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Conference Newsroom · Independent Mountain West coverage since 2026
The house desk of MOUNTAINWESTFOOTBALL.CO - independent researchers tracking every Mountain West game, stat and storyline.
Mountain West Analysis
Mountain West power rankings
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North Dakota State is 5-0 in 2026, 2-0 in Mountain West play, with 168 points scored and 49 allowed (+119). Team skill rating 83, 2nd of 10 in the Mountain West.
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New Mexico is 4-1 in 2026, 1-0 in Mountain West play, with 217 points scored and 53 allowed (+164). Team skill rating 89, 1st of 10 in the Mountain West.
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Air Force is 3-1 in 2026, 1-1 in Mountain West play, with 116 points scored and 80 allowed (+36). Team skill rating 77, 10th of 10 in the Mountain West.
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UNLV is 3-2 in 2026, 1-0 in Mountain West play, with 125 points scored and 118 allowed (+7). Team skill rating 82, 5th of 10 in the Mountain West.
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San José State is 3-2 in 2026, 1-0 in Mountain West play, with 113 points scored and 125 allowed (-12). Team skill rating 82, 4th of 10 in the Mountain West.
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Wyoming is 2-3 in 2026, 1-1 in Mountain West play, with 71 points scored and 110 allowed (-39). Team skill rating 79, 8th of 10 in the Mountain West.
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Nevada is 1-3 in 2026, 0-1 in Mountain West play, with 109 points scored and 97 allowed (+12). Team skill rating 78, 9th of 10 in the Mountain West.
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Hawai'i is 1-4 in 2026, 0-3 in Mountain West play, with 88 points scored and 124 allowed (-36). Team skill rating 82, 3rd of 10 in the Mountain West.
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UTEP is 1-4 in 2026, 0-1 in Mountain West play, with 82 points scored and 207 allowed (-125). Team skill rating 79, 7th of 10 in the Mountain West.
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Northern Illinois is 0-4 in 2026, with 55 points scored and 145 allowed (-90). Team skill rating 79, 6th 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is ranked first in the Mountain West power rankings in 2026?
North Dakota State 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.