2024 Mountain West Championship Odds: Boise State Opens as Favorite to Repeat

Boise State was favored to win the 2024 Mountain West Championship after clinching the conference title in 2023 according to top college football betting sites.

Boise State shocked everyone last year by firing head coach Andy Avalos mid-season and still managing to win their conference. Despite the unexpected coaching change, interim coach Spencer Danielson stepped up and guided the team to a Mountain West title, earning himself the permanent head coaching position.

Now that Danielson has been named the head coach, Boise State has emerged as the top pick to defend their title as Mountain West Conference champions on our top sports betting websites. This is expected, as the Broncos have the best odds of making it to the college football playoffs among Group of Five teams.

Nevertheless, it will be challenging as Fresno State is coming off a successful 9-4 season and ranks 14th in the nation in offensive returning production. Additionally, UNLV poses a threat after achieving nine wins for the first time since 1984 in the previous season.

We are analyzing the 2024 Mountain West championship market, with odds sourced from our top college football betting sites.

2024 Mountain West Championship odds

(Odds updated June 20)

Favorites to win 2024 Mountain West Championship

Boise State (+140 via DraftKings)

Although Boise State may not have the same level of excitement as they did under Chris Peterson, the Broncos are still considered one of the top teams in the Group of Five. It is rare for a team to win a conference championship during a rebuilding period, which adds to the intrigue surrounding the Broncos as they head into the 2024 season.

At just 35 years old, Danielson has been a part of Boise State since 2017 and understands the competitive nature of the Mountain West. Despite losing starting QB Taylen Green to Arkansas through the portal, the Broncos still have star running back Ashton Jeanty returning. Jeanty, who is a potential top RB in the 2024 NFL Draft, is also considered a sleeper for the Heisman Trophy with impressive stats of 1,916 yards and 19 TDs last season.

Boise’s main uncertainty lies at the quarterback position. The Broncos have added USC transfer Malachi Nelson, a former five-star recruit, to challenge Maddux Madsen for the starting role. However, with Jeanty leading the offense and a strong defense anchored by Ahmed Hassanein and Andrew Simpson, the success of the team in Coach Danielson’s first complete season may not solely depend on who is playing quarterback.

Fresno State (+360 via FanDuel)

Since the Mountain West introduced a championship game in 2013, Boise State has been the dominant team, with only Fresno State coming close to their success, winning one less title. With Jeff Tedford leading the Bulldogs, their chances of success remain high.

Tedford has coached Fresno State in five seasons, leading them to three MWC championship games and winning two. This upcoming season, he is expected to return with QB Mikey Keene, who had a standout season last year with almost 3,000 passing yards and 25 total TDs in his first year as a starter.

The potential of the offense is intimidating with the return of Keene, RB Malik Sherrod, and WR Jalen Moss. However, Fresno State’s success may hinge on their defense in the quest for a championship. The team will have to fill the void left by key players Levelle Bailey and Carlton Johnson. Coach Tedford has recruited USC transfer and former top recruit Korey Foreman to bolster the defense. If Foreman can quickly adjust, the Bulldogs’ defensive line, led by returning players Jacob Holmes and Devo Bridges, has the potential to be formidable.

UNLV (+550 via DraftKings)

UNLV’s unexpected ascent in college football has been remarkable. Historically one of the weakest programs since the late 80s, the Rebels have only managed to finish with a .500 record or better twice in the past two decades. The first of these successful seasons came in 2023, under the leadership of Barry Odom.

After utilizing the portal, the ex-Missouri head coach successfully transformed UNLV, leading them to the MWC title game last season where they were ultimately defeated by Boise State. Despite the success of the previous year, repeating such a feat may prove challenging following the departure of standout freshman quarterback Jayden Maiava to USC.

Odom made some key roster changes by bringing in Holy Cross transfer Matthew Sluka and retaining top receiver Ricky White, while also adding former Power Five starters Tony Grimes and Jalen Catalon to strengthen the defense led by Jackson Woodard.

Mountain West Championship odds over time

(Odds via DraftKings)

Past Mountain West Championship winners

How to bet on the Mountain West Championship

For the most part, two teams have dominated this conference. Since the championship game was introduced in 2013, Boise State and Fresno State have won a combined seven titles, while the other four have been split among San Diego State, Utah State, and San Jose State.

The transfer portal and NIL have increased roster turnover for top G5 programs, allowing teams like UNLV to be competitive. To choose which Mountain West team to support, consider factors like returning production, transfer portal acquisitions, and QB/coaching stability.

Another important consideration is the team’s schedule. It is important to note that non-conference games will not affect a team’s chances of competing in the Mountain West Championship. Therefore, Boise State’s matchups against Oregon, Washington State, and Oregon State will not hinder their chances in the MWC title race, but they could potentially impact their playoff aspirations.

Mountain West Championship FAQs

Who’s the favorite to win the Mountain West Championship?

Boise State is the frontrunner to defend their title as the Mountain West champion, having secured the conference victory last season. The odds of +125 suggest a 44.44% chance that the Broncos will emerge victorious once again in the Mountain West.

How is the Mountain West Championship game determined?

The Mountain West Championship will feature the teams with the best conference winning percentages facing off.

Although the conference has agreements with Oregon State and Washington State, they are not official members of the conference. As a result, they will not be eligible to participate in the conference championship, and games against them will not impact the Mountain West standings.

When is the Mountain West Championship game? 

The Mountain West championship game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. ET. While the conference has not officially confirmed the location, last season’s game was played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Who won the Mountain West Championship last year?

In the 2023 Mountain West Championship game, the Boise State Broncos defeated the UNLV Rebels with a final score of 44-20.

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