Coaches and student-athletes from across the conference will gather at The Palms for the annual preseason event
LAS VEGAS — The Mountain West Conference has officially announced the school representatives who will attend the 2026 Old Trapper Mountain West Football Media Days at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
The two-day event brings together head coaches, student-athletes and media members from across the conference. As a result, it serves as the unofficial kickoff to the 2026 college football season.
Mountain West Football Media Days will take place July 15-16. Student-athletes will participate on Wednesday, while head coaches will take center stage on Thursday. Additionally, Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez and Mountain West Coordinator of Football Officials Mike Defee will be available for interviews throughout the event.
Activities begin each day at 8 a.m. Pacific Time and continue until approximately 4 p.m.
Conference leaders prepare for a new season
Every Mountain West program will be represented by four student-athletes and its head coach. Consequently, media members will have an opportunity to hear directly from the players expected to lead their teams this fall.
UNLV enters the event with plenty of local attention. Head coach Dan Mullen will represent the Rebels alongside running back Jai’Den Thomas, offensive lineman Austin Boyd, defensive back Mumu Bin-Wahad and defensive lineman Lucas Conti.
Meanwhile, Nevada will be represented by head coach Jeff Choate and student-athletes Jack Foster, Dylan Labarbera, EJ Smith and Herschel Turner.
Elsewhere, Air Force will feature head coach Troy Calhoun along with quarterback Liam Szarka and several veteran defensive leaders. Hawai‘i will arrive with head coach Timmy Chang and standout quarterback Micah Alejado.
New and familiar faces take the spotlight
Several programs will showcase experienced veterans during the event. For example, Wyoming quarterback Tyler Hughes, New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne and North Dakota State quarterback Nathan Hayes are among the players expected to draw significant attention.
Furthermore, San José State, UTEP, NIU and North Dakota State will all introduce key returning players as they prepare for another competitive season.
The annual gathering gives coaches an opportunity to discuss expectations, roster development and conference goals. At the same time, players can share insights about offseason preparation and team chemistry.
Anticipation builds across the Mountain West
The conference continues to evolve as new programs join the league and competition intensifies across the region.
This year’s Media Days are expected to generate significant interest from fans and media outlets alike.
kickoff takes place just weeks away, the event provides an early glimpse at the storylines that could shape the 2026 season. Moreover, it allows athletes and coaches to showcase their programs before the action begins on the field.
For college football fans, Mountain West Football Media Days offer the first major look at what promises to be another exciting year of conference football.
Event Information
Event: 2026 Old Trapper Mountain West Football Media Days
Dates: July 15-16, 2026
Location: The Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. PT
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