The Boise State wide receiver, who spent the past two seasons at Indiana, leads the Broncos in receptions (25), receiving yards (441), and touchdown receptions (four). He also averages a team-best 17.6 yards per catch, which ranks No. 3 in the Mountain West. 

The fifth-year senior has emerged as Boise State’s No. 1 wideout – more so than highly touted transfer Chris Marshall, who was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and joined the Broncos as the top-rated junior college transfer in the country. Marshall has played in just three games and has caught three passes for 13 yards. 

Camper is well on his way to having the best statistical season of his career, but he knows better than to allow himself to get complacent after taking the long road to Boise State’s blue turf.

“I just put my head down and work every day,” Camper said. “I know I can’t take anything for granted because it can be taken away at any time.”

The next passes Camper catches could be big ones. Boise State is off this week, but the Broncos travel to UNLV on Oct. 25 (10:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network) for what could be a preview of the Mountain West Championship.

Humble Beginnings

As a senior in high school, Camper wasn’t sure he wanted to play college football. He wasn’t getting recruited by high-level schools, and he considered pursuing other opportunities. 

After a change of heart, he spent two seasons at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas before transferring to Indiana, where he posted a career-best 46 catches for 569 yards in 2022. He struggled with injuries in 2023 and missed spring ball at Boise State this year while recovering.

Boise State wide receivers coach Matt Miller sat down this summer and watched tape of Camper’s 2022 season. He said the receiver showed the versatility and explosiveness that has served him well this season. He also said Camper’s humble beginnings had a lot to do with his success.

“He knows the value of hard work,” Miller said. “You can be the best receiver in the world, but you can’t reach your full potential until you know what it means to sacrifice and work.”

‘Good Vibes’

This year hasn’t just been special for Camper on the field. He was also reunited with his childhood best friend, Boise State wide receiver Latrell Caples, who is also a fifth-year senior.

Camper and Caples have known one another since they were 8 years old. They ran track together, and they took the football field together at Lancaster High School in Texas. After years apart, they’re not only teammates once again, but they’re living together in Boise.

“Being back with him is fun,” Camper said. “He sets the standard in practice, and he always has good vibes off the field.”

Camper said Caples played a big role in bringing him to Boise. Caples, the Broncos’ leading receiver in 2022, said the chance to suit up with Camper again helped him overcome the Achilles Tendon injury that kept him on the sideline last season. Caples is third on the team this season with 12 catches for 156 yards in five games. 

“He’s a dog and a playmaker on the field and a good dude off the field,” Caples said. “He’s worked so hard for this, and he deserves every rep he gets.”

The post Boise State Football: Cameron Camper Leading The Way For The Broncos’ Passing Attack appeared first on HERO Sports.

As you might know, the Midshipmen were one of the toughest offenses to prepare for under Niumatalolo because of their triple-option scheme. Navy found plenty of success with this strategy during his 15-plus years as head coach. 

Now at SJSU, Niutmatalolo’s offense is much more pass-heavy. Despite the change of pace, there hasn’t been a lull in his offense’s production. A primary reason is because of offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann, who Niumatalolo hired shortly after he was named the Spartans’ head coach in January. Stutzmann served as the passing game coordinator at Texas State in 2023 and held various offensive positions at a handful of programs over the past few decades. 

We’ve already been introduced to the potential of this spread offense under Stutzmann and Niutamalolo. Behind wide receiver Nick Nash’s incredible start to the season and some quality quarterback play, San Jose State is averaging 33.5 points and 416 yards per game. 

Sitting at 4-2, the Spartans have been one of the more surprising teams in the Mountain West. College football betting odds had the Spartans’ preseason win total at 4.5 games, a number they should easily go over. Their ability to put points on the board is a big reason why.  

Yet, even with the success, there has been somewhat of a quarterback dilemma in San Jose. Washington State transfer Emmett Brown won the job in the spring and has started every game this season. Brown played pretty much the entirety of each of the first four games, where he averaged 322.5 passing yards per game and passed for 13 touchdowns. He tossed four interceptions. 

Two weeks ago against Nevada, however, the Spartans and Brown were struggling and trailed 28-21 in the third quarter. Backup QB Walker Eget was called into the game and led the Spartans on a game-tying possession and a go-ahead scoring drive.

Following that performance, there was some chatter about who would be the starter going into last Saturday’s contest against Colorado State. Brown started, but Eget came in on the fourth possession of the game and led SJSU on a promising drive that ultimately stalled because of penalties. Eget played all but one play in the second half and tossed a late interception that stymied SJSU’s comeback attempt.

During last week’s weekly press conference, Niutamalolo applauded the mental focus of Eget to get tossed into the Nevada game with what seemed like no notice and not skip a beat. He also noted Stutzmann’s ability to have his QBs prepared for the moment and that Eget typically spends time in practice getting reps with the starters.

However, it was noticeable last week that Eget’s timing was off with his wideouts. There were a couple of throws he missed in the second half that could have turned into much-needed chunk plays.

During Brown’s only play in the second half, the snap went over his head and he was forced to throw the ball away. The Spartans punted two plays later.

Stutzmann has been known to utilize two quarterbacks. In 2019, while he was the passing game coordinator for Hawaii, a young Chevan Cordeiro took some snaps from Cole McDonald in a season where McDonald passed for 4,135 yards and 33 TDs. 

This situation is a little different, and there might be more of a 50/50 split going forward until one of these guys does enough to be the primary option. Of course, utilizing two different QBs can have its advantages, but it can also cause some issues like we saw last week. 

I don’t know who will be starting this week against Wyoming, but I’d argue Eget didn’t do enough to earn the nod. I don’t believe Brown did anything to cost him the job, either. But I will say Brown won the starting job in the spring for a reason and had the Spartans’ offense rolling just a few weeks ago. 

The post Column: Does San Jose State Football Have A Quarterback Dilemma? appeared first on HERO Sports.

The Rebels own two wins over Power Four teams this year. This week, they have a chance to show Oregon State why they should have been included in the first round of Pac-12 expansion. 

The Rebels hit the road Saturday to face Oregon State at 10 p.m. ET on The CW.

UNLV scored at least 50 points for the third time this season in last week’s 50-34 win over Utah State. The Rebels are scoring 45.3 points a game, which ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West. Only Boise State (46.8) is producing more points. 

Led by co-preseason defensive player of the year, linebacker Jackson Woodard, the Rebels are giving up 22.2 points a game, which also ranks No. 2 in the conference behind Hawaii (20.5). UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams has posted 11 touchdowns (nine passing and two rushing) in three games since taking over for Matthew Sluka. 

Oregon State is led by running back Anthony Hankerson, who has posted 639 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season. 

UNLV at Oregon State Betting Line

UNLV is a seven-point college football betting odds favorite, and the Over/Under is 59.5 points. The Rebels are 6-14 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite on the road. Oregon State is 9-11 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home. 

UNLV at Oregon State Prediction

I predict UNLV wins 34-24.

The Rebels’ offense has been rolling since Williams took over, and wide receiver Ricky White has been unstoppable in recent weeks. He has produced three straight 100-yard receiving performances, including a season-high 138 yards against Utah State. Pair that with the best defense in the Mountain West, and UNLV is a nightmare matchup. I think the Rebels will pick up a big win heading into an even bigger matchup against No. 15 Boise State next week. 

Fresno State at Nevada Pick

How to watch: 10:30 ET. CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Fresno State is a three-point favorite and the Over/Under is 49.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Nevada wins 17-14. Nevada scored 21 points in the fourth quarter and knocked off Oregon State last week despite racking up just 69 passing yards. The Wolf Pack leaned on a dominant rushing attack, led by Savion Red’s 137 yards and four touchdowns. I believe Red and athletic quarterback Brendon Lewis, who rushed for 151 yards against the Beavers, will lead Nevada to another win. 

Hawaii at Washington State Pick

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, The CW

Betting line: Washington State is an 18.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 55.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Washington State wins 30-24. The Cougars gave up 220 passing yards last week against Fresno State. This week, they’ll face another high-powered passing attack, led by quarterback Brayden Schager, who leads the Mountain West with 265.3 passing yards a game. Washing State quarterback John Mateer may lead his team to a win, but I don’t see the Cougars covering that massive spread. 

New Mexico at Utah State Pick

How to watch: 4 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max

Betting line: New Mexico is a 1.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 78.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 27-21. New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier racked up 229 yards of offense and three touchdowns last week to lead the Lobos to their second straight 50-point performance. The offense should stay hot this week against a Utah State defense that is giving up a conference-worst 42.8 points a game. 

Wyoming at San Jose State Pick

How to watch: 4 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network/NBC Sports Bay Area

Betting line: San Jose State is an 11.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 51.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Jose State wins 24-10. San Jose State came up short against Colorado State last week, but I believe Wyoming won’t be able to contain the Spartans’ passing attack, which is led by wide receiver Nick Nash. He leads the Mountain West with 61 catches for 806 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Colorado State at Air Force Pick

How to watch: 8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Colorado State is a seven-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 44.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Colorado State wins 38-17. The Rams just knocked off a good team from San Jose State, and I believe Air Force’s offense will not be able to hang with Colorado State’s offense. 

The post CFB Betting Lines: Picks & Predictions For Mountain West Teams In Week 8 appeared first on HERO Sports.

After a stellar 2023 season where he was the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year and the G5 Offensive Player of the Year, there was plenty of hype surrounding the young running back.

But nobody knew he would start this season the way he did. Jeanty ran for 267 yards and six touchdowns – four in the first half alone – in Week 1 against Georgia Southern. Those are single-game BSU football records. That catapulted him into serious Heisman Trophy consideration.

But could Jeanty actually end up winning the award?

Ashton Jeanty’s Heisman Odds

Jeanty is the Heisman Trophy betting odds frontrunner at +175, via BetMGM. He initially wasn’t even on the board.

Jeanty is ahead of Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel (+400) and Miami quarterback Cam Ward (+600).

Ashton Jeanty of Boise State Broncos Football Making Heisman Hopes Known

Boise State posted on social media about Jeanty’s Heisman candidacy back in August. And considering how important he is to the offense and the team overall, it makes sense.

But after his performance in Week 1, plenty of media members began gushing about Jeanty.

The Heisman Trophy Twitter/X account posted a podcast interview with him. Robert Griffin III, a Heisman winner himself during his career at Baylor who’s now a college football commentator, called Jeanty his No. 1 Heisman Trophy frontrunner after the first week of the season.

But no matter how great Jeanty is, he faces an uphill battle to actually receive the award. Group of Five players have historically not won the Heisman very much – and haven’t at all this century. It’s also becoming more and more difficult for non-quarterbacks to win it in recent decades.

Who’s The Last Group of Five Player To Win The Heisman Trophy?

Roger Staubach was the last player from a team currently in the Group of Five to win the Heisman Trophy when he did so with Navy back in 1963.

Others have won it when their teams weren’t in a league that’s considered a “power” conference today. Ty Detmer is the most recent example of that. He won the Heisman in 1990 as the quarterback for BYU, which was in the Western Athletic Conference at the time but is now in the Big 12.

Who’s The Last Running Back To Win The Heisman Trophy?

Derrick Henry is the last running back to win the Heisman during his junior year at Alabama in 2015.

Going back to 2000, only three running backs have won the Heisman. That includes Reggie Bush of USC in 2005 and Mark Ingram of Alabama in 2009.

Who’s The Last Non-Quarterback To Win The Heisman Trophy?

Devonta Smith, a wide receiver at Alabama, won the Heisman four years ago in 2020. He’s only one of four receivers to ever win the award.

Smith is also one of four non-quarterbacks to win the Heisman since 1999.

Since the award was first given out back in 1935, 38 quarterbacks have won the Heisman. Running backs lead the way with 40 Heisman winners, and that’s not including the two fullbacks and two halfbacks which have also won the trophy. Two tight ends have earned the award as well.

Charles Woodson, a cornerback while he was at Michigan, is still the only defender to take the Heisman when he did so in 1997.

Ashton Jeanty Stats

After Week 7, Jeanty has 1,248 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. He leads the country in both categories by a comfortable margin. He’s also caught nine passes for 39 yards and a touchdown.

He’s averaged 9.9 yards per carry.

Last year as a sophomore, Jeanty ran for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns on 220 carries for an average of 6.1 yards per carry. He hauled in 43 passes for 569 yards and five scores.

Jeanty was a freshman in 2022 and split carries with George Holani, another Boise State great who made it to the NFL. That season, Jeanty ran for 821 yards and seven touchdowns on 156 carries for a 5.3 yards-per-carry average while catching 14 passes for 155 yards.

What’s The FBS Record For Rushing Yards And Touchdowns In A Single Season?

Barry Sanders set the FBS single-season rushing yards and touchdowns record at 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in 1988 at Oklahoma State.

Jeanty is actually on track to have a shot of breaking those records. Sanders ran for 1,002 yards and 17 touchdowns on 130 carries in his first five games that season. Jeanty had 29 more yards and one fewer touchdown through his first five games in 2024.

Ashton Jeanty NFL Draft Chances

Jeanty is the No. 1-ranked Group of Five prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft class in my rankings. Barring something catastrophic, he’ll be drafted in April if he decides to move on from the college game.

However, his draft stock could be affected by the same factors as his Heisman Trophy candidacy.

For starters, Jeanty is a running back, a position that’s largely been undervalued in recent years by NFL franchises. Does that mean Jeanty won’t be selected in the first round? No. But it makes it tough for a team to justify taking him early.

Jeanty is also a Group of Five player. Even if he continues to thrive against the Mountain West this year, there’s a chance some teams won’t view him as highly because of the competition he faces.

Ashton Jeanty Height & Weight

Jeanty is a 5-foot-9, 215-pound running back playing in his junior season at Boise State. He’s originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and went to high school at Lone Star High School in Texas.

Boise State Game Next Week

Jeanty and Boise State (5-1) are playing on the road at UNLV on Oct. 25.

Boise State Score Last Week

Boise State defeated Hawaii 28-7 in Week 7.

The post Ashton Jeanty Heisman Trophy Watch: Why The Boise State RB Could Be The Best Player In College Football appeared first on HERO Sports.

They are 4-1 overall, with their only loss being a three-point game at Oregon. They’ve already beaten Washington State by 21 points, and their most recent triumph was a 62-30 victory over Utah State.

But Boise State will only remain in a good position to make the CFP if it continues to win this week against Hawaii.

Boise State vs. Hawaii Betting Odds

Boise State is a -21 college football betting odds favorite against Hawaii, with the Over/Under being 60.5.

The moneyline for Boise State is -1600, while it’s +900 for Hawaii.

Boise State vs. Hawaii On TV

The matchup between Boise State and Hawaii will be televised on CBSSN.

The game will kick off at 11 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 12. The contest is taking place at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Boise State vs. Hawaii Prediction

I project Boise State will win and cover the spread at -21. I also project the game will go Over 60.5 total points.

I realize this game might not be as easy as some might think. Making the trip to Hawaii could be a challenge, and although the Rainbow Warriors are 2-3 overall, they’ve played in close games against UCLA and San Diego State.

But as shown against Utah State, I believe Boise State isn’t a team to mess around and let games get close when they shouldn’t be. I’m anticipating Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty will have another fantastic outing. And while Hawaii’s passing offense might help the Rainbow Warriors put up a few points, I expect Boise State’s defense to play well enough for the Broncos to win by more than three touchdowns.

The post Boise State vs. Hawaii Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch appeared first on HERO Sports.

Now looking forward, here are the top Mountain West prospects who could be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24 and goes on until April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

NFL Draft Mountain West Big Board

The post 2025 NFL Draft: Mountain West Big Board & Top Prospects appeared first on HERO Sports.

Mateer leads Washington State with 453 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, and he has completed 58% of his passes while racking up 1,429 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Against Boise State, he managed just 28 rushing yards and threw an interception in what is the Cougars’ (4-1) only loss of the season.

Mateer and his teammates had an extra week to mull over the loss as Washington State was on a bye last week, but they’re back in action Saturday against another Mountain West contender. The Cougars take on Fresno State at 7 p.m. ET on FS1.

Fresno State (3-2) is also coming off a bye. The last time the Bulldogs took the field, they came up short in a 59-14 loss to UNLV.

Bulldogs quarterback Mikey Keene is one of the most experienced passers in the Mountain West. He ranks No. 2 in the conference with 1,356 passing yards, but he has thrown just seven touchdown passes and six interceptions. 

Washington State at Fresno State Betting Line

Washington State is a 3.5-point college football betting odds favorite, and the Over/Under is 61.5 points. The Cougars are 12-8 against the spread in their past 20 games as the favorite on the road. Fresno State is 14-5-1 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home. 

Prediction

I predict Washington State wins 35-24.

Fresno State has enough experience on offense to put points on the board, but the Bulldogs’ defense has been suspect at times this season. They gave up 30 points against Sacramento State earlier this year, and UNLV had no problem scoring on them. I think Mateer will give the Bulldogs fits and get the Cougars back in the win column. 

Friday Night Matchup

UNLV at Utah State

How to watch: 9 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: UNLV is an 18.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 65.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict UNLV wins 35-21. The Rebels were an overtime field goal shy of picking up their third win against a team from a Power Four conference last week. The offense is clicking under new quarterback Hajj Malik-Williams, and UNLV’s defense is the best in the Mountain West. The Rebels also know they can’t afford another loss if they hope to stay in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff. 

Saturday Games

Boise State at Hawaii

How to watch: 11 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Boise State is a 20.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 59.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Boise State wins 45-35. Hawaii’s passing attack, led by wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, should test Boise State’s secondary, but I believe Heisman contender Ashton Jeanty will put up video game numbers again and lead the Broncos to a win. 

San Diego State at Wyoming

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: San Diego State is a 2.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 42.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Diego State wins 28-21. Quarterback Danny O’Neil (24 of 33, 224 yards, one TD) and running back Marquez Cooper (130 yards, 2 TDs) did just enough to lead San Diego State to a 27-24 win over Hawaii last weekend. I think the Aztecs win another close one this week. 

San Jose State at Colorado State

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max  

Betting line: San Jose State is a 1.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 56.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Jose State wins 30-24. Two potent passing attacks will clash. Quarterback Emmett Brown and wide receiver Nick Nash have taken the Mountain West by surprise, and the Spartans lead the conference with 328.6 passing yards a game. Colorado State has one of the conference’s top wide receivers in Tory Horton, but he’ll need some help on Saturday. 

Air Force at New Mexico

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max  

Betting line: New Mexico is a 6.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 54.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 17-10. Air Force has lost four in a row, including a 34-7 setback against Navy last week. I believe the Falcons’ rushing attack should do some damage, but not as much as New Mexico’s athletic quarterback Devon Dampier, who has accounted for 1,641 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. 

Oregon State at Nevada

How to watch: 7:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Oregon State is a 4-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 47.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Oregon State wins 30-17. Nevada gave up just 114 rushing yards last week in a 35-31 loss to San Jose State, but the Wolf Pack will have to deal with a much more talented backfield this week. Oregon State’s Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson have combined for 935 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. 

The post CFB Betting Lines: Picks & Predictions For Mountain West Games In Week 7 appeared first on HERO Sports.

UNLV now has a chance to get back on track and prove it has the talent to compete for a Mountain West Championship and be a Group of Five team to make the College Football Playoff.

The Rebels, who are 4-1 overall, will go on the road to take on Utah State, which is 1-4 overall and has yet to defeat an FBS opponent this season.

UNLV vs. Utah State Betting Odds

UNLV is a -18.5 college football betting odds favorite against Utah State, with the Over/Under being 65.5.

The moneyline for UNLV is -1200, while it’s +750 for Utah State.

UNLV vs. Utah State On TV

The matchup between UNLV and Utah State will be televised on CBSSN.

The game will kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 11. The contest is taking place at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah.

UNLV vs. Utah State Prediction

I predict UNLV will win and cover the spread at -18.5. I also project the game will go Under 65.5 total points.

I believe this will prove to be a “get right” game for the Rebels. Not that UNLV even needs such a game. The loss to Syracuse in OT wasn’t that bad.

But the Rebels have high aspirations for this season, and I think a blowout win over Utah State would help their case for the CFP.

Hajj-Malik Williams has stepped in at quarterback for the Rebels and has done a phenomenal job. I think USU’s defense will have a difficult time limiting him through the air or on the ground.

I also think UNLV’s defense is one of the better units in the G5. I don’t expect the Aggies to be scoring much in this contest, which should ultimately set UNLV up for a decisive win.

The post UNLV vs. Utah State Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch appeared first on HERO Sports.

They opened the season with a loss to Michigan, and after winning three straight games, they lost at UNLV 59-14.

Fresno State’s schedule doesn’t get any easier this week, as the Bulldogs will face Washington State at home.

Washington State vs. Fresno State Betting Odds

Washington State is a -3.5 college football betting odds favorite against Fresno State, with the Over/Under being 61.5.

The moneyline for Washington State is -165, while it’s +140 for Fresno State.

Washington State vs. Fresno State On TV

The matchup between Washington State and Fresno State will be televised on FS1.

The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 12. The contest is taking place at Valley Children’s Stadium in Fresno, California.

Washington State vs. Fresno State Prediction

I predict Fresno State will win and cover the spread at +3.5. I also project the game will go Under 61.5 total points.

It hasn’t always been obvious, but I believe Fresno State’s defense is a lot better than people might give it credit for. Though their performance against UNLV wasn’t great, the Bulldogs had allowed just 21 points in their previous two games. I’m anticipating that unit to bounce back at home.

And while Washington State is 4-1, I think Boise State exposed some of the Cougars’ weaknesses a couple weeks ago. While WSU did have a bye to prepare for this matchup, I think Fresno State’s offense will do just enough to help the Bulldogs earn an upset victory.

The post Washington State vs. Fresno State Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch appeared first on HERO Sports.

Oregon State and Washington State are in a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West for the 2024 season. But beyond that, OSU and WSU faced an uncertain future.

That was, until recently. Here’s a look at what’s going on with the Pac-12.

Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, Utah State & San Diego State Join The Pac-12

Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State have announced they are officially going to the Pac-12, beginning during the 2026 season.

Those moves will likely create a ripple effect for the rest of the FBS. The Pac-12 needs at least one more team to be technically considered a conference, so others will likely become members of the new-look league. The Mountain West is losing some of its top teams and will be searching for candidates to boost its numbers back up.

Pac-12 officials reportedly believe the league can reach a media deal worth more than the Mountain West’s currently, which could be a key reason for these moves.

The Pac-12 is no longer an autonomous league, meaning it had more influence in regards to NCAA decisions and received more money from the College Football Playoff. It’s uncertain if the Pac-12 could regain that status. It’s also unclear if the CFP would go back to six automatic qualifying spots for conference championship winners, as that number decreased to five following the Pac-12 dropping to two teams.

Pac-12/Mountain West Lawsuit

Several outlets published stories last week about the Pac-12 filing a lawsuit against the Mountain West over its poaching penalties. That number will be more than $50 million now that five teams are going from the Mountain West to the Pac-12.

Those fees are on top of the $17 million per school that the soon-to-be Pac-12 members will have to pay for leaving the Mountain West, though the Pac-12 will cover some or all of that. 

The poaching penalties were part of the scheduling alliance that the Pac-12 and Mountain West made for this season. 

The Pac-12’s argument is it’s an antitrust issue. The conference allegedly is claiming it had no choice but to agree to that deal because most of the conference’s teams had left and the league had only a few months to come up with a schedule for the 2024 season.

Memphis, USF, UTSA & Tulane To Stay In The AAC

The Pac-12 was reportedly hoping to add some of the top programs in the AAC as well, but now that’s not happening.

Memphis, Tulane, South Florida, and UTSA publicly announced a recommitment to the AAC last month. That seriously hampers the Pac-12’s expansion efforts.

All four of those schools are located in good markets, and all four of them were in bowl games in 2023. They were logical targets for the Pac-12 aside from travel costs.

Now the question is what other teams might the Pac-12 be considering.

UNLV, Air Force To Remain In The Mountain West

UNLV, Air Force, and the Mountain West’s remaining full-time members have reportedly recommitted to staying in the Mountain West despite interest from the Pac-12 and AAC.

Air Force was reportedly being considered as an addition for the AAC before Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State announced they were going anywhere.

The move would’ve made sense for the Falcons. They could have joined a league with Army and Navy and could have avoided the uncertainty that the Mountain West is looking at. Air Force also doesn’t play too far from Denver, which provides some benefits as well.

Instead, the Falcons as well as programs like UNLV and San Jose State seem to be a part of the Mountain West’s immediate future.

Pac-12 & Mountain West Don’t Extend Scheduling Arrangement Past 2024

The Mountain West and Pac-12 didn’t sign off on a deal to continue their scheduling agreement past this season. The deadline to do so was Sept. 1.

Oregon State and Washington State made a scheduling deal with the Mountain West for this year. Mountain West teams scheduled seven games against league opponents with another being against either WSU or OSU in 2024. Those two programs aren’t eligible for the Mountain West Championship.

For one year of this arrangement, the two schools are paying the Mountain West $14 million, according to Yahoo Sports.

Pac-12 2024 Conference Realignment News

The Mountain West announced last week the league is bringing in UTEP, which is currently a member of Conference USA and was believed by some to be a potential target for the Pac-12.

UTEP is joining a conference that’s stronger in terms of on-the-field performance.

And that’s not including the five teams which will be members of the Pac-12 in two years. For example, Air Force reached the AP Top 25 as recently as last season, and UNLV was ranked at 25th last week after two wins over Power Four programs.

There’s also familiarity with the Miners and the other current Mountain West teams, as UTEP played against all of those programs while in the Western Athletic Conference.

UTEP’s decision appears to be financially sound as well. The money made from the Mountain West’s TV deal could be more than four times as much as UTEP is making with Conference USA’s. That’s going off of the current numbers of those deals, and that could of course end up changing with so many teams leaving the Mountain West, which has a TV deal that will reportedly expire after next season.

UTEP’s move could also end up making sense from a travel standpoint as well. While Texas State announced its commitment to the Sun Belt, reports have indicated Tarleton State might also end up going to the MW, so that could be another team in the state of Texas. Currently only one other CUSA team is in the Lone Star State (Sam Houston).

UTEP will become a member of the Mountain West on July 1, 2026. The Miners’ football team will begin Mountain West play during the 2026 season.

Which FBS Teams Are Candidates To Join The Pac-12?

• New Mexico State
• UConn
• Toledo
• Northern Illinois

The Pac-12 reportedly wouldn’t need or even want to reach double-digit members in the near future. But it does need at least one more team.

But now that the rest of the MW and any AAC teams appear to be out of the question, the Pac-12 will have to look elsewhere. From a geographical perspective, New Mexico State makes sense. UConn is currently an independent program, so the Pac-12 wouldn’t have to worry about any exit fees with that addition.

The Mountain West reportedly notified the MAC that the MW was interested in adding Toledo and Northern Illinois as football-only members. But those schools would have a lot to consider, including travel costs.

It would’ve made more sense for the Pac-12 to pick up additional Mountain West teams, but those programs have reportedly been offered money made from exit fees to stay.

Also, no one should rule out the possibility of the Pac-12 adding FCS teams. But those programs will likely be considered by the Mountain West now as well.

Which Teams Could Be Expansion Targets For The Mountain West & Pac-12?

• New Mexico State
• Toledo
• Northern Illinois
• Tarleton State
• Montana
• Montana State
• Sacramento State
• North Dakota State
• South Dakota State
• Idaho
• UC Davis

Now that the Pac-12 is loading up on some of the top teams from the Mountain West, the MW is in a tough position. 

As of right now, nine of the current 12 Mountain West teams would need to vote toward dissolving the league. And since it appears the Pac-12 is taking fewer than nine teams, as much as it would save the departing teams plenty of money, that doesn’t seem likely.

If the league only loses five teams, there’s still half of a conference left over.

The obvious first place to look for more teams would be elsewhere in the FBS. Most of the AAC, MAC, and Sun Belt would be too far away to consider, or those teams would prefer to stay in the leagues they are in. However, the Mountain West has reportedly looked at adding Toledo and NIU for football only. Some from Conference USA, specifically New Mexico State, would be a good place to start because of geography. NMSU could be in a league that also features New Mexico.

From there, the Mountain West would be wise to at least consider some of the nearby teams in the FCS, like Tarleton State. That could also include adding arguably the top four teams in that subdivision, which happen to be not too far away – Montana, Montana State, North Dakota State, and South Dakota State. North Dakota and South Dakota could also be in that conversation if taking teams from those states led to legislative leaders requiring a package deal in those instances.

Idaho, a former FBS team, as well as Sacramento State and UC Davis would also make sense because of their locations.

Pac-12/Mountain West Poaching Penalties & Fees

The Mountain West will be owed at least roughly $55 million in poaching penalties for the five teams going to the Pac-12. That’s also not including the $17 million each school has to pay for leaving the league.

Those poaching penalty numbers are part of the scheduling agreement those two leagues made this offseason.

If one Mountain West team had gone to the Pac-12, the Pac-12 would’ve had to pay $10 million. Two schools would have been $20.5 million, four would’ve been $43 million, five is $55 million, and six would be $67.5 million.

That is a lot of money. However, the former Pac-12 teams that left the league paid a $65 million settlement to Washington State and Oregon State. The Pac-12 will also have $190 million in future revenue. So the cash is there.

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What Are The Mountain West Buyouts For Leaving The Conference?

Mountain West teams have to pay $17 million when any one of them leaves the conference with a one-year notice. Any notice less than that amount of time, then the fee would jump to $34 million.

How Much Is The Pac-12 Paying The Mountain West In 2024?

The 2024 Mountain West/Pac-12 arrangement is costing the Pac-12 about $14 million.

Old Pac-12 Teams Now In The Big 12

Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah went to the Big 12 for this season and beyond.

Old Pac-12 Teams Now In The Big Ten

USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington are in the Big Ten beginning this year.

Old Pac-12 Teams Now In The ACC

After those aforementioned eight teams went to other power conferences, Cal and Stanford decided to go to the ACC and are competing in that league this academic year.

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