Western Conference Football Previews Highlight Roster Overhauls for Air Force and UTEP
As the 2026 college football season approaches, Air Force and UTEP face significant structural challenges on the field, while Western Conference baseball programmes secure national recognition.
Air Force football enters the 2026 campaign with a mandate to reverse the trajectory of two previous disappointing seasons. The institution’s offensive strategy will centre on a dual-threat quarterback, supported by depth at the running back position and continuity along the offensive line. However, the programme must navigate the loss of its top receivers, necessitating a tactical shift that integrates backup quarterbacks as primary playmakers.
Defensively, the Falcons are attempting to stabilise a unit that performed poorly in the preceding year. While the team retains experienced personnel at linebacker, edge, and safety, it faces the substantial task of replacing its entire defensive line. Analysts at College Football News project a 7-5 record for the season, a figure that assumes the team can secure upset victories while improving its pass defence capabilities.
UTEP presents a more complex structural challenge, beginning its schedule with two matches against major Power Four programmes. The Miners are required to replace all 11 offensive starters from the previous year, a deficit they aim to offset through strategic acquisitions from the transfer portal. Despite these offensive transitions, the defensive core remains intact, with returning players at every level of the unit.
Projections for UTEP suggest a target of three to four wins, acknowledging the difficulty of a brutal start to the season before transitioning into a conference schedule. The institution’s reliance on new offensive talent against established Power Four opponents sets a high bar for early-season performance.
Beyond football, statistical analysis by CBS Sports analyst Cody Nagel has ranked all 138 FBS teams by returning snaps played. UNLV leads the Western Conference at number 60, with SDSU and Boise State also ranking within the top 70. Conversely, UTEP, San Jose State, Northern Illinois, and Wyoming are positioned in the bottom 15, a metric that reflects roster continuity rather than immediate competitive strength.
In baseball, Washington State’s Nick Lewis was named the 2026 Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year. Lewis recorded a 10-2 record with a 2.97 ERA over 100 innings pitched, marking the first time a Cougar pitcher has achieved a 10-game winning season since 2000. Nevada’s Mikey Cruz Jr. was selected to the ABCA West All-Region Second Team at designated hitter.
UNLV’s Drew Barragan also received national recognition, adding to the conference’s recent accolades. The Mountain West softball team concluded the 2026 season ranked in the Top 25, underscoring the broader institutional success across multiple athletic disciplines within the conference.
