In just a few months the Mountain West is set to split 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! Last week, we highlighted the top Mountain West non-conference opportunities. This week we have the Friday Five non-conference opportunities for the reformed Pac-12 next football season.
5. Utah State at Utah, September 19th
The slate of non-conference opportunities feature plenty of chances to impress for the Pac-12. Some are more likely than others. Bronco Mendenhall’s Aggies had some ups and downs in his debut season in Logan. Their early season clash with Washington is probably asking a bit much, but could the Aggies push the Utes a week later? It’s hard to picture Utah minus Kyle Whittingham. The Utes aren’t the first program to promote from within after seeing a long-time legend leave, but it seems like those situations rarely work out in college sports. Can the Aggies score an upset?
4. Oregon State vs. Texas Tech, September 12th
It’s been a rough few years for the Beavers after being left stranded by the realignment earthquake. Head coach Trent Bray didn’t last through an impossible transition and he’s been replaced by JaMarcus Shephard. The rebuild of the Beavers might take a minute, I wouldn’t expect huge results out of the gate, but a 2025 College Football Playoff team coming to Corvallis in Week 2 serves up a chance to make a statement. Power 4 competition traveling to Group of 6 stadiums is a rare occurrence nowadays. Can the Beavers make the most of this?
3. Boise State at Oregon, September 5th
The most recent SP+ preseason rankings have Boise State listed as the conference favorite for 2026 Pac-12. They’ll face an Oregon squad slated to be in the Top 5 to open the season, a massive opportunity. However, I can’t rank this game any higher than third. I’m ranking these games by a mix of their likely influence in the College Football Playoff race and quality of opponent. Frankly, Boise State was dreadful against Power 4 competition last season, quarterback Maddux Madsen struggling to compete with Top 25 talent. Winning or even pushing Oregon would be a feather in Boise State’s cap, like it was in 2024, but without Ashton Jeanty to save the day I think it’s far more likely the Broncos will be crushed in Eugene. Big chance, but a long shot to have CFP ramifications.
2. Fresno State at USC, September 5th
It was a familiar story for Bulldogs fans in Matt Entz’s debut season. Promising wins at Oregon State, Hawaii, and Boise State built up excitement, yet an inexplicable home loss to Utah State kept them out of the conference championship. Fresno State will travel to Los Angeles to take on quarterback Jayden Maiava and the USC Trojans, a huge opportunity for the Bulldogs, one I’ll guess has a slightly better chance of producing positive results than Boise’s trip to Eugene. Can Fresno conjure up some 2005 magic? Minus Reggie Bush losing his mind?
1. San Diego State at UCLA, September 12th
I know what you’re thinking. UCLA? Haven’t they sucked in recent years? Yes, but again part of the weight in these rankings is the influence the game could have on the College Football Playoff race. In my mind, Sean Lewis’ Aztecs have a strong chance to pick up a victory at the Rose Bowl. That Power 4 result could set the stage for the Aztecs’ resume. Bob Chesney was a strong hire by the Bruins, so this program might improve immediately, but I like the Aztecs’ chances here and rank it first on this list. When comparing metrics against the AAC, MWC, etc., expect this game to be an important data point.
Others in consideration:
There is an argument for plenty of other games. Boise State faces Memphis in Week 2 in Boise, the conference will very much want that win over the AAC. Colorado State invites Brigham Young to Ft. Collins in September, can Jim Mora Jr. make an early statement? Oregon State travels to Houston in Week 1 for a Power 4 opportunity. I somehow compiled a list that didn’t include Washington State’s THREE Power 4 opponents, away to Washington and Kansas State and hosting Arizona. All big games. And I didn’t forget you, Texas State fans, it’s just unlikely the Bobcats push Arch Manning the Longhorns in the opener.
