Boise State has been favored to win the Mountain West for the 17th consecutive year, with Spencer Danielson emphasizing the need for his team to earn their rankings despite the excitement surrounding them. UNLV, coming off its first bowl trip in a decade, is considered Boise State's main competitor, with coach Barry Odom using their preseason No. 2 ranking as motivation for his team. Both teams are dealing with quarterback competitions, with Boise State's Maddux Madsen and USC transfer Malachi Nelson vying for the starting position, while UNLV has three contenders. Meanwhile, Appalachian State is aiming for another Sun Belt title and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, led by quarterback Joey Aguilar. The Mountaineers, who have strong momentum after a solid finish last season, are also looking to build on their past successes. As college football dynamics shift, Boise State remains a significant contender for the Group of Five auto bid to the Playoff.