The Mountain West Conference was among the most competitive conferences in college football throughout the 2023 season. UNLV, Boise State, and San Jose State all posted 6-2 records within conference play. Boise State ended up defeating UNLV 44-20 in the championship game.
The Mountain West Conference will hold its media days on Wednesday, July 10 and Thursday, July 11. With the conference currently making headlines, we’ve identified the 10 overall talents that possess the most upside to produce this campaign.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is a supremely talented dual-threat back who projects as an eventual difference-maker in an NFL offense. Vision, footwork, and pass-catching skills are present in bunches. Jeanty produced nearly 2,000 yards of offense and 19 touchdowns last season.
Ricky White III, WR, UNLV
Ricky White III is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound, well-rounded receiver. He was electric as the focal point of the Rebels' offense last season, totaling 80 receptions for 1,314 yards and seven touchdowns. White is a three-level playmaker who averaged an explosive 16.4 yards per reception.
Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State
Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein returns for another season despite capturing First-Team All-Mountain West honors in 2023. The Cairo, Egypt native totaled a haunting 16.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks last season. Hassanein is firmly on the NFL draft radar.
Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
Colorado State wide receiver Tory Horton has exploded since transferring to the program from Nevada two seasons ago. Horton totaled 2,267 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns across the previous two campaigns. He should enter the 2025 NFL Draft after enjoying a third consecutive 1,000-yard season.
Jack Howell, DB, Colorado State
Jack Howell has been Colorado State's defensive leader, racking up 222 tackles across 2022 and 2023. Increasing his ball production will be a key area of focus for the Swiss-army defensive back after he produced just four passes defensed and one interception last season. Howell must play a more well-rounded game throughout 2024.
Tiger Shanks, OL, UNLV
Tiger Shanks has displayed terrific versatility by playing both left and right tackle for the Rebels. The Lake Oswego, Oregon native captured First-Team All-Mountain West honors for his performance throughout 2023. He's a legit NFL prospect, and with a name like Tiger Shanks, is already a member of the all-name team.
Ike Larsen, DB, Utah State
Ike Larsen was all over the field for the Utah State Aggies last season. The Smithfield native recorded 103 tackles, 10 pass breakups, four interceptions, and 4.5 tackles for loss. It marked the second consecutive season that Larsen hauled in four interceptions.
Steven McBride, WR, Hawaii
Steven McBride transferred to Hawaii from Kansas in search of more opportunity after appearing in 24 career games with just two starts over three seasons with the Jayhawks. McBride exploded for the Rainbow Warriors in 2023, totaling 63 catches for 1,024 yards and nine touchdowns. Additional untapped potential is present.
Jordan Bertagnole, DT, Wyoming
Wyoming defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole will be one of the more experienced defenders in the Mountain West Conference this season. A graduate student, Bertagnole has produced 108 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 7.5 sacks across the previous two campaigns. He's a hard-nosed interior defender who dictates play.
Mose Vavao, OL, Fresno State
Mose Vavao earned Second-Team All-Mountain West honors as a 13-game starter at right guard last season. A technically advanced blocker, he was the lone guard in the conference to play 650-plus snaps without being whistled for a single penalty. Vavao was an expert pass protector for a second-ranked Mountain West passing offense that averaged 282.23 yards per outing.
