lit the fuse was the opening day win over the Stanford Cardinal at Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Quarterback Micah Alejado battled through an ankle injury (that ended up plaguing him all season) in the 23-20 win. Right out of the gate, Hawaii is tasked with defending their CFP hype. Can the Warriors take this show on the road?
2. New Mexico at Oklahoma, September 19th
I’m largely ranking these opportunities with a balance of importance in the CFP race, and the likeliness of the conference actually winning the game. There are other huge clashes with the likes of USC, Michigan, Iowa, etc., but Jason Eck’s Lobos are one of the conference frontrunners and I wanted to include one longshot game. Yes, New Mexico will be a huge underdog in Norman, but Eck’s Lobos have already tasted an upset last season. Can they stun quarterback John Mateer and the Sooners? Unlikely, but it would be a statement by the Lobos and MWC if the Lobos were to win or even keep the game close.
1. Hawaii at Arizona State, October 10th
Hawaii has put together a helluva 2026 schedule. Not just two road games against Power Four opposition, but two road games against winnable competition. Not easy games by any means, it’s Hawaii football there is no such thing as an easy road game for this program, but Hawaii has set the stage to beat possibly 1-2 Power Four teams on the road and solidify a strong College Football Playoff resume. If the Pac-12, AAC, etc. fail to register any big wins in non-conference play, Hawaii’s schedule lends a massive opportunity. I’m not making any grand predictions, Hawaii could lose both games and go 7-5 for all I know. The pressure is on. The stage, however, is set.
Others in consideration:
Plenty. Again, I ranked this list based on likelihood of winning/competing. There are other big opportunities for various reasons. Wyoming opens the season in Ft. Collins for the Border War and UTEP hosts Oregon State in late September. You know the MWC will be itching to score wins against the Pac-12. San Jose State plays a bodybag game at USC, UTEP plays one at Oklahoma and another at Michigan. Prove me wrong, Spartans/Miners. Northern Illinois faces both Iowa and Arizona on the road. Nevada will play UCLA late in the season in LA. The Mountain West isn’t short on chances to make an impression in 2026.
