Jack Thompson AKA JackTalksCFB

Don’t worry New Mexico fans, DPOY @jaxtonjay isn’t going anywhere. “My family’s here, I’m happy where I’m at. Money’s not the most important thing. I could’ve got more money other places, but I love it here.” Shoutout to Jaxton for an AWESOME interview! Full ep. drops tomorrow!

Utah State’s 86-76 win over Villanova was Jerrod Calhoun’s first in the NCAA Tournament. He reflects on the risk leaving West Virginia to become the head coach at DII Fairmont State and how it set him up for success. “Everybody’s story is different… I always dreamed of this.”

Utah State and Jerrod Calhoun break through! What a game! What a win! What a coach!

Utah State and Villanova knotted at 65 with 8 minutes to go. Can Jerrod Calhoun, Mason Falslev, and the gang get to round two?

Another big departure from San Jose State. The Mississippi State transfer really came into his own in the second half of the year, averaging 19.4 points and 8 rebounds per game (50/40/77 shooting splits) over the final 8 games of the year. Excited to see where he lands.

Colorado State alum & current High Point HC Flynn Clayman with an epic postgame rant after upsetting Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament

One of the more expected transfers from the Mountain West. Averaged 12 PPG at Longwood before jumping to 20 this past season with the Spartans. Should command a very strong market.

Air Force’s first CBK transfer is guard Kyle Marshall. Was the top returning player for the Falcons this past year after withdrawing from the portal, but only played in 4 total games this season after starting 17 as a freshman. Talented player, hope he finds a good landing spot.

Big time portal entry here. Gory was Fresno State’s best player at times this year, and has 3 years of eligibility remaining. Certainly the top Mountain West player to enter the portal so far.

Per GCU, regarding postseason play. “We had some players banged up and were concerned, with such a quick turnaround, how many players would be available. We are already moving full speed ahead on next year’s team and are excited about building for next season.”

Jam-packed week of postseason play for the Mountain West! Lots of Utah State talk, from the championship sweep to disrespectful seeding and a preview of their March Madness game w/ Villanova, as well what MW teams are in the NIT and which opted out! open.spotify.com/episode/7HAmyH…

@TBM_JY @GCU_Lopes @GCU_MBB The only concrete quote I could find was from Bryce Drew after the QF loss. “To be honest, how many guys really want to play [in the postseason] if it’s not the NCAA tournament?” From GCU’s game recap article.

I Gotta say I’m pretty disappointed that GCU chose not to play in the NIT. Would love to know the details as to why. @GCU_Lopes @GCU_MBB

The first basketball portal entry of the offseason is Fresno State big man Jac Mani. Should have one year of eligibility left. Played 3 years at UC Davis before joining the Bulldogs for the ‘25-‘26 season.

Boise State’s season is over, per sources. No Crown.

Wyoming coach Sundance Wicks on why his teams will never opt out of a postseason opportunity: “We will always accept an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament. If we don't ever get an NCAA automatic qualifier bid or an at large bid in March Madness, we'll always accept this, because it is our civic duty as basketball coaches of basketball players to normalize playing basketball as long as you can, because that's what we get paid to do nowadays. This is our job. “My wife can't just wake up someday and be like, ‘You know what? I'm gonna opt out of teaching today.’ This is what we need to normalize, and this (NIT) field is outstanding. It is like Mid-Major Madness, and I love it. Kudos to Auburn for accepting the bid. That's outstanding.”

NIT matchups for the Mountain West: - Wyoming vs Wichita State (3/17 5 PM) - UNLV vs UC Irvine (3/17 9 PM) - New Mexico vs Sam Houston (3/18 7 PM) - Nevada vs Murray State (3/18 8 PM) - Colorado State vs Saint Joseph’s (3/18 9 PM)

San Diego State and New Mexico miss out on the March Madness field. Aztecs were the 3rd team out. Will be able to play in the NIT or any other postseason tournament, but a tough pill to swallow. For the first time since 2017, the Mountain West is a one-bid league.

Utah State draws a nine seed, and will play Villanova in San Diego on Friday.

Something to keep in mind, Aztec and Lobo fans. T-minus 25 minutes to the Selection Show…

2 bid Mountain West by technicality?

Sources: Tarleton State is hiring Eric Haut as the school’s next head coach, as he’s agreed to a four-year deal. Haut is Utah State’s associate head coach. He’s been Jerrod Calhoun’s longtime assistant and is a proven builder of programs.