We are right around the mid-point of the season, which is following week four this year, so even though it feels like the season just started, let’s hand out some midseason grades.
The grades are based on a system we have used for years. For each team, we list two grades. The first is an objective grade, meaning a grade based on how each team is in relation to the rest of the teams in the country (a more traditional grade). The second is an adjusted grade, which is based on how the team is performing
in relation to itself and its own expectations. This hopefully will provide a more well-rounded depiction of each team, as some teams can be doing well compared to expectations but not well overall. Similarly, a team can have a good record but not be meeting its own expectations.
As far as grades go, the A range is exceptional, Bs are very good, a C grade means average, D range is disappointing/not doing well, and Fs are awful.
Check it out below, and don’t forget to comment on what you agree or disagree with (just state what you would do differently).
Air Force
- Objective Grade: C-
- Adjusted Grade: C+
The Falcons are a tough team to grade. They are playing good football, especially on offense, but have few wins and piling losses to show for it. Their defense, particularly their young secondary, is holding them back and allowing opponents to pile up the points. However, Air Force has found a dynamic quarterback, and that made their offense exciting. All in all, they grade out to be a roughly average team.
Boise State
- Objective Grade: B+
- Adjusted Grade: B-
The Broncos weren’t expected to be as strong of a team as last year, but the opening-season loss to Southern Florida should still sting. Their flaws and shortcomings aren’t as easily masked without a generational talent who seemingly scored at will. That all being said, Boise State still possesses a great deal of talent on their roster and their offense is capable of putting up a lot of points when things are going right. But they are a bit off their preseason expectations, which is reflected in the grades above.
Colorado State
- Objective Grade: F
- Adjusted Grade: F
The Rams were expected to build off of last year’s bowl berth and some wondered if they were a dark horse conference title contender for 2025. Instead, Colorado State has taken a complete nosedive, struggling in every game, even the matchup they won. Their starting quarterback and offense as a whole have stumbled out of the gate, negating any potential gains made on defense. Whether its their objective or adjusted grade, there is no salvaging the Ram’s grade.
Fresno State
- Objective Grade: B
- Adjusted Grade: B+
The Bulldogs have been a pleasant surprise, rebounding from a disastrous opening game to establish themselves as one of the better teams in the Mountain West. They don’t necessarily do any one thing well, but seem to get the job done regardless. While Fresno State may not be the star pupil, they are pretty consistent and grade out pretty well, which shouldn’t be scoffed at.
Hawaii
- Objective Grade: B
- Adjusted Grade: A-
The Rainbow Warriors have had a strong start to the season, pulling off five wins to this point. Their offense is fun and helps them keep in games against opponents. They grade out as above average thanks to their record thus far, but it’s fair to say they are exceeding expectations, which boosts their adjusted grade a bit. Hawaii has two more byes going forward, which should keep them rested and healthy.
Nevada
- Objective Grade: F
- Adjusted Grade: D
This one is pretty straightforward. The Wolf Pack were expected to be bad and thus far, they are living up (down?) to those expectations. Even when factoring in their adjusted grade, things still aren’t great. Their offense is shuffling through quarterbacks and isn’t able to make any progress on scoring points. Times are definitely tough in Reno
New Mexico
- Objective Grade: B-
- Adjusted Grade: A+
New Mexico seemed to have a lot against them, and no one expected them to succeed this season, with most people thinking they would compete for the bottom of the conference. Instead, the Lobos have been the surprise team of the Mountain West in 2025, competing in every game and appear to be on track for bowl eligibility. Jason Eck and his team are playing very good football, which is captured in the objective grade. They are also shattering expectations, which is captured in the adjusted grade.
San Diego State
- Objective Grade: B+
- Adjusted Grade: A-
The Aztecs have quietly put together a strong first half of the season. Considering they weren’t predicted to be good according to the media, they qualify as a surprise team as well, and look well on their way to making a bowl game in 2025. San Diego State appears to have its offense complementing one another and consistently moving the ball. They get a solid objective grade and a great adjusted grade.
San Jose State
- Objective Grade: D+
- Adjusted Grade: D
The Spartans had high hopes for this season. They reloaded on offense, returned enough talent on defense, and had an easy enough schedule to be thought of as one of the best teams in the Mountain West. Unfortunately, they misfired to start the season and have been trying to climb back into contention. Hopefully, the end-of-season grade is better for San Jose State than this mid-season one, but the first half of the year has been a disappointing one for the team.
UNLV
- Objective Grade: A
- Adjusted Grade: A+
The Rebels were a big mystery heading into the season, and even though it’s hard to tell if the team is actually good, their record illustrates they are getting the job done. Their offense is legit, and their defense is skilled at generating turnovers, even if they are inconsistent overall. In some ways, UNLV’s grades are inflated, and they may be overachieving, but when the team is undefeated, of course, they are receiving the top grades in the conference.
Utah State
- Objective Grade: C+
- Adjusted Grade: B+
The Aggies were hoping to strive .500 team under Coach Mendenhall as they began their roster turnover. They do currently stand at a .500 record, but they are a competitive group that can keep pace with anyone. Their offense is arguably the best in the conference and a big reason for their high marks at the midway point. The Utah State defensive miscues knock them down a peg, but regardless, it looks like the program is ahead of schedule and not a team opponents want to play.
Wyoming
- Objective Grade: C-
- Adjusted Grade: C
The Cowboys have been an up-and-down team so far, which isn’t too surprising. They have fared well against weaker competition, and have made too many miscues against teams more on their footing. However, the comeback win this past weekend was nice to see. Wyoming is still inconsistent on offense, and the injuries haven’t helped. All in all, it’s an average team at best.
