Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, October 7, 2026 — The University of New Mexico (UNM) men’s basketball program has been recognized as the preseason favorite to win the Mountain West conference title. This designation marks a significant point for the Lobos, as it is the first time the team has held this top preseason ranking since the 2013-2014 season.

The selection places the Lobos at the forefront of expectations within the conference heading into the new basketball season. Preseason favorite status is typically determined by a poll of media members who cover the conference or by coaches within the league, though specific details regarding the voting body for this year’s selection were not provided in the available information.

Historically, being named the preseason favorite can set a tone for a team’s season, often signaling recognition of returning talent, promising new additions, or a strong performance in the preceding year. For UNM, achieving this status for the first time in over a decade suggests a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the program’s prospects for the upcoming campaign.

The Mountain West Conference is known for its competitive landscape in men’s basketball. The preseason ranking is an indicator of how teams are perceived before official games begin, with on-court performance ultimately determining the final standings. The last time the Lobos were favored heading into a season was during the 2013-2014 period, a notable benchmark for the team and its supporters.

Further details regarding the full preseason poll results, individual player accolades, or specific reasons cited for UNM’s top ranking were not immediately available. The team’s journey to live up to this preseason expectation will unfold as the season progresses.


Story summarized from the original created by Van Tate on www.krqe.com, see more information here.

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