Continuing with preseason coverage, and specifically defensive coverage this week, it’s time to start preseason rankings. Last week was the preseason offensive rankings, and next week will be general preseason rankings to start Week 0 game week.
See below for the top defenses entering the Mountain West for the 2026 season, based on the votes of our team of writers.
All team stats are from Sports Reference.
1) New Mexico
2025 stats: 22.5 ppg, 113.4 rushing ypg, 236 passing ypg, 33 sacks, 9 INTs, 9 FFs
The Lobos were a tough team to score points on last season and aim to be even better this season, even if they opt for discipline over flash. Having the reigning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year leading the defense helps a great deal as well. New Mexico was outstanding against the run as well as getting to the quarterback and figures to be just as good in both areas again in 2026.
2) UNLV
2025 stats: 28.1 ppg, 175.5 rushing ypg, 246 passing ypg, 28 sacks, 13 INTs, 7 FFs
The Rebels struggled in aspects of their defense last year, but this year they appear to measure up quite well. Defensive linemen Lucas Conti could be in line for a breakout season as he becomes a full-time starter. And the secondary, which was inconsistent much of last year, looks primed to be a strength with Tre Fulton and Jake Pope at the safety spots. Generating turnovers likely won’t be a problem for UNLV, but decreasing the passing yards allowed needs to be a priority.
3) Wyoming
2025 stats: 20.5 ppg, 168.8 rushing ypg, 175.5 passing ypg, 18 sacks, 10 INTs, 8 FFs
The Cowboys had one of the best defenses in the country this past season and should be in a similar position heading into 2026. It’s a gritty, disciplined group that gets results, even if it’s not always flashy. Only two underclassmen are projected to be in the starting lineup, making it veteran-heavy. Ethan Stuhlsatz should thrive in a starting linebacker role, and Ian Bell should solidify a cornerback spot after only appearing in four games last season. Wyoming has long prided itself on strong defenses, and this unit should be nothing short of the standard in 2026.
4) San Jose State
2025 stats: 32.5 ppg, 157.6 rushing ypg, 245.3 passing ypg, 18 sacks, 7 INTs, 8 FFs
The Spartans allowed too many passing yards and too many points last season, often giving up as much as they were taking on offense. This year, there will be a lot of new or unproven players lining up on that side of the ball. Solomone Langi will continue to eat up blocks in the middle, while Ethan Powell steps into a larger role, and his production should follow suit. Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa will be moving from WR to S and brings intriguing athleticism to the defense. San Jose State will need to find a way to come down with more interceptions and cut down on passing yards allowed.
5) North Dakota State
2025 stats: 13 ppg, 103.4 rushing ypg, 148,36 passing ypg, 33 sacks, 19 INTs, 8 FFs
The Bison had a tremendous defense last season, holding opponents to paltry numbers in points scored, as well as rushing and passing yards per game. Entering the Mountain West, which is a step up in competition, it will be interesting to see how these numbers change, or perhaps not change. Linebacker and leading tackler Donovan Woolen returns in 2026, although he will break in new teammates alongside him. North Dakota State will need to replace a lot of their rushers up front, but the starters should mostly be veterans. In the secondary, it’s new cornerbacks, but returning safeties Darius Givance and Taylen Eady are both stout.
6) Nevada
2025 stats: 27.5 ppg, 149.6 rushing ypg, 220.3 passing ypg, 19 sacks, 11 INTs, 5 FFs
As with their offense, the Wolf Pack defense retained key players that will hopefully set them up to have a stronger season. They are led by edge-rusher Dylan LaBarbera, who is arguably the top pass-rusher in the Mountain West. He will be joined by two other seniors on the D-line who will look to provide him with support, as he will undoubtedly be facing double-teams on the regular. Nevada fortified the secondary with some transfer players, with nickelback Joshua Scott leading an unproven group. They should take a step forward this year.
7) Air Force
2025 stats: 30.3 ppg, 158.5 rushing ypg, 264.7 passing ypg, 16 sacks, 7 INTs, 3 FFs
The Falcons historically have a strong defense, but in 2025, a young secondary proved to be a liability. Now, with that group a year older and more experienced, the unit should get back to the standard. The linebacker corps figures to be the stars for the defense this year. Isaac Hubert is skilled at getting to the quarterback, accounting for 5 of the team’s 16 sacks in 2025. Lining up next to him is Blake Fletcher, who piled up over 100 tackles and should help shut down the running game. Air Force will need to see improvement in the secondary, but Max Mustell and company should be up to the task.
8) Hawaii
2025 stats: 23.5 ppg, 133 rushing ypg, 218 passing ypg, 29 sacks, 8 INTs, 8 FFs
The Rainbow Warriors have managed to have solid defensive units the past two seasons, but drop down in the rankings entering 2026. Dennis Thursman has done a terrific job, but will need to bank on some development at key positions. The linebackers and secondary will boast a few players worthy of all-conference selections, so it’s not without talent, but perhaps not as much as their conference counterparts. Overall, Hawaii will have a veteran group, and experience counts for something.
9) Northern Illinois
2025 stats: 24.3 ppg, 183.3 rushing ypg, 173.9 passing ypg, 14 sacks, 9 INTs, 8 FFs
The Huskies kept the score low last year, but weren’t mistaken for a strong defensive team. In 2026, they will be breaking in some new starters, many on the younger side. Jay’Shon Thomas will look to have a strong year, and he will be a veteran on what is looking to be a d-line with some young defensive tackles. The linebackers appear to be more of a question mark, but talent should emerge during the season. NIU restocked the secondary cupboard with a slew of transfers, and the hope is the defense can get over the double-digit interception hump with new faces at those positions.
10) UTEP
2025 stats: 30.4 ppg, 169.5 rushing ypg, 221.8 passing ypg, 28 sacks, 5 INTs, 11 FFs
The Miners struggled mightily on defense in 2025, and it’s hard to say how much they can improve heading into the season. Linebacker Jayden Wilson leads this side of the ball and could hit triple-digit tackles in 2026. In fact, there are strong players scattered throughout, with Ashton Coker at nose tackle and Xavier Smith at safety for his senior season. UTEP will need to come up with more interceptions and definitely cut down on the yards allowed through the air to have a chance to be higher on this list come December.
Your turn: How would you rank the offenses and defenses in the Mountain West? What changes would you make? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.