Wyoming

Wyoming

Mountain West|2026 Preseason Preview

Overall
-7.9
#109
Offense
-6.9
#127
Defense
+1.0
#52
Proj. Wins
6.1

Wyoming faces quarterback uncertainty after Kaden Anderson's departure

2026 Preseason Outlook

Wyoming enters 2026 with significant offensive uncertainty after losing quarterback Kaden Anderson (31.5 PPA) to Tarleton State and top receiver Chris Durr Jr. (27.1 PPA) to Maryland via the transfer portal. The Cowboys' offense already struggled last season, ranking 127th nationally at -6.9 points, and now faces a quarterback competition with no clear successor identified. Running back Terron Kellman also departed for Liberty, though West Virginia transfer Diore Hubbard (8.2 PPA) provides some backfield reinforcement. The defense remains the program's strength at +1.0 points (52nd nationally), but even that unit lost key pieces and faces continuity concerns along the front seven.

JP+ projects 6.3 wins for Wyoming in 2026, a modest improvement from last year's 4-8 record that hinges largely on defensive stability and finding adequate quarterback play. The Cowboys lost 70.6 PPA through 16 portal departures while adding just 8.2 PPA from 19 arrivals, creating significant roster turnover that extends beyond the headline losses. Special teams remain a weakness at 136th nationally, adding another layer of concern for a team already navigating substantial offensive changes. If the new signal-caller can provide competent play and the defense maintains its form despite personnel losses, Wyoming could reach bowl eligibility. If not, another disappointing season looms in Laramie.

Projected Schedule

WkOpponentJP+ LineWin%
1
@Colorado StateColorado State
+1.547%
2
NNorthern Colorado
−15.485%
3
@Central MichiganCentral Michigan
+1.447%
4
HawaiiHawaii
−2.257%
5
@North Dakota StateNorth Dakota State
+11.123%
6
@San Jose StateSan Jose State
−2.758%
7
Northern IllinoisNorthern Illinois
−9.374%
8
Air ForceAir Force
+11.722%
9BYE WEEK
10
@UNLVUNLV
+7.631%
11
@UTEPUTEP
+1.148%
12
New MexicoNew Mexico
−1.254%
13
UConnUConn
−5.165%
Proj. Wins6.1

JP+ Preseason Power Ratings · Win probabilities from Monte Carlo simulation · Preview generated June 5, 2026