Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered what teams are in the Mountain West Conference, you’re in the right place. The Mountain West Conference (MWC) is one of the most competitive Group of Five conferences in college sports, especially in college football and NCAA basketball. This guide walks you through every Mountain West team, key rivalries, stadiums, and practical tips for fans who want to follow Mountain West teams or attend games in person.
Overview: What is the Mountain West Conference?
The Mountain West Conference was founded in 1999 and formed by schools that wanted a stronger regional alliance for athletics. Today the conference is known for competitive football programs, strong mid-major NCAA basketball teams, and passionate fanbases. Mountain West Conference members compete in multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and Olympic sports. Fans often refer to these schools as Mountain West teams or MWC teams.
Current Mountain West Conference members (At-a-glance)
Here are the full members of the Mountain West Conference. These Mountain West teams form the backbone of a conference known for exciting games, frequent bowl appearances, and regular NCAA tournament bids.
- Air Force Falcons (United States Air Force Academy)
- Boise State Broncos
- Colorado State Rams
- Fresno State Bulldogs
- Nevada Wolf Pack
- New Mexico Lobos
- San Diego State Aztecs
- San Jose State Spartans
- UNLV Rebels
- Utah State Aggies
- Wyoming Cowboys
These Mountain West Conference members span the western United States, from the Intermountain West to the West Coast. Below we break down each Mountain West team with quick facts, notable sports, and travel tips.
Detailed profiles: Mountain West teams and what makes them notable
San Diego State Aztecs
San Diego State (SDSU) is a consistent leader in the Mountain West, particularly in football under long-tenured leadership in past seasons and in recent NCAA basketball success. Located in San Diego, the Aztecs play at Snapdragon Stadium for football and Viejas Arena for basketball. Fans enjoy a coastal city trip combined with strong team traditions.
- Strengths: Defense-first football, NCAA tournament appearances in basketball.
- Rivalries: UNLV (the “SDSU-UNLV” rivalry), regional matchups.
- Travel tip: Fly into San Diego International for easy access to campus and local attractions.
Boise State Broncos
Boise State is one of the most recognizable Mountain West teams, especially because of its blue turf at Albertsons Stadium. A frequent top-ranked Group of Five program, Boise State has a strong football tradition and a competitive basketball program as well.
- Strengths: High-level football program with national visibility.
- Rivalries: Fresno State and regional Pac-12 matchups historically; close Mountain West battles.
- Travel tip: Boise offers a compact downtown and easy access to outdoor recreation—plan ahead for winter games.
Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno State consistently fields competitive football and basketball teams. Known for producing NFL talent and strong postseason showings, Fresno State brings passionate fans and notable bowl game appearances.
- Strengths: Balanced athletics program with peaks in football and basketball.
- Rivalries: Boise State has been a key rival; regional intensity with San Jose State and Nevada.
- Travel tip: Fresno is centrally located in California’s Central Valley—great for connecting fans.
UNLV Rebels
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas adds the entertainment capital to the Mountain West mix. UNLV football and basketball enjoy national attention; the basketball history is especially deep with past national success. Visiting fans often pair games with Las Vegas attractions.
- Strengths: Basketball history and recruiting access; emerging football improvements.
- Rivalries: Nevada and San Diego State.
- Travel tip: Combine a trip to a game with downtown Las Vegas experiences—book hotels early for big matchups.
Nevada Wolf Pack
Nevada brings strong football and basketball traditions out of Reno. Known for gritty team play and passionate local support, the Wolf Pack are regular contenders in the Mountain West standings.
- Strengths: Competitive teams across sports; solid fan engagement.
- Rivalries: UNLV (the “Battle for Nevada”) and Fresno State.
- Travel tip: Reno’s proximity to Lake Tahoe makes it a scenic weekend destination for visiting fans.
Colorado State Rams
Colorado State, located in Fort Collins, is a traditional Mountain West presence with strong fan loyalty. The Rams are notable in football and volleyball and field competitive basketball teams that can surprise in conference play.
- Strengths: Strong home atmosphere in football; resilient athletic culture.
- Rivalries: Wyoming (Border War) and Air Force (Rocky Mountain Cup).
- Travel tip: Fort Collins has a lively downtown and is close to the Rocky Mountains for outdoor activities.
Wyoming Cowboys
Wyoming’s athletic programs carry deep traditions. The Cowboys are known for their passionate fanbase and historic rivalries. Wyoming often brings tough road environments and proud uniforms, representing Laramie and the state’s western heritage.
- Strengths: Tough-minded teams and strong home-field advantage in high altitude.
- Rivalries: Colorado State (Border War) and Air Force.
- Travel tip: Prepare for altitude changes when visiting Laramie; winter travel can be affected by weather.
Air Force Falcons
The United States Air Force Academy brings a disciplined, option-based football style and competitive programs across Olympic sports. Games at Falcon Stadium are a showcase of tradition and military pageantry.
- Strengths: Special teams, disciplined play, and unique military academy culture.
- Rivalries: Colorado State and Army/Navy games in national service matchups; Mountain West rivalries are intense.
- Travel tip: Visit the campus for a full experience, including aviation displays and academy tours.
Utah State Aggies
Utah State has a growing profile in the Mountain West with notable bowl appearances and strong football leadership in recent years. The Aggies often challenge higher-ranked opponents and produce memorable upset performances.
- Strengths: Improved recruiting and consistency in football; strong community support.
- Rivalries: Boise State and regional matchups.
- Travel tip: Logan, Utah is a smaller college town—expect family-friendly atmosphere and tight security at events.
New Mexico Lobos
The University of New Mexico brings a unique cultural flavor and strong basketball tradition to the Mountain West. Lobos basketball regularly draws interest, and football fans enjoy matchups in Albuquerque’s high-desert climate.
- Strengths: Basketball history and local support; football competitiveness.
- Rivalries: New Mexico vs. New Mexico State (not in MWC) is fierce; regional Mountain West rivalries apply.
- Travel tip: Albuquerque’s altitude and weather are considerations—pack layers for spring and fall games.
San Jose State Spartans
San Jose State adds the Silicon Valley edge to the Mountain West. The Spartans have grown their programs and have developed notable NFL talent. The convenience of Bay Area travel makes Spartan games accessible to many fans.
- Strengths: Recruiting advantages in California; emerging competitiveness.
- Rivalries: Fresno State and San Diego State; regional intensity with other California programs.
- Travel tip: Consider BART and local transit options when visiting for games—parking can be challenging.
Common Mountain West rivalries and traditions
Rivalries and traditions are a key part of why fans ask what teams are in the Mountain West Conference. Some of the most notable rivalries include:
- Bronco–Bulldog (Boise State vs. Fresno State) — a matchup between two nationally relevant Mountain West teams.
- UNLV–Nevada — the in-state showdown often called the Battle for Nevada.
- Air Force–Colorado State and Wyoming–Colorado State — Rocky Mountain region rivalries with long histories.
- San Diego State–UNLV — a high-energy rivalry with intense fan involvement.
These rivalries affect Mountain West standings and bowl game berths, and they often determine which Mountain West teams get national recognition in college football rankings or NCAA tournament seeding.
How the Mountain West fits into college football and NCAA basketball
The Mountain West is part of the Group of Five in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which means Mountain West teams generally compete for high-level bowl game slots and the chance to be the highest-ranked non-Power Five team. In NCAA basketball, Mountain West teams have produced strong mid-major runs in the NCAA tournament, with programs like San Diego State and Boise State making notable appearances.
Key terms fans search for alongside mountain west teams include “Mountain West standings,” “bowl games,” “conference realignment,” and “NCAA tournament bids.” The conference’s performance in non-conference play often shapes perceptions and postseason opportunities.
Tips for fans: Watching and following Mountain West teams
Whether you’re new to following the MWC or a longtime fan, these practical tips help you get more from the season.
- Follow conference schedules: Mountain West teams have inter-conference and non-conference games—track both for ranking implications.
- Attend rivalry games: Rivalry matchups create the best atmosphere and memorable travel experiences.
- Monitor conference realignment: Realignment can affect future Mountain West teams and schedules—stay updated with official conference announcements.
- Use local transit for city schools: For San Diego State or San Jose State games, public transit can save time and parking frustration.
- Plan for weather and altitude: Mountain and desert climates vary—Laramie, Fort Collins, and Albuquerque require packing for cold or altitude.
FAQ
Q1: How many teams are in the Mountain West Conference?
A1: The Mountain West has 11 full members: Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, and Wyoming.
Q2: Are Boise State and San Diego State in the Mountain West?
A2: Yes. Boise State and San Diego State are both Mountain West Conference members and among the most prominent Mountain West teams in football and basketball.
Q3: Do Mountain West teams get into the NCAA tournament?
A3: Yes. Several Mountain West teams regularly earn berths in the NCAA tournament. Programs like San Diego State and Boise State have made deep runs in recent years, highlighting the conference’s competitiveness in NCAA basketball.
Q4: Will conference realignment change Mountain West membership?
A4: Conference realignment can affect membership in any collegiate conference. While the Mountain West has maintained a stable core of Mountain West teams, fans should watch official announcements for future membership changes.
Q5: Where can I watch Mountain West games?
A5: Mountain West games are broadcast on national and regional sports networks and streamed through conference packages and partner platforms. Check the Mountain West official schedule and local broadcasters for live TV and streaming options.
Conclusion
Now you know what teams are in the Mountain West Conference and what makes each Mountain West team unique. The conference blends tradition, competitive football, and solid mid-major basketball, with passionate fanbases and memorable rivalries. Whether you’re planning a road trip to a rivalry game or tracking Mountain West standings during bowl season, these Mountain West teams offer plenty of excitement for college sports fans.