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Mountain West College Football Betting Preview: Boise State Enters 2025 as the Favorite originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Mountain West was home to two of the top Group of 5 teams last season, as UNLV finished 11-3 and Boise State won 12 games, the conference title, and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Broncos are a heavy favorite to win the conference again in 2025, but the Rebels, San Jose State, Air Force, Fresno State, and Colorado State form a strong second tier.
Coaching turnover has been a major theme for this conference in recent seasons, and the remainder of the league - San Diego State, Hawaii, Utah State, Wyoming, Nevada, and New Mexico - is led by a head coach with three or fewer years of experience at their current stop.
Combine coaching changes with an active transfer portal cycle and general roster turnover, and it's easy to see why the Mountain West enters '25 with a significant amount of uncertainty in predicting how this conference will look by the end of the year.
As the start of the 2025 college football season approaches, Athlon Sports writers Steven Lassan and Kyle Wood are breaking down the betting scene conference by conference. After taking a look at the MAC, it's time to head west and examine the Mountain West.
ORDER NOW: Athlon Sports 2025 College Football Preview Guide
Boise State QB Maddux Madsen Joe Rondone, USA TODAY Sports
Win Total: 5.5 at FanDuel; 5.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +1700 at FanDuel; +1800 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +20000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 5.5 (-164 at FD)
Losing seasons like the one Air Force had in 2024 (5-7) are rare under coach Troy Calhoun. After navigating a significant roster turnover from 2023 to ‘24, the Falcons are more experienced and poised to return to a winning record. The quarterback spot is unsettled with Quentin Hayes off the team, and the defense has question marks with three starters back. In Troy Calhoun I trust - the over is one of my favorite plays in the Mountain West.
Kyle Wood: Over 5.5 (-164 at FD)
Despite posting a losing record for the first time since 2018, the Falcons ended the 2024 season on a four-game winning streak. Between that strong finish, returning playmakers on offense and a forgiving schedule, coach Troy Calhoun’s team should be bowl eligible once again.
Win Total: 9.5 at FanDuel; 9.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: -135 at FanDuel; -130 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +5000 at FanDuel; +20000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 9.5 (-180 at DK)
The Broncos will miss running back Ashton Jeanty, but this team should still be a heavy favorite behind quarterback Maddux Madsen and a solid defense to win the Mountain West. Road trips to Air Force, Notre Dame, and South Florida are tough, but I don’t see this team losing three times in the regular season to hit the under. Taking Boise State (+190 at DraftKings) to make the playoff is another pick I like.
Kyle Wood: Over 9.5 (-180 at DK)
The Broncos have a few tough nonconference road games early on, including a trip to Notre Dame. However, their hardest MWC games (UNLV, Fresno State and Colorado State) are all at home. Boise State can handle itself in league play, where it is a combined 21-2 since 2022, so bet on another big year for the Broncos with Maddux Madsen back under center.
Related: Mountain West Football Predictions for 2025
Colorado State coach Jay NorvellMichael Madrid-Imagn Images
Win Total: 6.5 at FanDuel; 6.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +1600 at FanDuel; +1500 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +200000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 6.5 (+120 at DK)
With heavy personnel turnover, along with a tougher schedule than it had in 2024, Colorado State is probably due for some regression off last year’s 8-5 record. However, I think at least seven wins is a reasonable expectation for this team considering at least six winnable games at home, plus favorable matchups against New Mexico, Wyoming, and San Diego State on the road.
Kyle Wood: Over 6.5 (+120 at DK)
The Rams are on the rise under coach Jay Norvell, who oversaw the best season in Fort Collins in a decade. The return of quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is huge for a team that doesn’t bring back many starters. If Colorado State takes care of business at home, seven wins seems well within reach.
Win Total: 6.5 at FanDuel; 6.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +1000 at FanDuel; +900 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +200000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 6.5 (-115 at DK)
I don’t see a ton of margin for error in Fresno State’s schedule. However, even with the roster in transition, I still think the Bulldogs will rebound a bit after a year of coaching uncertainty following Jeff Tedford’s retirement in the summer. Quarterback EJ Warner was also a big-time get for new coach Matt Entz out of the portal. I can see this team hitting at least seven (but it will be tight).
Kyle Wood: Under 6.5 (-115 at DK)
Coaching instability saw the Bulldogs stumble to their first losing season since 2019 last fall. Matt Entz is Fresno State’s fourth coach in five years, and he’s up against a trying schedule with a largely new roster. Entz may ultimately find success in the Valley, but wins won’t come easy early on.
Related: Ranking the Mountain West Coaches for 2025
Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang© Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Win Total: 5.5 at FanDuel; 6.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +1800 at FanDuel; +2000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 5.5 (+125 at DK)
This is a crucial season for coach Timmy Chang, but Hawaii has the pieces to post at least six wins and return to the postseason. Quarterback Micah Alejado is one of my top breakout quarterbacks for ‘25, and the defense should take a step forward with seven returning starters. All seven of the Rainbow Warriors’ home games are winnable.
Kyle Wood: Over 5.5 (+125 at DK)
There’s a path back to a bowl for the Rainbow Warriors with quarterback Micah Alejado leading the charge. Coach Timmy Chang’s team has been on the cusp in back-to-back years now — this might be the season they break through with a manageable nonconference slate and no Boise State on the schedule.
Win Total: 3.5 at FanDuel; 3.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +8000 at FanDuel; +15000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 3.5 (-124 at FD)
I’m a big believer in Nevada coach Jeff Choate. Although the final record was only 3-9, this team showed significant improvement in 2024 for Choate’s debut. The schedule isn’t kind and only four starters are back. I’m not exactly sure of the path, but I think Choate finds a way to exceed preseason expectations.
Kyle Wood: Under 3.5 (+102 at FD)
The Wolf Pack are not well-equipped to survive the schedule in front of them with dates against two 2024 College Football Playoff teams (Penn State and Boise State) and top MWC contenders (UNLV and San Jose State). Nevada hasn’t won more than three games in a season since 2021, a streak that is likely to continue in coach Jeff Choate’s second year in Reno.
Related: Ranking the Mountain West Coaches for 2025
Win Total: 3.5 at FanDuel; 3.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +23000 at FanDuel; +15000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +1000000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Under 3.5 (+135 at DK)
New coach Jason Eck is New Mexico’s third coach in three years after Bronco Mendenhall departed after a successful season in Albuquerque last fall. The Lobos are essentially starting over on both sides of the ball with four returning starters, but Eck landed a solid transfer class that includes FCS standout running back Scottre Humphrey. Despite all of the change, I think New Mexico will be competitive under Eck. However, an upset (or two) is needed to hit the over.
Kyle Wood: Over 3.5 (+105 at DK)
Significant roster turnover and a slew of tough road trips (Michigan, Boise State, UCLA and UNLV) will test coach Jason Eck in his first fall in Albuquerque. Still, there are enough winnable games on the schedule to inspire some level of optimism for the Lobos, especially with quarterback Jack Layne among the Idaho contingent who followed Eck to New Mexico.
San Diego State coach Sean LewisOrlando Ramirez/USA TODAY Sports
Win Total: 4.5 at FanDuel; 4.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +3700 at FanDuel; +5000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 4.5 (-105 at DK)
I still have concerns about San Diego State’s quarterback situation and how far the defense can improve after giving up 29.6 points a contest last year. However, this is essentially a bet on coach Sean Lewis to find a way to exceed expectations, so I will take a flyer on the Aztecs to hit the over. At Kent State, Lewis improved the team’s win total by five in his second year. I doubt San Diego State jumps that high in victories but 5-7 isn’t that unrealistic.
Kyle Wood: Under 4.5 (-112 at FD)
Questionable quarterback play and poor defensive performances doomed the Aztecs down the stretch as they dropped their final six games last season. It’s not clear that San Diego State addressed either issue heading into 2025. Though the schedule isn’t daunting, it’s difficult to see coach Sean Lewis’ team taking a major step forward, either.
Win Total: 7.5 at FanDuel; 7.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +750 at FanDuel; +750 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +200000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 7.5 (-110 at FD)
The Spartans exceeded expectations in coach Ken Niumatalolo’s debut last season and enter 2025 as one of the frontrunners with Boise State for a trip to the Mountain West title game. Avoiding the Broncos and UNLV is huge for San Jose State’s hopes of hitting the over. Also, outside of the Sept. 6 non-conference matchup versus Texas, all of the other 11 games are winnable. I don’t think Niumatalolo’s team will hit double-digit victories with some of the question marks about the roster, but 8-4 is a realistic prediction.
Kyle Wood: Over 7.5 (-110 at FD)
Coach Ken Niumatalolo returned to his winning ways in his first season in San Jose, and the Spartans should challenge for a spot in the conference championship in 2025 considering they avoid both Boise State and UNLV in the regular season. San Jose State hasn’t won more than seven games since joining the MWC in 2013, but that feels like a real possibility with quarterback Walker Eget returning.
Related: Mountain West Football Predictions for 2025
UNLV coach Dan Mullen Lucas Peltier/UNLV Athletics
Win Total: 8.5 at FanDuel; 8.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +650 at FanDuel; +500 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +50000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: MWC Champions (+650 at FD)
UNLV is one of the most intriguing teams to watch in the Group of 5 conferences this season. New coach Dan Mullen is one of the top hires in last year’s cycle, and there’s quite a bit of talent coming in through the portal. How fast will all of this come together? I have UNLV as the No. 2 team behind Boise State in my Mountain West power rankings and would lean 9-3 as a final record pick. While there’s value at taking the over at 8.5, I would sprinkle a bet on the Rebels as the conference champion - especially at +650. And if you think UNLV wins the Mountain West, I'd add a bet on this team to make the playoff (+1200 at DraftKings).
Kyle Wood: MWC Champions (+650 at FD)
The Rebels have seen each of their last two seasons end in the MWC title game at the hands of Boise State. Perhaps coach Dan Mullen’s arrival in Sin City can unseat the Group of 5 favorite. Though the roster is particularly portal heavy, Mullen is more than capable of coaching up this group, which is full of former power conference players. There’s likely more value in taking the Rebels to make the CFP, which might just happen if they win their first MWC championship.
Related: Dan Mullen Embraces High Expectations at UNLV
Win Total: 4.5 at FanDuel; 4.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +5000 at FanDuel; +8000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Under 4.5 (-140 at DK)
Utah State made one of the offseason’s best coaching moves by hiring Bronco Mendenhall away from New Mexico. Considering Mendenhall’s track record of getting the most out of a roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Aggies exceed expectations. UTEP, McNeese, Nevada, and New Mexico are the most winnable games on the ‘25 slate, but with a revamped roster, it’s hard to find another for-sure victory.
Kyle Wood: Under 4.5 (-120 at DK)
The Aggies have their work cut out for them in Bronco Mendenhall’s first year on the job. Utah State is in a full-blown rebuild as it welcomes a third coach in as many seasons. Given that reality, having a pair of SEC road games (Texas A&M and Vanderbilt) on the schedule doesn’t help matters — not to mention visits from Boise State and San Jose State and trips to UNLV and Hawaii.
Related: Ranking the Mountain West Coaches for 2025
Win Total: 5.5 at FanDuel; 5.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +3200 at FanDuel; +4000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Under 5.5 (-150 at DK)
Wyoming showed some signs of life in November for coach Jay Sawvel’s first season and aim to carry that momentum into ‘25. The defense is usually reliable in Laramie, but this unit gave up 28.3 points a game last season and brings back only one starter. Quarterback Kaden Anderson is promising and his development is crucial to a return to a bowl in ‘25. Wyoming should pull off an upset at home, but I think this team falls short of six wins.
Kyle Wood: Under 5.5 (-150 at DK)
Stability on offense should see a return to competence for the Cowboys with so much back on that side of the ball. However, defense remains an area of concern for coach Jay Sawvel’s squad. Wyoming also has a daunting six-game stretch, starting with a home game against Utah and ending with the Border War against Colorado State that leaves little room for error.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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The Mountain West was home to two of the top Group of 5 teams last season, as UNLV finished 11-3 and Boise State won 12 games, the conference title, and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Broncos are a heavy favorite to win the conference again in 2025, but the Rebels, San Jose State, Air Force, Fresno State, and Colorado State form a strong second tier.
Coaching turnover has been a major theme for this conference in recent seasons, and the remainder of the league - San Diego State, Hawaii, Utah State, Wyoming, Nevada, and New Mexico - is led by a head coach with three or fewer years of experience at their current stop.
Combine coaching changes with an active transfer portal cycle and general roster turnover, and it's easy to see why the Mountain West enters '25 with a significant amount of uncertainty in predicting how this conference will look by the end of the year.
As the start of the 2025 college football season approaches, Athlon Sports writers Steven Lassan and Kyle Wood are breaking down the betting scene conference by conference. After taking a look at the MAC, it's time to head west and examine the Mountain West.
ORDER NOW: Athlon Sports 2025 College Football Preview Guide
Mountain West Betting Preview for 2025
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Boise State QB Maddux Madsen Joe Rondone, USA TODAY Sports
Air Force
Win Total: 5.5 at FanDuel; 5.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +1700 at FanDuel; +1800 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +20000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 5.5 (-164 at FD)
Losing seasons like the one Air Force had in 2024 (5-7) are rare under coach Troy Calhoun. After navigating a significant roster turnover from 2023 to ‘24, the Falcons are more experienced and poised to return to a winning record. The quarterback spot is unsettled with Quentin Hayes off the team, and the defense has question marks with three starters back. In Troy Calhoun I trust - the over is one of my favorite plays in the Mountain West.
Kyle Wood: Over 5.5 (-164 at FD)
Despite posting a losing record for the first time since 2018, the Falcons ended the 2024 season on a four-game winning streak. Between that strong finish, returning playmakers on offense and a forgiving schedule, coach Troy Calhoun’s team should be bowl eligible once again.
Boise State
Win Total: 9.5 at FanDuel; 9.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: -135 at FanDuel; -130 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +5000 at FanDuel; +20000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 9.5 (-180 at DK)
The Broncos will miss running back Ashton Jeanty, but this team should still be a heavy favorite behind quarterback Maddux Madsen and a solid defense to win the Mountain West. Road trips to Air Force, Notre Dame, and South Florida are tough, but I don’t see this team losing three times in the regular season to hit the under. Taking Boise State (+190 at DraftKings) to make the playoff is another pick I like.
Kyle Wood: Over 9.5 (-180 at DK)
The Broncos have a few tough nonconference road games early on, including a trip to Notre Dame. However, their hardest MWC games (UNLV, Fresno State and Colorado State) are all at home. Boise State can handle itself in league play, where it is a combined 21-2 since 2022, so bet on another big year for the Broncos with Maddux Madsen back under center.
Related: Mountain West Football Predictions for 2025
Colorado State
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Colorado State coach Jay NorvellMichael Madrid-Imagn Images
Win Total: 6.5 at FanDuel; 6.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +1600 at FanDuel; +1500 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +200000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 6.5 (+120 at DK)
With heavy personnel turnover, along with a tougher schedule than it had in 2024, Colorado State is probably due for some regression off last year’s 8-5 record. However, I think at least seven wins is a reasonable expectation for this team considering at least six winnable games at home, plus favorable matchups against New Mexico, Wyoming, and San Diego State on the road.
Kyle Wood: Over 6.5 (+120 at DK)
The Rams are on the rise under coach Jay Norvell, who oversaw the best season in Fort Collins in a decade. The return of quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is huge for a team that doesn’t bring back many starters. If Colorado State takes care of business at home, seven wins seems well within reach.
Fresno State
Win Total: 6.5 at FanDuel; 6.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +1000 at FanDuel; +900 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +200000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 6.5 (-115 at DK)
I don’t see a ton of margin for error in Fresno State’s schedule. However, even with the roster in transition, I still think the Bulldogs will rebound a bit after a year of coaching uncertainty following Jeff Tedford’s retirement in the summer. Quarterback EJ Warner was also a big-time get for new coach Matt Entz out of the portal. I can see this team hitting at least seven (but it will be tight).
Kyle Wood: Under 6.5 (-115 at DK)
Coaching instability saw the Bulldogs stumble to their first losing season since 2019 last fall. Matt Entz is Fresno State’s fourth coach in five years, and he’s up against a trying schedule with a largely new roster. Entz may ultimately find success in the Valley, but wins won’t come easy early on.
Related: Ranking the Mountain West Coaches for 2025
Hawaii
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Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang© Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Win Total: 5.5 at FanDuel; 6.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +1800 at FanDuel; +2000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 5.5 (+125 at DK)
This is a crucial season for coach Timmy Chang, but Hawaii has the pieces to post at least six wins and return to the postseason. Quarterback Micah Alejado is one of my top breakout quarterbacks for ‘25, and the defense should take a step forward with seven returning starters. All seven of the Rainbow Warriors’ home games are winnable.
Kyle Wood: Over 5.5 (+125 at DK)
There’s a path back to a bowl for the Rainbow Warriors with quarterback Micah Alejado leading the charge. Coach Timmy Chang’s team has been on the cusp in back-to-back years now — this might be the season they break through with a manageable nonconference slate and no Boise State on the schedule.
Nevada
Win Total: 3.5 at FanDuel; 3.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +8000 at FanDuel; +15000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 3.5 (-124 at FD)
I’m a big believer in Nevada coach Jeff Choate. Although the final record was only 3-9, this team showed significant improvement in 2024 for Choate’s debut. The schedule isn’t kind and only four starters are back. I’m not exactly sure of the path, but I think Choate finds a way to exceed preseason expectations.
Kyle Wood: Under 3.5 (+102 at FD)
The Wolf Pack are not well-equipped to survive the schedule in front of them with dates against two 2024 College Football Playoff teams (Penn State and Boise State) and top MWC contenders (UNLV and San Jose State). Nevada hasn’t won more than three games in a season since 2021, a streak that is likely to continue in coach Jeff Choate’s second year in Reno.
Related: Ranking the Mountain West Coaches for 2025
New Mexico
Win Total: 3.5 at FanDuel; 3.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +23000 at FanDuel; +15000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +1000000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Under 3.5 (+135 at DK)
New coach Jason Eck is New Mexico’s third coach in three years after Bronco Mendenhall departed after a successful season in Albuquerque last fall. The Lobos are essentially starting over on both sides of the ball with four returning starters, but Eck landed a solid transfer class that includes FCS standout running back Scottre Humphrey. Despite all of the change, I think New Mexico will be competitive under Eck. However, an upset (or two) is needed to hit the over.
Kyle Wood: Over 3.5 (+105 at DK)
Significant roster turnover and a slew of tough road trips (Michigan, Boise State, UCLA and UNLV) will test coach Jason Eck in his first fall in Albuquerque. Still, there are enough winnable games on the schedule to inspire some level of optimism for the Lobos, especially with quarterback Jack Layne among the Idaho contingent who followed Eck to New Mexico.
San Diego State
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San Diego State coach Sean LewisOrlando Ramirez/USA TODAY Sports
Win Total: 4.5 at FanDuel; 4.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +3700 at FanDuel; +5000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 4.5 (-105 at DK)
I still have concerns about San Diego State’s quarterback situation and how far the defense can improve after giving up 29.6 points a contest last year. However, this is essentially a bet on coach Sean Lewis to find a way to exceed expectations, so I will take a flyer on the Aztecs to hit the over. At Kent State, Lewis improved the team’s win total by five in his second year. I doubt San Diego State jumps that high in victories but 5-7 isn’t that unrealistic.
Kyle Wood: Under 4.5 (-112 at FD)
Questionable quarterback play and poor defensive performances doomed the Aztecs down the stretch as they dropped their final six games last season. It’s not clear that San Diego State addressed either issue heading into 2025. Though the schedule isn’t daunting, it’s difficult to see coach Sean Lewis’ team taking a major step forward, either.
San Jose State
Win Total: 7.5 at FanDuel; 7.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +750 at FanDuel; +750 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +200000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Over 7.5 (-110 at FD)
The Spartans exceeded expectations in coach Ken Niumatalolo’s debut last season and enter 2025 as one of the frontrunners with Boise State for a trip to the Mountain West title game. Avoiding the Broncos and UNLV is huge for San Jose State’s hopes of hitting the over. Also, outside of the Sept. 6 non-conference matchup versus Texas, all of the other 11 games are winnable. I don’t think Niumatalolo’s team will hit double-digit victories with some of the question marks about the roster, but 8-4 is a realistic prediction.
Kyle Wood: Over 7.5 (-110 at FD)
Coach Ken Niumatalolo returned to his winning ways in his first season in San Jose, and the Spartans should challenge for a spot in the conference championship in 2025 considering they avoid both Boise State and UNLV in the regular season. San Jose State hasn’t won more than seven games since joining the MWC in 2013, but that feels like a real possibility with quarterback Walker Eget returning.
Related: Mountain West Football Predictions for 2025
UNLV
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UNLV coach Dan Mullen Lucas Peltier/UNLV Athletics
Win Total: 8.5 at FanDuel; 8.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +650 at FanDuel; +500 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +50000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: MWC Champions (+650 at FD)
UNLV is one of the most intriguing teams to watch in the Group of 5 conferences this season. New coach Dan Mullen is one of the top hires in last year’s cycle, and there’s quite a bit of talent coming in through the portal. How fast will all of this come together? I have UNLV as the No. 2 team behind Boise State in my Mountain West power rankings and would lean 9-3 as a final record pick. While there’s value at taking the over at 8.5, I would sprinkle a bet on the Rebels as the conference champion - especially at +650. And if you think UNLV wins the Mountain West, I'd add a bet on this team to make the playoff (+1200 at DraftKings).
Kyle Wood: MWC Champions (+650 at FD)
The Rebels have seen each of their last two seasons end in the MWC title game at the hands of Boise State. Perhaps coach Dan Mullen’s arrival in Sin City can unseat the Group of 5 favorite. Though the roster is particularly portal heavy, Mullen is more than capable of coaching up this group, which is full of former power conference players. There’s likely more value in taking the Rebels to make the CFP, which might just happen if they win their first MWC championship.
Related: Dan Mullen Embraces High Expectations at UNLV
Utah State
Win Total: 4.5 at FanDuel; 4.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +5000 at FanDuel; +8000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Under 4.5 (-140 at DK)
Utah State made one of the offseason’s best coaching moves by hiring Bronco Mendenhall away from New Mexico. Considering Mendenhall’s track record of getting the most out of a roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Aggies exceed expectations. UTEP, McNeese, Nevada, and New Mexico are the most winnable games on the ‘25 slate, but with a revamped roster, it’s hard to find another for-sure victory.
Kyle Wood: Under 4.5 (-120 at DK)
The Aggies have their work cut out for them in Bronco Mendenhall’s first year on the job. Utah State is in a full-blown rebuild as it welcomes a third coach in as many seasons. Given that reality, having a pair of SEC road games (Texas A&M and Vanderbilt) on the schedule doesn’t help matters — not to mention visits from Boise State and San Jose State and trips to UNLV and Hawaii.
Related: Ranking the Mountain West Coaches for 2025
Wyoming
Win Total: 5.5 at FanDuel; 5.5 at DraftKings
Conference Title Odds: +3200 at FanDuel; +4000 at DraftKings
National Championship Odds: +100000 at FanDuel; +500000 at DraftKings
Steven Lassan: Under 5.5 (-150 at DK)
Wyoming showed some signs of life in November for coach Jay Sawvel’s first season and aim to carry that momentum into ‘25. The defense is usually reliable in Laramie, but this unit gave up 28.3 points a game last season and brings back only one starter. Quarterback Kaden Anderson is promising and his development is crucial to a return to a bowl in ‘25. Wyoming should pull off an upset at home, but I think this team falls short of six wins.
Kyle Wood: Under 5.5 (-150 at DK)
Stability on offense should see a return to competence for the Cowboys with so much back on that side of the ball. However, defense remains an area of concern for coach Jay Sawvel’s squad. Wyoming also has a daunting six-game stretch, starting with a home game against Utah and ending with the Border War against Colorado State that leaves little room for error.
Steven's Best Bets
- Air Force Over 5.5 wins
- Boise State Over 9.5 wins
- Hawaii Over 5.5 wins
- Wyoming Under 5.5 wins
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Kyle's Best Bets
- Colorado State Over 6.5 wins
- Hawaii Over 5.5 wins
- Nevada Under 3.5 wins
- San Jose State Over 7.5 wins
Related: Mountain West Football 2025 Predictions
Related: Ranking the Mountain West's College Football Coaches for 2025
Related: College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025
Related: Ranking the Mountain West's College Football Coaches for 2025
Related: College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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