By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
It was only Week Zero, and the Mountain West’s Playoff hopes are already cooked.
UNLV was the lone program in the conference viewed as a playoff contender. Losing to Memphis at home underlines a hierarchy: The American > Mountain West.
The American is coming off a strong 2025 season and has now further distanced itself from the revamped MWC.
So how does that affect teams out West?
For Week One, there are no Mountain West teams in the Top 10.
Here’s how they stack up.
1. Oregon (0-0, 0-0) ◄►
Every season opener is important. But this game against Boise State feels different.
The Broncos are now in the Pac-12, and the Ducks are looking to make a statement.
These are the types of matchups that Dan Lanning thrives in. High pressure, high expectations.
The spread is currently set at 24. It might not be high enough.
2. USC (0-0, 1-0) ◄►
The final score against San Jose State is meaningless.
Most of the points were scored against the third-string players in the 4th quarter. The Trojans dominated with their starters.
It was an odd Week Zero matchup with limited fan attendance. Check the box and move on.
Fresno State on Friday night is coming up quick.
3. BYU (0-0, 0-0) ◄►
After a long offseason, football is finally back.
The Cougars host a terrible Utah Tech team on Saturday for the opener. The Vegas oddsmakers currently have the spread at 50 points.
The real test is in Week Two when Arizona makes the trip to Provo.
For now, staying healthy is the main objective.
4. Washington (0-0, 0-0) ◄►
The Apple Cup is receiving special treatment this year. The game is set for Sunday afternoon on NBC.
The unique circumstances present an opportunity for the program to seize.
Demond Williams Jr. is one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
A large margin of victory against a rival would be a great start to the year.
5. Utah (0-0, 0-0) ◄►
Expectations are high for Utah. The Utes enter the year ranked No. 21 in the AP Poll.
Devon Dampier proved his efficiency in the Big 12 and returns for the new era.
Morgan Scalley has waited years for this moment.
Only time will tell just how good this Utah team really is.
6. Boise State (0-0, 0-0) ◄►
The Broncos are about to walk into a firestorm.
Forget the series history. This is the new Oregon football. This is Dan Lanning’s version of the Ducks.
Nobody is expecting Boise State to be competitive.
If the game is close, the program will gain respect. If it’s a blowout, the Pac-12 will have a bad result to deal with.
7. Arizona (0-0, 0-0) ◄►
Noah Fifita starts his redshirt senior season with a matchup against Northern Arizona.
The game presents an opportunity for live-action reps with his retooled receiving corps.
Most of the attention, however, will be focused on Arizona’s secondary.
The Wildcats lost several key players and need contributors to emerge.
8. California (0-0, 0-0) ◄►
It’s a new era in Berkeley. And it begins with a bang.
The Bears host UCLA at Memorial Stadium for a critical game.
One result never defines a program. But a victory here would jumpstart the trajectory under Tosh Lupoi.
Run the score up on them, and the hype will only be larger.
9. Arizona State (0-0, 0-0) ◄►
Cutter Boley has been named the starting quarterback for the Sun Devils.
It was expected ever since he committed to Arizona State out of the portal.
Entering the opener with clarity, it’s time to run the score up.
Anything less than a convincing blowout against Morgan State would be questionable.
10. San Diego State (0-0, 0-0) ▲NR
The Aztecs enter the season with momentum.
Sean Lewis led the team to nine wins last year, and the new Pac-12 is up for the taking.
The Week Two matchup at UCLA is a Litmus Test. Beat the Bruins in Pasadena, and the respect will grow.
SDSU enters the year as one of the favorites in the rebuilt Conference.
Dropped Out: UNLV
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
