LAS VEGAS – New Mexico has been predicted to win the 2026-27 Mountain West regular-season title, as voted on by select media, and announced Wednesday morning ahead of the Old Trapper Mountain West Basketball Media Day.

The Lobos received nine first-place votes and earned 179 points in the 2026-27 MW Men’s Basketball Predicted Order of Finish. New Mexico returns two starters from last year’s NIT semifinal squad, including 2026 Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall. Joining head coach Eric Olen and the Lobos in 2026-27 are 10 newcomers.

Grand Canyon was picked second in the preseason poll with 178 points and 10 first-place votes, while Nevada was selected third with 148 points. UNLV was picked fourth with 148 points and Wyoming was chosen to finish fifth with 116 points.

Rounding out the poll is Hawai’i in sixth with 99 points, San José State in seventh with 63 points, UC Davis in eighth with 62 points, UTEP in ninth with 52 points and Air Force in 10th with 23 points.

Entering its 28th year, the Mountain West officially begins a new era, welcoming three new men’s basketball programs alongside seven returning members. MW men’s basketball members for 2026-27 include, Air Force, Grand Canyon, Hawai’i, Nevada, New Mexico, San José State, UC Davis, UNLV, UTEP and Wyoming.

The new-look Mountain West men's basketball builds upon a strong foundation. The Conference has sent four or more teams to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship in five of the last six seasons, including a league record six in 2024.