MWC football teams ride wave of change united for now

Published: Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 10:05 am

Mountain West Football Coaches United Amidst Conference Realignment

LAS VEGAS – Despite significant shifts in the college football landscape, coaches from the Mountain West Conference (MWC) presented a united front during media days. The event, held at the Circa Resort, saw coaches from various schools offering advice and expressing camaraderie, despite the looming departure of five MWC teams to the Pac-12 next year.

Commissioner Gloria Nevarez opened the event with a recap of the past season's highlights. Notably absent from discussions were the financial repercussions of the conference realignment. No mention was made of the exit fees owed by departing schools or the penalties faced by the remaining Pac-12 teams. Legal disputes surrounding these fees were also not addressed, as lawyers were not present.

Coaches expressed a sense of unity, emphasizing their shared commitment to the sport. Nevada coach Jeff Choate suggested that a more amicable resolution might have been reached if coaches had been involved in the decision-making process. He expressed concern for the future of West Coast football, lamenting the loss of traditional rivalries. San Diego State coach Sean Lewis echoed the sentiment, highlighting the strong fellowship among coaches and their desire to make the upcoming season historic.

The coaches also addressed universal concerns related to the evolving college football environment. The implementation of two transfer portal windows and the recent House vs. NCAA settlement, which limits football rosters to 105 players, were key topics. The NCAA is allowing released players to seek other schools, effectively creating a third transfer portal window. To navigate these changes, teams are utilizing an NCAA exemption that allows them to designate scholarship players who would have been cut, keeping them on the roster.

BNN's Perspective:

The unity displayed by the MWC coaches is a testament to their shared passion for the game. While the conference realignment presents challenges, their focus on camaraderie and the upcoming season is commendable. The evolving landscape of college football, with its transfer portals and roster limitations, requires adaptability. The coaches' ability to navigate these changes while maintaining a positive outlook is crucial for the future of the sport.

Keywords: Mountain West Conference, MWC, college football, conference realignment, coaches, transfer portal, NCAA, roster limits, Pac-12, media days, West Coast football, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Colorado State, Nevada, San Diego State, Boise State, Fresno State, exit fees, House vs. NCAA settlement

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