Nevada Football secured five selections to Phil Steele's Preseason All-Mountain West First Team, tying for the most in the conference alongside New Mexico. The highlighted players include EDGE Dylan LaBarbera, offensive lineman Jack Foster, defensive back Aiden Walker, kicker Joe McFadden, and long snapper Cian Stack. A total of 12 Wolf Pack players received all-conference honors across four teams, showcasing strong defensive and special teams performance. LaBarbera was a standout from last season, leading the team in key statistics, while Walker made an immediate impact as a freshman.

By the Numbers
  • LaBarbera finished the previous season with 17.0 tackles-for-loss, ranking him eighth nationally.
  • McFadden ranked eighth in Nevada's single-season records with 19 field goals made.
Yes, But

Some may argue that despite these honors, securing wins in the upcoming season will be challenging amidst a strong Mountain West competition, especially considering the developing talent across other teams.

State of Play
  • Nevada's football team showcases a blend of returning stars and new talent, adding depth to both offense and defense.
  • They will begin their season with back-to-back home games against Western Kentucky and Montana State in September.
What's Next

The Wolf Pack aims to translate individual accolades into team success, starting with a strong performance against their initial opponents. They will need to leverage their top players if they intend to rise in the Mountain West standings.

Bottom Line

Nevada's strong representation in preseason accolades is promising, but building on this recognition with actual game performance will be crucial for the team鈥檚 prospects in the 2026 season.