Hike's Peak: The Weekly Mountain West Podcast

<p>Hi everyone! Welcome back to the Hike’s Peak podcast, thank you for coming back to the mountain! If you're listening to this on Tuesday, June 9th, then I have some great news and some bad news. </p><p>The good news is that the official <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mountain-west-pac-12-depth-charts.lovable.app"><strong>Mountain West PAC-12 depth chart tracker app</strong></a> is now live with complete projections for all 8 PAC-12 teams. From Boise State to Texas State, all the bases are covered, so no matter who you root for, check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mountain-west-pac-12-depth-charts.lovable.app"><strong>this link</strong></a> to see your projected starters for 2026! The plan we talked about last week is still in place, so you can expect the next update to be live next week, which will add stats, bios, and awards for every player! Very excited about what we’re building here, but now for the bad news.</p><p>Getting the app together this week took longer than expected, and also if you guys didn’t know, I’m a die-hard Knicks fan, so I’ve been slightly shorter on time than usual. Your regularly scheduled Hike’s Peak episode will be released tomorrow, featuring all eight PAC-12 teams top position groups entering their pseudo-inaugural season, but I need to leave it in the oven for a little longer. We’ll also go through some scenarios where the new depth chart tracker app will be useful for you guys, so definitely make sure to tune into episode 157 which will drop in the next 24 hours. </p><p>Thank you for your patience as we get the best west coast fan resource out there up and running, and I’ll meet you guys back here in a little bit!</p><p>Also, this placeholder episode will be removed once this week’s true episode is uploaded, so if you’re listening to this, congrats! The mountain respects your dedication. Happy hiking everyone, please check out the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mountain-west-pac-12-depth-charts.lovable.app"><strong>depth chart tracker app</strong></a> which now has EVERY SINGLE PLAYER in the Mountain West and PAC 12, and we’ll catch up more tomorrow!</p>

<p>Welcome back everyone, to the Hike’s Peak podcast, thank you for coming back to the mountain! I missed you all last week, but it was for good reason, as I’m proud to announce the official launch of the Mountain West and PAC 12 depth chart tracker app! You can find the link in the show notes below to check it out, but I guarantee this is the best informational resource for Mountain West and PAC 12 fans out there! We’ll start the show by going over a roadmap for what updates you can expect in the app over the next few weeks, with some really exciting plans to share, and we’ll celebrate the release by going over every Mountain West team’s top position group entering the 2026 season. No time to waste, let’s all dive in!</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mountain-west-pac-12-depth-charts.lovable.app/"><strong>Mountain West/PAC 12 Depth Chart Tracker App Link!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Show Notes:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>MW/PAC Depth Chart Tracker roadmap, features, &amp; more!</strong></li><li><strong>Each Mountain West Team's top position group entering 2026</strong></li></ol><ul><li><strong>Tally by position:</strong><ul><li><strong>Wide Receiver: 3</strong></li><li><strong>Defensive Line: 2</strong></li><li><strong>Offensive Line: 1</strong></li><li><strong>Cornerbacks: 1</strong></li><li><strong>Linebackers: 1</strong></li><li><strong>Running Backs: 1</strong></li><li><strong>Safeties: 1</strong></li></ul></li></ul><p>That is it for this week’s episode of the Hike’s Peak podcast, thank you so much for listening! I sincerely hope you take a minute to check out the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mountain-west-pac-12-depth-charts.lovable.app/"><strong>depth chart tracker app</strong></a>! I’ve been grinding on this non stop to get you all ready for the season, so go see what we’ve cooked up, the link is in the show notes below! If you like the show and enjoy our coverage, leave a rating on whatever platform you’re listening on, every single one of those helps us out immensely. Follow us on twitter at MWCConnection and find all of your Mountain West news at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mwcconnection.com/">MWCConnection.com</a>. Of course, the transfer portal tracker is still live on the website now. It’s complete with bios, stats, and previous stops for every player on the list, and is updated whenever news drops, so bookmark that to never miss out on transfer movement! Thank you again for listening, one last time, click the link in the show notes to check out the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mountain-west-pac-12-depth-charts.lovable.app/"><strong>Mountain West PAC 12 Depth Chart Tracker App</strong></a>! Until next time, I’m Jack Thompson, and thank you for coming back to the mountain!</p>

<p>Welcome back everyone to the Hike’s Peak podcast, thank you for coming back to the mountain! We have breaking news for you all, as the Mountain West and PAC 12 have officially reached a settlement in their legal battle over exit fees. There aren't a ton of details out on the specifics yet, but I’ll give you everything we have as well as my thoughts and predictions for the amount paid to the Mountain West conference. After that, we’ll get into the meat of the episode, which will be each football team’s MVP, X Factor, and top breakout candidate, with the battles on the gridiron only being a few months away! Lots of fun stuff this week, let’s dive in!</p><p><strong>Show Notes:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Mountain West &amp; PAC 12 agree to settlement terms: What we know, key dates to watch, &amp; predicted realignment fees</strong></li><li><strong>Spring Football Preview: All 12 Teams MVP, X Factor, and Top Breakout candidate for 2026</strong><ol><li><strong>Air Force: MVP: JR QB Liam Szarka</strong></li><li><strong>Boise State: X-Factor: SR QB Maddux Madsen</strong></li><li><strong>Colorado State: Top Breakout: SO TE Pearce Spurlin III (Georgia)</strong></li><li><strong>Fresno State: Top Breakout: JR WR Jahlil McClain</strong></li><li><strong>Hawaii: X-Factor: SR WR Pofele Ashlock</strong></li><li><strong>Nevada: X-Factor: SR RB Ky Woods</strong></li><li><strong>New Mexico: Top Breakout: SO TE Cade Keith</strong></li><li><strong>San Diego State: X-Factor: SR QB Jayden Denegal</strong></li><li><strong>San Jose State: Top Breakout: JR DT Jayland McGlothern (Sacramento State, FCS)</strong></li><li><strong>UNLV: MVP: SR RB Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas</strong></li><li><strong>Utah State: MVP: SR S Brevin Hamblin</strong></li><li><strong>Wyoming: X-Factor: SO RB Samuel "Tote" Harris</strong></li></ol></li></ol><p>That is it for this week’s episode of the Hike’s Peak podcast, thank you so much for listening! Fingers crossed that we'll have more settlement details next week! Make sure to follow me on Twitter at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/JackTalksCFB">JackTalksCFB</a> and turn post notifications on so you don’t miss any Mountain West or PAC 12 movement! Also, check out the brand new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mwcconnection.com/transfer-portal/83991/mountain-west-transfer-portal-tracker-2026-cbk-pac-12-rankings-updated-utep-hawaii-uc-davis-gonzaga-washington-state">transfer portal tracker</a>, which is live on the website now. It’s complete with bios, stats, and previous stops for every player on the list, and is updated daily, so bookmark that to never miss out on transfer news! If you like the show and enjoy our coverage, leave a rating on whatever platform you’re listening on, every single one of those helps us out immensely. Follow us on twitter at MWCConnection and find all of your Mountain West news at MWCConnection.com. Thank you again for listening! Until next time, I’m Jack Thompson, and thank you for coming back to the mountain!</p>

<p>Welcome back everyone, to the Hike’s Peak Podcast, thank you for coming back to the mountain! Last week, we went over the top 12 incoming transfer guards entering the Mountain West and PAC 12, and this time around, we’re talking about the forwards and big men. Like part one, this episode will have players coming from everywhere, from JUCO journeyman to Top 10 recruits. I’ve picked out the twelve best of the bunch, complete with scouting reports, bios, and analysis, and we’re working backwards so make sure to stay until the end to find out who my highest graded transfer ever is! No time to waste, let’s dive right into our second top twelve transfers list!</p><p><strong>Player breakdown by conference:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>ACC: 2</strong></li><li><strong>Big West: 2</strong></li><li><strong>Big Sky: 2</strong></li><li><strong>SEC: 1</strong></li><li><strong>Big 12: 1</strong></li><li><strong>WCC: 1</strong></li><li><strong>SWAC: 1</strong></li><li><strong>OVC: 1</strong></li><li><strong>Southland: 1</strong></li></ol><p>That is it for this week’s episode of the Hike’s Peak podcast, thank you so much for listening! Hopefully, you feel like this series is getting you up to speed on the always shifting rosters of college basketball! Make sure to follow me on Twitter at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/JackTalksCFB">JackTalksCFB</a> and turn post notifications on so you don’t miss any Mountain West or PAC 12 movement! Also, check out the brand new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mwcconnection.com/transfer-portal/83991/mountain-west-transfer-portal-tracker-2026-cbk-pac-12-rankings-updated-utep-hawaii-uc-davis-gonzaga-washington-state">transfer portal tracker</a>, which is live on the website now. It’s complete with bios, stats, and previous stops for every player on the list, and is updated daily, so bookmark that to never miss out on transfer news! If you like the show and enjoy our coverage, leave a rating on whatever platform you’re listening on, every single one of those helps us out immensely. Follow us on twitter at MWCConnection and find all of your Mountain West news at MWCConnection.com. Thank you again for listening! Until next time, I’m Jack Thompson, and thank you for coming back to the mountain!</p>

<p>Welcome back everyone, to the Hike’s Peak podcast, thank you for coming back to the mountain! It’s finally time to do a deep dive into the 2026 college basketball transfer portal cycle for the Mountain West and PAC 12! With close to 100 new players joining the ranks, I’ve sorted through the names to find the very best that will be joining your favorite team next season. This is part one, featuring the point guards and shooting guards, and next week will be the second part on the forwards and big men. This week, you’ll learn about the twelve best guards entering the fold, with every kind of journey being represented. From former 5 stars to D3 transfers, head coaches discover talent anywhere and everywhere, and this episode will prove that without a doubt. No time to waste, let’s dive into the top twelve transfer guards entering the conferences in 2026.</p><p><strong>Player Breakdown by Conference:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>MAAC: 2</strong></li><li><strong>Big 12: 1</strong></li><li><strong>Summit League: 1</strong></li><li><strong>MAC: 1</strong></li><li><strong>WCC: 1</strong></li><li><strong>AAC: 1</strong></li><li><strong>Patriot League: 1</strong></li><li><strong>SoCon: 1</strong></li><li><strong>ASUN: 1</strong></li><li><strong>MVC: 1</strong></li><li><strong>SEC: 1</strong></li></ol><p>That is it for this week’s episode of the Hike’s Peak podcast, thank you so much for listening! Hopefully, you feel like this series is getting you up to speed on the always shifting rosters of college basketball! Make sure to follow me on Twitter at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/JackTalksCFB">JackTalksCFB</a> and turn post notifications on so you don’t miss any Mountain West or PAC 12 movement! Also, check out the brand new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mwcconnection.com/transfer-portal/83991/mountain-west-transfer-portal-tracker-2026-cbk-pac-12-rankings-updated-utep-hawaii-uc-davis-gonzaga-washington-state">transfer portal tracker</a>, which is live on the website now. It’s complete with bios, stats, and previous stops for every player on the list, and is updated daily, so bookmark that to never miss out on transfer news! If you like the show and enjoy our coverage, leave a rating on whatever platform you’re listening on, every single one of those helps us out immensely. Follow us on twitter at MWCConnection and find all of your Mountain West news at MWCConnection.com. Thank you again for listening, get ready for part two next week on the top basketball forwards and big men entering the conferences! Until next time, I’m Jack Thompson, and thank you for coming back to the mountain!</p>