Mountain West Showdown: Boise State, UNLV Lead the Pack, but San Jose State and Hawai‘i Could Shake Up the Title Race…..
The 2025 Mountain West football season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and competitive in recent memory. On paper, Boise State and UNLV stand out as the most talented rosters in the conference, with both programs boasting deep lineups, strong quarterback play, and high expectations from fans and analysts alike. Yet, as history has often shown in the Mountain West, the path to the championship is rarely straightforward. San Jose State and Hawai‘i, two programs with plenty to prove, are lurking as dark horses with the potential to disrupt the hierarchy and make a serious run for the conference crown.
Boise State enters the season carrying the weight of tradition and expectation. The Broncos have been the face of the Mountain West for over two decades, consistently competing for championships and serving as the standard of excellence in the league. With a talented returning core and one of the most complete rosters in the conference, Boise State is once again the team to beat. Their offense is fueled by a balanced attack, featuring both a seasoned quarterback who can make plays under pressure and a strong rushing unit capable of wearing down defenses. On the defensive side, the Broncos remain formidable, with an experienced secondary and a front seven that has proven capable of shutting down both run-heavy and pass-oriented opponents.
Meanwhile, UNLV has quickly emerged as the Mountain West’s rising power. The Rebels have made remarkable strides in recent seasons, transforming from a program often overlooked into one of the most feared competitors in the conference. The talent on their roster is undeniable, with explosive playmakers on offense and a defense that has developed into one of the more disciplined units in the league. UNLV’s resurgence has energized the Las Vegas fan base, and their home games at Allegiant Stadium have become a showcase for Mountain West football on a big stage. For many observers, the Rebels have the firepower to challenge Boise State directly for the championship.
Yet, while Boise State and UNLV seem destined for a collision course, the Mountain West has long been a league where surprises unfold, and this year could be no different. San Jose State, led by a determined coaching staff and a roster filled with under-the-radar talent, is quietly preparing to make noise. The Spartans have developed a reputation for resilience, often playing the role of spoiler against higher-profile programs. Their offense, efficient and fast-paced, is designed to keep defenses on their heels, while their defense has grown more disciplined in containing explosive opponents. If the Spartans can string together early wins, their confidence could turn them into legitimate title contenders.
Similarly, the Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors should not be overlooked. Though the program has faced challenges in recent years, Hawai‘i continues to recruit dynamic athletes who thrive in their wide-open offensive system. The Rainbow Warriors’ passing game is particularly dangerous, capable of lighting up the scoreboard and forcing opponents into shootouts. What they may lack in depth compared to Boise State or UNLV, they make up for in grit, speed, and the home-field advantage of playing at Aloha Stadium, where visiting teams often struggle with the travel, environment, and atmosphere. Hawai‘i’s ability to upset top-tier teams has been proven in the past, and they remain a program that no contender can afford to take lightly.
As the season approaches, the Mountain West title race promises high drama. Boise State and UNLV may appear to be the front-runners, but the margin between the top and the chasing pack is razor thin. San Jose State and Hawai‘i, with their blend of energy, playmaking, and determination, are poised to keep the championship conversation wide open. In a conference where upsets are part of the DNA, the 2025 season could deliver yet another thrilling battle for supremacy.
For fans across the Mountain West, the message is clear: don’t blink. Whether it’s the traditional powerhouses or the hungry challengers, the chase for the title is wide open, and every Saturday will matter.
Would you like me to expand this into a weekly breakdown of each team’s key games that could decide the Mountain West race? That way, it feels more like a full sports preview.