Welcome back to another edition of Mountaintop View, where the sports calendar is heating up as we approach tournament season. College baseball and softball are on the brink of their biggest moments, and football never sleeps. Let's dive into the latest headlines and insights from around the world of collegiate athletics.
First up, a major debate is brewing over playoff expansion. The Athletic takes an in-depth look at the growing trend in both college football and basketball to increase the number of postseason spots. While the promise of more opportunities and potential revenue sounds appealing, critics argue these changes are driven more by greed than necessity. College football is evolving so fast that new models are being introduced before the current ones are fully understood. Meanwhile, college basketball is tinkering with a system that many felt wasn't broken in the first place. What's your take on this shift? It's a conversation that's sure to spark plenty of discussion among fans.
Shifting gears to the gridiron, College Sports Network has launched its FBS team preview series, and this week's spotlight is on the New Mexico Lobos. Coming off a successful 2025 campaign, the Lobos are looking to build momentum, but they'll need to address some key areas. The quarterback position remains a question mark, and depth across the roster is a concern if they hope to contend for the Mountain West title. On the bright side, New Mexico's offensive line is shaping up to be among the best in the conference, and running back Scottre Humphrey should be healthier and more explosive in 2026. Defensively, watch for Jaxton Eck to anchor the run defense, while a solid group of pass-rushers provides pressure—though the interior defensive line may be a bit undersized. College Football News is projecting an 8-4 season for the Lobos, which would be another step in the right direction.
On the softball diamond, Grand Canyon University has made a statement in their first year in the Mountain West. The Antelopes swept both the regular-season and tournament championships, capping it off with a dramatic comeback in the tournament final. Falling behind Nevada 9-0, Grand Canyon showed incredible resilience, with Ellie Pond delivering a bases-clearing triple to tie the game before sealing the win in extra innings. This victory sends them to the NCAA tournament, where they'll look to keep the magic alive.
Finally, Kevin Lytle offers a fascinating look ahead at the Pac-12's potential in the expanded NCAA Tournament set for 2027. The conference is shaping up to be a basketball powerhouse, but just how strong? Lytle suggests that three bids should be the minimum expectation, with four or even five bids possible in strong years. The average NET ranking for the new Pac-12 teams in 2026 was 104, and more than half of the nine programs are projected to land in the top 100. That's a solid foundation for a conference looking to make noise on the national stage.
That's all for this edition of Mountaintop View. Whether you're gearing up for tournament time or planning your next tailgate, we've got you covered. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep repping your team with pride.