The Mountain West Conference, though not always considered the powerhouse of collegiate football talent, has indisputably carved a niche for itself in molding cast-aside players into genuine superstars. In fact, of the 11 teams making up the MWC, only three of those teams managed to secure victories against sides from other conferences. One of those teams was Fresno State, who picked up victories on the road at Purdue and Arizona State. There were also victories for Wyoming and UNLV, with the former defeating Texas Tech and the latter also knocking off Arizona.
But despite the relatively lowly standing in the world of the NCAA, the conference has managed to create its fair share of superstars that have carved it up in the big league. Here are five of the best of them.
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Brian Urlacher
Starting with a figure that needs no introduction, Brian Urlacher stands at the summit when talking about MWC alumni. Adorning the cherry and silver of the New Mexico Lobos, the Washington state-born star was a force to be reckoned with. Now happily retired at the age of 45, Urlacher was as versatile as they come, contributing as a linebacker, wide receiver, and even on special teams throughout his two years in Albuquerque. His college escapades featured a staggering 422 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 sacks, a testament to his sheer dominance on the ground.
Drafted as the ninth overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2000, the former Lobo translated his collegiate versatility into a storied NFL career. With eight Pro Bowl selections, a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005, and a legendary status solidified by his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, his legacy is formidable. He even helped the Second City outfit make it all the way to the Super Bowl back in 2007 however, his side had its 14-6 lead against Peyton Manning’s Indianapolis Colts overturned and they were ultimately defeated.
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Josh Allen
From a Cowboy to a Buffalo Bill, Josh Allen’s journey is one of rapid ascension. While at the University of Wyoming, the talented quarterback’s arm strength and athleticism caught the eyes of both scouts and fans alike. Despite playing for only two seasons, his impact was palpable as he threw for a mighty 5,066 yards and 44 touchdowns, leading the Cowboys to a Mountain West Conference Championship game appearance in the process.
He was selected seventh overall in the 2018 draft, however, his raw potential initially garnered mixed reviews. Since that topsy-turvy maiden campaign at Highmark however, his development has been nothing short of spectacular. A catalyst for the Buffalo Bills’ resurgence, Allen’s arm talent and mobility have made him an elite quarterback in the league, already earning him a Pro Bowl nod and All-Pro honors.
The 27-year-old has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of his last four campaigns in New York state, culminating with a career-high 4,544 back in 2020. He has amassed 188 touchdowns with the Bills Mafia and has led them to the postseason every year except his rookie campaign. Unfortunately for him, however, he has been unable to find a way past Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs. While the Texas Tech star will line up against the San Francisco 49ers having been made a +114 underdog by football betting odds at Super Bowl LVIII, Allen is instead at home, licking his wounds after being eliminated by the Arrowhead outfit for the third time in the last four years.
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Davante Adams
Distinguishing himself as a premier pass-catcher, Davante Adams left an indelible mark at Fresno State. In just two seasons, he amassed a whopping 233 receptions for 3,031 yards and 38 touchdowns. His 2013 season was particularly impressive, leading the nation in receptions and touchdown catches, sealing his fate as a second-round pick in the 2014 draft by the Green Bay Packers.
Adams’ career is defined by precise route running and dependable hands, making him one of the most reliable receivers in the league. A favorite target of Aaron Rodgers, the 31-year-old has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, establishing himself as one of the top receivers in the game. Now with the Las Vegas Raiders, he continues to set records and recently completed his fourth straight campaign receiving over 1,000 yards, however, he couldn’t quite reach the 1,500 mark as he did in both 2021 and 2022.
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Joel Bitonio
A stalwart on the offensive line, Joel Bitonio’s tenure at Nevada was marked by durability and dominance. Starting all games after redshirting his freshman year, Bitonio became a cornerstone at tackle, renowned for his protection and run blocking. In 2013, he received All-Mountain West first-team honors, cementing his reputation as a powerful and intelligent lineman.
Chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2014 draft, Bitonio quickly became a bulwark for the franchise. His consistency and ability to open lanes for the run game while providing steadfast pass protection earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro designations. An exemplar of resilience and performance, Bitonio’s contributions are fundamental to the Browns’ offensive success.
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Steve Smith
Before the realignment that saw Utah depart for the Pac-12, Steve Smith was a Utes standout who carved out a niche as a precocious talent. Though his college numbers were modest due to Utah’s run-oriented offense at the time, his skill was evident, and he parlayed that into being a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2001 draft.
In the NFL, Smith’s impassioned play and competitiveness became his hallmark. Tallying over 14,000 receiving yards, nearly 1,000 receptions, and 81 touchdowns throughout his career, he was named to five Pro Bowls and was thrice an All-Pro. Smith left the field as one of the most feared and respected wide receivers, known for his fiery personality and game-breaking ability.