​Welcome to another edition of Friday Five. After years of division and petty squabbles, the Mountain West’s realignment is finally complete: the so-called “departing five” have left to reform the Pac-12, and the Mountain West has responded by adding North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, and UTEP to fill the gaps. Here at Mountain West Connection, we plan to cover both conferences from here on out. Friday Five will highlight the five best at a given category, in a light, year-preseason-friendly arc that will rotate between conferences week to week. Think top quarterbacks, stadiums, mascots, and more—whatever inspires discussion. We’re wide open to your ideas!
This week, we kick off Friday Five with linebackers in the Mountain West Conference.
5. Jayden Wilson, UTEP
It’s time to dive into a position that wasn’t decimated by the transfer portal and to spotlight a new Mountain West face bringing solid talent. Wilson, a 6’1”, 218-pound senior from UTEP, played 12 games last season and started nine. He ranked second on the team with 92 tackles, including 16 in the win over Liberty. A former New Mexico Lobos product, Wilson looks set to be a key contributor for the Miners this fall as they aim to exceed preseason expectations.
4. Donovan Woolen, North Dakota State
Donovan Woolen returns to Fargo to lead the Bison defense into the Mountain West. He led the team with 86 tackles last season, earning a spot on the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference second team. He piled up 18 tackles in the rivalry game against North Dakota alone. At 6’4”, 220 pounds and still a junior, Woolen is one of many candidates who could stake a claim for multiple all-conference honors this year.
3. Cam Santee, UNLV
Calling my shot here: Santee is a key offseason addition for the Rebels, transferring from Holy Cross. The 6’3”, 235-pound senior played in 33 games for the Crusaders and was named to the 2025 All-Patriot League First Team, racking up 110 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He hasn’t yet proven it at the FBS level, but expect UNLV to be a conference contender, and Santee to hit the ground running as a force in the middle.
2. Blake Fletcher, Air Force
As noted, the defensive end pool was hit hard by the transfer market, but the linebacker position has been steadier for the Falcons. Fletcher returns for his senior season as a proven star, starting all 12 games and earning second-team All-Mountain West honors. He led the team in tackles, ranked third in the Mountain West, and was 21st nationally with 9.0 tackles per game. Fletcher will be a cornerstone for Air Force as they push for championship contention this fall.
1. Jaxton Eck, New Mexico
This pick might be straightforward: Eck could be the best player in the Mountain West for 2026 and is the heart of the Lobos. There’s no need for added sensationalism—Eck is a legitimate star, and his impact on New Mexico’s defense makes him a standout choice for the top linebacker in the conference.