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Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos linebacker Jaxton Eck (6) against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Welcome to another edition of “Friday Five”. It finally happened, folks. After years of in-fighting and petty behavior, the Mountain West split has actually happened. The “departing five” have left to reform the Pac-12. The Mountain West has added the likes of North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, and UTEP to fill the gaps.
We at the Mountain West Connection intend to cover both conferences going forward. “Friday Five” will feature the five best of, well, anything leading into football season, alternating between each conference week-to-week. Best quarterbacks, stadiums, mascots, who knows. We’re open to your ideas! This week, we start off with Friday Five linebackers in the Mountain West Conference.
5. Jayden Wilson, UTEP
Finally, it is time to dig into a position that wasn’t ravaged by the transfer portal, and another new face to the Mountain West bringing solid talent with them. Wilson, the 6’1”, 218 lbs senior from UTEP played in 12 games last fall, starting in nine of them. He ranked second on the team with 92 tackles, including 16 against Liberty. The former New Mexico Lobo figures to be a key contributor for the Miners this fall as they hope to buck preseason expectations.
4. Donovan Woolen, North Dakota State
Donovan Woolen returns to Fargo to lead the Bison defense into the Mountain West. He led the team in tackles last season with 86, finishing the year on the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference second team. He racked up 18 tackles against North Dakota alone! Only a junior, the 6’4” 220 lbs stud is one of many candidates that could fight for several all-conference honors.
3. Cam Santee, UNLV
Calling my shot with this one. Santee is a transfer the Rebels added this off-season arriving from Holy Cross. The 6’3” 235 lbs senior was a standout at Holy Cross, playing in 33 games for the Crusaders. He was named to the 2025 All-Patriot League First Team, racking up 110 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. No, Santee hasn’t done it at the FBS level yet, but I expect the Rebels to be a conference frontrunner and Santee figures to hit the ground running.
2. Blake Fletcher, Air Force
Like I said, the recent defensive end posts were difficult at times because that position is typically ravaged by the transfer portal. Linebacker, not so much. Fletcher returns for his senior season an already established star for the Falcons, starting all 12 games and being named second-team All-Mountain West. He led the team, ranked third in the Mountain West and 21st nationally in tackles per game with 9.0. Fletcher will be relied upon this upcoming fall as the Falcons hope to contend in the Mountain West.
1. Jaxton Eck, New Mexico
This one was a layup. Possibly the best player in the Mountain West for 2026, Eck is the heart and soul of this Lobos team. Toss your nepotism suspicions out the door, Eck is a legitimate star. The co-defensive player of the year from 2025 started all 13 games last season, racking up 129 tackles in the process. He finished 10th-nationally in tackles and tackles per game. If the Lobos are to meet their lofty preseason expectations, it will be because Eck led the Lobos to glory. If I had to make a prediction who wins defensive player of the year in the conference, I’d probably pick Eck.
Others in consideration: There are several options that could’ve made this list. Wyoming’s Ethan Stuhlsatz could take a step forward and become a star linebacker. Hawaii’s Jamih Otis might be as good as any of the players listed above, but his knee injury complicates matters. EJ Smith from Nevada, Kimar Nelson from Northern Illinois are also standouts. This position is a strength for the conference, apologies if I omitted anyone.
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