LAS VEGAS — Air Force linebacker Blake Fletcher and running back Owen Allen earned spots on the 2026 Preseason All-Mountain West Football Team that was announced Wednesday.

The league opted not to conduct a preseason order-of-finish poll.

“After a lot of analysis, discussion with ADs and coaches, we decided that although preseason polls are fun and drive some buzz, the risk or detrimental brand impact of being named at the bottom half of the league or last, is more detrimental than the buzz of having a preseason poll,” conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said. “It’s harder in hearts and minds to move up, if you’re last, than not. So we went away from it this year.”

The recognition for Fletcher follows a junior season in which he recorded 108 total tackles, third most in the Mountain West.

“I wouldn’t say I was a surprise, but I’m very humbled to be on that list,” Fletcher said. “There’s a lot of great players on that list, so I’m very humbled to be on it.

“It’s always nice to see your hard work pay off.”

Allen ran for 750 yards and five touchdowns last season, ranking fourth in the conference in yards per carry (5.7). He ran for 100-plus yards five times, with four of those coming in Mountain West games.

Hawaii’s Micah Alejado earned Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while New Mexico linebacker Jaxton Eck was the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. North Dakota State returner Jackson Williams was the Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year.

MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

Offense

QB Micah Alejado, so., Hawaii

WR Pofele Ashlock, sr., Hawaii

WR Troy Omeire, sr., New Mexico

WR Taeshaun Lyons, jr., UNLV

RB Owen Allen, sr., Air Force

RB Jai’Den Thomas, sr., UNLV

OL Jack Foster, sr., Nevada

OL Malik Aliane, sr., New Mexico

OL Griffin Empey, jr., North Dakota State

OL Austin Boyd, sr., UNLV

OL Rex Johnsen, sr., Wyoming

TE Cade Keith, so., New Mexico

DEFENSE

DL Dylan LaBarbera, sr., Nevada

DL Brian Booker, sr., New Mexico

DL Keenan Wilson, jr., North Dakota State

DL Lucas Conti, jr., UNLV

LB Blake Fletcher, sr., Air Force

LB Jamih Otis, sr., Hawaii

LB Jaxton Eck, sr., New Mexico

LB Ethan Stuhlsatz, gr., Wyoming

DB Elijah Palmer, sr., Hawaii

DB Aiden Walker, so., Nevada

DB Darius Givance, sr., North Dakota State

DB Jake Pope, sr., UNLV

SPECIALISTS

P Bart Edmiston, sr., Wyoming

PK Joe McFadden, gr., Nevada

PR Jackson Williams, jr., North Dakota State

KR Jackson Williams, jr., North Dakota State

Offensive Player of the Year: Micah Alejado, sr., QB, Hawaii

Defensive Player of the Year: Jaxton Eck, sr., LB, New Mexico

Special Teams Player of the Year: Jackson Williams, jr., PR/KR, North Dakota State