Our recruiting coverage continues today with a look into the recruiting battles in the different Mountain West battleground states. It only makes sense to review which teams are recruiting the best in each state. After all, recruiting is one of the most significant ways to define if a program succeeds or fails. Given how often a player usually holds offers from many or most of the Mountain West teams, programs are competing against one another for recruits more often than not. While this isn’t accurate
in every case (Boise State and New Mexico probably aren’t going head-to-head for a recruit, for example), it’s true more often than not.
This is not looking at the total number of states a team did or didn’t win. Instead, the emphasis is placed on which team is doing the best in each state. Also, this post focuses more on in-state recruiting battles than on a team’s strategy for recruiting from a few or many different states.
For a state to be considered, it had to fall under one of a few categories. Some states are traditional Mountain West recruiting states, such as California, Texas, Arizona, Washington, Utah, etc. Similarly, other states are listed here because they are the home state of a team in the Mountain West, such as Idaho, New Mexico, or Wyoming. Lastly, a few states are listed for at least this year because either two teams recruited at least one player from the state or one team recruited at least two players from the state.
Recruiting success or “winning” the state is determined by both quality and quantity. The quality of recruiting a state is determined by the number of players a team signed in that state. The quality of their recruiting is defined by the number of three stars (or four stars) among their signees. As can be seen below, some states had more prominent recruiting battles than others. Also, this year will add the previous year’s winners to each state in order to show any potential patterns with specific states or teams.
Here is last year’s version for anyone who wants to see a year-to-year comparison.
Notes:
All numbers and stars are from 247 composite rankings. Transfer players were not considered for the purposes of this article, as they are not recruited from their home state.
This year, in order to break the high number of ties based on the simple data, some judgment calls were made to attempt to have more definitive winners. This was determined by 247 player ratings.
Lastly, the four stars are groups with three stars in this exercise rather than being given a separate category.
California
Number of total players: 94
Number from each school: 18 (Fresno State), 14 (San Diego State), 12 (San Jose State), 10 (Boise State), 10 (UNLV), 8 (Nevada), 6 (Air Force), 6 (New Mexico), 5 (Colorado State), 3 (Utah State), 1 (Hawaii), 1 (Wyoming)
Number of 3/4 stars: 15 (Fresno State), 14 (San Diego State), 10 (Boise State), 10 (UNLV), 9 (San Jose State), 7 (Nevada), 5 (Colorado State), 5 (New Mexico), 3 (Utah State), 1 (Air Force), 1 (Hawaii), 1 (Wyoming)
Consensus: California has always been seen as the top state for recruiting in the Mountain West, and this year was no exception. This makes sense, with three of the twelve covered in this post residing in-state. Once again, it was the state that brought in the most recruits, producing as many players as the next four states combined. All twelve teams signed players from Cali, the only state that can make that claim. Five teams signed ten or more players, while nine signed five or more players. Many teams had great years recruiting California, but this year, Fresno State is arguably the top recruiter in the state, with both the most signees and the most high-quality players, barely edging out San Diego State and others.
2025: San Diego State, 2024: San Jose State, 2023: Fresno State, 2022: San Jose State
Texas
Number of total players: 43
Number from each school: 12 (Air Force), 7 (New Mexico), 5 (Wyoming), 4 (Colorado State), 3 (Boise State), 3 (UNLV), 3 (San Diego State), 2 (Hawaii), 2 (Nevada), 2 Utah State)
Number of 3/4 stars: 7 (New Mexico), 5 (Wyoming), 4 (Colorado State), 3 (Air Force), 3 (Boise State), 3 (San Diego State), 3 (UNLV), 2 (Hawaii), 2 (Nevada), 2 (Utah State)
Consensus: Texas has long been a major recruiting state in the Mountain West and remains the second-most recruited area in the conference, with 10 teams recruiting the state this year. While the Falcons lead the way in total number of commitsm the Lobos secured the highest quality of talent, signing seven three-stars in their 2026 class. Due to this, New Mexico captures the Lone-Star State for the 2026 cycle.
2025: Air Force, 2024: Wyoming, 2023: Boise State, 2022: Utah State
Nevada
Number of total players: 21
Number from each school: 8 (Nevada), 4 (Hawaii), 3 (UNLV), 2 (Wyoming), 1 (Boise State), 1 (New Mexico), 1 (San Diego State), 1 (Utah State)
Number of 3/4 stars: 8 (Nevada), 3 (Hawaii), 3 (UNLV), 2 (Wyoming), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Utah State)
Consensus: Nevada makes a somewhat surprising jump to the third-most recruited state on the list this year, with a total of 21 signees. Eight of the twelve teams signed at least one player, including both in-state schools, making it a competitive area for players. No program saw more success from their efforts this year than the Wolf Pack, who take the start of the second year in a row.
2025: Nevada: 2024: UNLV, 2023: Hawaii, 2022: UNLV
Arizona
Number of total players: 18
Number from each school: 7 (New Mexico), 3 (Hawaii), 2 (Boise State), 1 (Air Force), 1 (Colorado State), 1 (San Jose State), 1 (UNLV), 1 (Utah State), 1 (Wyoming)
Number of 3 stars: 5 (New Mexico), 3 (Hawaii), 2 (Boise State), 1 (Air Force), 1 (Colorado State), 1 (San Jose State), 1 (UNLV), 1 (Utah State), 1 (Wyoming)
Consensus: Arizona has been a key recruiting state for numerous Mountain West teams in the past, coming in fourth in total signees. Nine teams signed a player this cycle, which is actually the third-highest on the list, with three of them signing two commits each. Upon further review, New Mexico did a great job recruiting the state and was head and shoulders above other teams.
2025: San Diego State, 2024: Boise State, 2023: Air Force, 2022: Fresno State
Hawaii
Number of total players: 13
Number from each school: 6 (Hawaii), 2 (Colorado State), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Fresno State), 1 (San Diego State), 1 (San Jose State), 1 (Utah State)
Number of 3/4 stars: 6 (Hawaii), 2 (Colorado State), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Fresno State), 1 (San Diego State), 1 (San Jose State), 1 (Utah State)
Consensus: Hawaii remains a steady state for many teams on the west coast and this cycle was no different. This time around saw seven teams recruit the islands, which is an increase from the previous year. Despite the increased compeition, the Rainbow Warriors were still tough to compete with and Hawaii takes their home state once again.
22025: Hawaii, 2024: Hawaii, 2023: Hawaii, 2022: Hawaii
Utah
Number of total players: 12
Number from each school: 9 (Utah State), 1 (Air Force), 1 (Fresno State), 1 (UNLV)
Number of 3/4 stars: 9 (Utah State), 1 (Fresno State), 1 (UNLV)
Consensus: Utah continues to be a strong recruiting state for these twelve teams, with a dozen players this time around. Four different teams signed players from the Beehive State, although most of them only signed a single player. The exception was the Aggies, which mined their home state exceptionally well once again. Utah State continues their dominance of the state.
2025: Utah State, 2024: Utah State, 2023: Utah State, 2022: Utah State
Florida
Number of total players: 11
Number from each school: 6 (Air Force), 3 (Colorado State), 2 (UNLV)
Number of 3 stars: 3 (Colorado State), 2 (UNLV), 1 (Air Force)
Consensus: Despite being on the other side of the country, MW teams attempt to recruit in Florida from time to time due to its talent-rich status. This was more of an up year as 11 players were signed by three teams. All of them were productive for one reason or another but Colorado State appeared to do the best.
2025: Air Force, 2024: Air Force, 2023: Boise State, 2022: Air Force
Colorado
Number of total players: 10
Number from each school: 2 (Air Force), 2 (Colorado State), 2 (Wyoming), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Nevada), 1 (San Jose State), 1 (Utah State)
Number of 3 stars: 2 (Air Force), 2 (Wyoming), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Colorado State), 1 (Nevada), 1 (San Jose State), 1 (Utah State)
Consensus: The state of Colorado reached double-digit signees for the 2026 cycle, with both in-state programs leading the way, despite neither of them investing too much in the area. Five other teams also signed players in Colorado, making it a bigger competition for players. However, it was Wyoming who narrowly won the state this year.
2025: Air Force, 2024: Colorado State, 2023: Colorado State, 2022: Wyoming
Georgia
Number of total players: 9
Number from each school: 3 (Air Force), 3 (UNLV), 2 (Colorado State), 1 (Boise State)
Number of 3 stars: 3 (UNLV), 2 (Colorado State), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Nevada)
Consensus: After being a scarcely recruited state in the past, Georgia saw a bit of a jump for 2026, nearly reaching double digits after four teams emphasized the state. UNLV saw the most success, perhaps due to Coach Mullen at the helm.
2025: Colorado State, 2024: N/A, 2023: Air Force, 2022: Air Force
Washington
Number of total players: 9
Number from each school: 4 (Nevada), 2 (San Diego State), 1 (Air Force), 1 (Boise State), 1 (UNLV)
Number of 3/4 stars: 4 (Nevada), 2 (San Diego State), 1 (Air Force), 1 (Boise State), 1 (UNLV)
Consensus: Washington hasn’t been a big recruiting state for any one team, but numerous teams do invest to some degree. This year saw five different teams sign nine total players which isn’t much, but it fills out a class nicely. Nevada saw the most success, with all four of their signings being of the three-star variety.
2025: Boise State, 2024: Air Force/SDSU, 2023: Air Force, 2022: Boise State
Idaho
Number of total players: 7
Number from each school: 3 (Boise State), 2 (Colorado State), 1 (Hawaii), 1 (Utah State)
Number of 3 stars: 3 (Boise State), 2 (Colorado State). 1 (Hawaii), 1 (Utah State)
Consensus: Idaho usually belongs to Boise State, but they faced increased compeition this time around, joined by three other teams. While Colorado State gave the Broncos a run for their money, Boise State takes their home state once again.
2025: Boise State, 2024: Boise State, 2023: Boise State, 2022: Utah State
Illinois
Number of total players: 7
Number from each school: 2 (Air Force), 2 (New Mexico), 2 (Wyoming), 1 (San Diego State)
Number of 3/4 stars: 2 (New Mexico), 2 (Wyoming)
Consensus: Not only does Illinois appear on the list for another year, it continues to grow, with four teams this cycle instead of three. That number could continue to grow with Northern Illinois and North Dakota State entering the fold starting this year. But for the 2026 cycle, Wyoming has the edge when looking at individual player ratings.
2025: Air Force, 2024: Nevada/Wyoming, 2023: Air Force & Colorado State, 2022: N/A
Missouri
Number of total players: 6
Number from each school: 4 (Wyoming), 2 (Fresno State)
Number of 3 stars: 4 (Wyoming), 2 (Fresno State)
Consensus: Missouri continues to be fertile recruiting ground for these 12 teams, despite Coach Odom no longer being at UNLV. Instead, Wyoming and Fresno State stepped into the void, with the Cowboys being a step ahead of the Bulldogs.
2025: Colorado State, 2024: UNLV/Wyoming, 2023: Air Force, 2022: N/A
New Mexico
Number of total players: 6
Number from each school: 4 (New Mexico), 1 (Air Force), 1 (Fresno State)
Number of 3 stars: 2 (New Mexico), 1 (Fresno State)
Consensus: While not generally known as a primary recruiting state, even among Mountain West teams, New Mexico does produce some talent. The Lobos have prioritized in-state players during past coaching tenures, and that was the case this year, as they secured several of the top players in the state. While they were not the only school to recruit this state, New Mexico still wins this one easily.
2025: New Mexico, 2024: New Mexico, 2023: New Mexico, 2022: Boise State
International
Number of total players: 5
Number from each school: 3 (Hawaii), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Utah State)
Number of 3 stars: 3 (Hawaii), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Utah State)
Consensus: Teams continue to track down international athletes in hopes that their raw talent will transform into football skills. This year, other teams have put more focus on signing players from other countries, with five total players spread out over three teams. Boise State continued their streak of securing an international player in this class, but they were overtaken this cycle by Hawaii.
2025: Boise State, 2024: Boise State, 2023: Boise State, 2022: N/A
Nebraska
Number of total players: 4
Number from each school: 3 (Fresno State), 1 (Wyoming)
Number of 3/4 stars: 3 (Fresno State), 1 (Wyoming)
Consensus: Nebraska isn’t a big recruiting state among west coast teams, but the Bulldogs ended up seeing a lot of success. Fresno State takes it this time around.
2025: Wyoming, 2024: Air Force/Wyoming, 2023: N/A, 2022: Wyoming
Oregon
Number of total players: 4
Number from each school: 2 (Boise State), 1 (Nevada), 1 (New Mexico)
Number of 3/4 stars: 2 (Boise State), 1 (Nevada), 1 (New Mexico)
Consensus: Oregon continues to go in the wrong direction, with fewer players signed by MW teams than in previous years. These appear to be the three programs prioritizing the state, and Boise State did the most work this year.
2025: New Mexico, 2024: Boise State, 2023: Colorado State, 2022: Boise State
Oklahoma
Number of total players: 4
Number from each school: 1 (Air Force), 1 (Boise State), 1 (Colorado State), 1 (New Mexico)
Number of 3/4 stars: 1 (Boise State), 1 (New Mexico)
Consensus: Oklahoma is recruited by teams in the MW and PAC, even if it’s not anyone’s primary state to find talent. Boise State and New Mexico did the best based on the quality test, but the Broncos ended up signing one of the best players in the state, so Boise State takes it by a slim margin.
2025: Utah State, 2024: UNLV, 2023: Air Force, 2022: New Mexico
Tennessee
Number of total players: 3
Number from each school: 2 (Air Force), 1 (Wyoming)
Number of 3 stars: 1 (Air Force), 1 (Wyoming)
Consensus: Teams continue to find players in this eastern state, but Air Force has a slight edge over Wyoming.
2025: Colorado State, 2024: N/A, 2023: Colorado State, 2022: N/A
Wyoming
Number of total players: 2
Number from each school: 2 (Wyoming)
Number of 3 stars: 2 (Wyoming)
Consensus: The Cowboys were the only team to recruit the state, so Wyoming ends up taking it again.
2025: Wyoming, 2024: Wyoming, 2023: N/A, 2022: Wyoming
New States:
While it is uncertain if these states will become consistent recruiting grounds for teams on the west coast, never say never when it comes to recruiting.
Ohio
Number of total players: 7
Number from each school: 5 (Air Force), 1 (Colorado), 1 (UNLV)
Number of 3 stars: 1 (UNLV), 1 (Colorado State)
Consensus: Ohio is potentially a state that could see more investments going forward, so it’s something to keep an eye on. The Falcons signed the most players by a wide margin, but the Rams and Rebels secured three-star players. Cases could be made for either side of the debate, but this year will go to Air Force.
North Carolina
Number of total players: 2
Number from each school: 1 (Air Force), 1 (Colorado State)
Number of 3 stars: 1 (Colorado State)
Consensus: Only two teams recruited North Carolina this year, and it doesn’t figure to have much staying power going forward, but Colorado State did the best in the two-team competition.
States that did not qualify this year:
There were quite a few states that were recruited by the Mountain West in previous years, but none of the 12 Mountain West teams signed a scholarship player during the 2026 cycle, or they signed players, but didn’t meet the qualifications outlined at the start of the article. States that have zero players for two years will be removed from the list, but can always be considered a “new” state in the future.
Alabama
Number of total players: 0
Number from each school:
Number of 3 stars:
Consensus:
2025: Colorado State, 2024: N/A, 2023: Air Force, 2022: N/A
Iowa
Number of total players: 0
Number from each school:
Number of 3 stars:
Consensus:
2025: New Mexico, 2024: N/A, 2023: New Mexico, 2022: N/A
Kansas
Number of total players: 1
Number from each school: 1 (New Mexico)
Number of 3 stars: 1 (New Mexico)
Consensus:
2025: Air Force, 2024: Wyoming, 2023: Air Force, 2022: N/A
Minnesota
Number of total players: 1
Number from each school: 1 (Air Force)
Number of 3 stars:
Consensus:
2025: Wyoming, 2024: Wyoming, 2023: Air Force, 2022: N/A
Mississippi
Number of total players: 1
Number from each school: 1 (UNLV)
Number of 3 stars: 1 (UNLV)
Consensus:
2025: UNLV, 2024: Nevada/Utah State, 2023: New Mexico, 2022: N/A
Conclusion:
The data above shows where teams focus their recruiting efforts, as well as how successful they are in different states. This is now the sixth year of this exercise, and different trends have emerged.
- All 12 teams recruited California, and along with Texas, they are the clear undisputed Mountain West recruiting states year after year.
- The three in-state California schools, plus Hawaii, UNLV, and now Nevada and Utah State, focused on getting a significant amount of their class from their home state. Many other schools recruit their home state, but not at the same level as Fresno State, SDSU, and SJSU. Although the Rainbow Warriors and Wolf Pack are investing efforts in-state as well, even if it’s a tier below the other schools.
- Air Force, New Mexico, and UNLV did okay in their home states this cycle. Colorado State could do more, and Boise State and Wyoming take the top talent when it is there, although competition is heating up in both of their home states.
- Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii have become bigger recruting states over the last few years, turning into solid second-tier states behind the two big ones. Washington is right behind them and may be on its way if it keeps increasing.
- Oregon continues to trend downward as a MW recruiting state. Instead, more teams appear to be getting into the Plaines (Nebraska), and Midwest (Illinois, Missouri).
- Air Force and Wyoming recruit the midwest more than other teams, while Fresno State made an effort to do the same.
- On that note, coaching changes (especially the head coach, but also assistants) can heavily impact which areas schools are recruiting. This was clearer with the new head coaches at Fresno State and UNLV.
