Mountain West Analysis

Mountain West power rankings

  1. New Mexico is 6-1 in 2026, 3-0 in Mountain West play, with 259 points scored and 79 allowed (+180). Team skill rating 88, 1st of 10 in the Mountain West.

  2. North Dakota State is 6-2 in 2026, 3-2 in Mountain West play, with 222 points scored and 100 allowed (+122). Team skill rating 81, 5th of 10 in the Mountain West.

  3. Air Force is 5-2 in 2026, 3-2 in Mountain West play, with 199 points scored and 146 allowed (+53). Team skill rating 76, 10th of 10 in the Mountain West.

  4. Wyoming is 5-3 in 2026, 4-1 in Mountain West play, with 156 points scored and 160 allowed (-4). Team skill rating 79, 6th of 10 in the Mountain West.

  5. 5 UNLV Rebels 4-3

    UNLV is 4-3 in 2026, 2-1 in Mountain West play, with 169 points scored and 166 allowed (+3). Team skill rating 82, 4th of 10 in the Mountain West.

  6. San José State is 4-4 in 2026, 2-2 in Mountain West play, with 163 points scored and 180 allowed (-17). Team skill rating 82, 3rd of 10 in the Mountain West.

  7. Nevada is 3-4 in 2026, 2-2 in Mountain West play, with 184 points scored and 154 allowed (+30). Team skill rating 77, 9th of 10 in the Mountain West.

  8. Hawai'i is 2-6 in 2026, 1-4 in Mountain West play, with 166 points scored and 196 allowed (-30). Team skill rating 83, 2nd of 10 in the Mountain West.

  9. 9 UTEP Miners 1-6

    UTEP is 1-6 in 2026, 0-3 in Mountain West play, with 106 points scored and 261 allowed (-155). Team skill rating 78, 8th of 10 in the Mountain West.

  10. Northern Illinois is 0-7 in 2026, 0-3 in Mountain West play, with 106 points scored and 270 allowed (-164). Team skill rating 78, 7th of 10 in the Mountain West.

How these rankings work

The order is computed, not hand-picked. Programs are sorted by 2026 win percentage, then by point differential per game, then by team skill rating. The team skill rating blends the skill-engine grades of each program's projected starters on offense, defense and special teams with its head coach rating. Before a game is played, the order is the team skill rating alone. For the official conference table, see the Mountain West standings.

All 10 Mountain West programs ordered by 2026 results and team skill rating, with the numbers behind each spot. Rebuilt from the latest data through the season.

About the author and reviewer

Written by

The MOUNTAINWESTFOOTBALL.CO Desk

Conference Newsroom · Independent Mountain West coverage since 2026

The house desk of MOUNTAINWESTFOOTBALL.CO - independent researchers tracking every Mountain West game, stat and storyline.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is ranked first in the Mountain West power rankings in 2026?

New Mexico sits first, ordered by 2026 record, then point differential, then team skill rating.

How often are the Mountain West power rankings updated?

The order is rebuilt from the latest results and ratings on every site update through the season.