Utah State takes command of Mountain West men’s basketball power rankings

Aggies hit century mark in MWC opener

Utah State Aggies guard Mason Falslev. | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Utah State is the clear favorite in the Mountain West after pummeling Colorado State in its conference opener. 

The Aggies (10-1, 1-0) have matchups with the three worst teams in the MWC ahead of a Jan. 10 road trip to Boise State (8-4, 0-1). 

Here is the latest edition of our MWC power rankings for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season. 

All times listed are Mountain Standard Time

1. Utah State 

Last result: 100-58 home victory over Colorado State (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Previous ranking: 1

Season record: 10-1, 1-0

Analysis: The metrics love the Aggies as they chase a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Fresno State, 7 p.m. (Mountain West Network) 

2. New Mexico 

Last result: 88-65 home victory over San Jose State (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Previous ranking: 4

Season record: 10-2, 1-0

Analysis: New Mexico, the reigning MWC regular-season champion, has won seven straight games entering a road showdown with Boise State. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Boise State, 9 p.m. (FS1)

3. San Diego State 

Last result: 121-59 home victory over Whittier (Monday)

Previous ranking: 3

Season record: 7-4, 1-0

Analysis: The Aztecs need to bank some victories to enter the NCAA Tournament picture.

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at San Jose State, 8 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)

4. Nevada 

Last result: 81-66 home victory over Boise State (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Previous ranking: 6

Season record: 9-3, 1-0

Analysis: The Wolf Pack has ripped off five straight victories entering a critical road matchup with Colorado State. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Colorado State, 7 p.m. (Mountain West Network)

5. Boise State

Last result: 81-66 road loss to Nevada (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Previous ranking: 3

Season record: 8-4, 0-1

Analysis: The Broncos have a tough start to MWC play with upcoming games against New Mexico and San Diego State. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. New Mexico, 9 p.m. (FS1) 

6. Grand Canyon

Last result: 91-78 home victory over IU Indianapolis (Monday)

Previous ranking: 8

Season record: 8-4, 1-0

Analysis: In their first MWC game, the Lopes scored a road win over Wyoming last weekend. 

Up next: Saturday, Jan. 3 vs. Colorado State, 6 p.m. (Mountain West Network) 

7. Colorado State

Last result: 100-58 road loss to Utah State (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Previous ranking: 5

Season record: 9-3, 0-1

Analysis: It was a nightmare start to MWC play for the Rams, who also lost star forward Kyle Jorgensen to injury during the blowout loss. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. Nevada, 7 p.m. (Mountain West Network)

8. Wyoming

Last result: 82-70 home loss to Grand Canyon (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Previous ranking: 7

Season record: 9-3, 0-1

Analysis: The Cowboys weren’t good enough defensively in a MWC-opening loss to Grand Canyon. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Air Force, 2 p.m. (Mountain West Network)

9. UNLV

Last result: 84-72 home victory over Fresno State (Saturday, Dec. 20) 

Previous ranking: 9 

Season record: 5-6, 1-0

Analysis: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn erupted for 28 points in the win over Fresno State. 

Up next: Monday, Dec. 29 vs. La Sierra, 8 p.m. (Mountain West Network) 

10. Fresno State

Last result: 84-72 road loss to UNLV (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Previous ranking: 10

Season record: 6-6, 0-1

Analysis: After a strong start, Fresno State has dropped four straight games entering a home matchup with Utah State. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. Utah State, 7 p.m. (Mountain West Network) 

11. San Jose State

Last result: 88-65 road loss to New Mexico (Saturday, Dec. 20)

Previous ranking: 11

Season record: 5-7, 0-1 

Analysis: San Jose State’s brutal start to MWC play continues with a home game against San Diego State followed by a road trip to Utah State. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. San Diego State, 8 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)

12. Air Force

Last result: 81-58 road loss to San Diego State (Wednesday, Dec. 17)

Previous ranking: 12

Season record: 3-9, 0-1

Analysis: The Falcons have dropped five in a row. 

Up next: Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. Wyoming, 2 p.m. (Mountain West Network)