In 2011, two of the conference's charter members, BYU (WCC and football independent) and Utah (Pac-12), left, while Boise State joined from the WAC.

This brought the conference membership in football to 12, allowing the MW to split into divisions and launch a championship game.

The following Mountain West players were named to preseason award watch lists.

NOTE: Stats shown are before the beginning of the season *first year as conference member, ^achieved as head coach of New Mexico from 99–08 The Mountain West Conference will have agreements with the following bowls for 2012–13: All dates, times, and TV are tentative and subject to change.

Conference games start times are that of the home team.