New Mexico Picked to Win Mountain West

The Lobos secured the top spot in the league's preseason media poll announced in Las Vegas.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Basketball

Live Poll

Do you believe your local college basketball team will succeed in the upcoming season?

Media members selected the University of New Mexico men's basketball team to win the 2026-27 Mountain West regular-season title. During the league's media day, the team was honored with the conference's top preseason ranking.

Why it matters

The preseason poll highlights the Lobos as the team to beat in the upcoming conference campaign. Individual recognition for key players further solidifies the team's standing as a major title contender within the Mountain West.

The University of New Mexico received the No. 1 ranking in the official Mountain West preseason media poll. The results were determined by conference media members during the annual media day event.

The players

Jake Hall

He is a University of New Mexico basketball player who was honored as the conference preseason player of the year.

Uriah Tenette

He is a University of New Mexico basketball player who was named to the preseason all-conference team.

University of New Mexico

This public research university in Albuquerque fields the Lobos men's basketball team.

The details

Jake Hall was named the preseason player of the year following a vote by media members. Additionally, Hall and Uriah Tenette were selected as representatives for the preseason all-conference team.

October 7, 2026: The Old Trapper Mountain West Basketball Media Day occurred in Las Vegas.
2026-27 season: The period for which the conference title projections apply.

Season Trajectory

The Lobos' position as the preseason favorite signals a high expectation for the team to secure a top seed in the conference tournament. This ranking establishes them as the primary target for all other Mountain West competitors throughout the 2026-27 schedule.

The top-tier ranking establishes the Lobos as the team to beat in conference play, carrying significant weight for bracketology projections. Having two players on the preseason all-conference team suggests the roster depth necessary to maintain momentum through a full schedule.

The takeaway

The preseason recognition sets a clear benchmark for success for the Lobos heading into the new season. Fans should monitor the performances of Jake Hall and Uriah Tenette as the team looks to validate their status as conference title favorites.