Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wake Forest running back Demon Claiborne (RB03) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It’s time for the Minnesota Vikings to draft a rookie running back, and that man might just be Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne next month. The club met with Claiborne over the weekend, using a Top 30 visit.
Minnesota may not be done scouting mid-round help at running back.
For now, Claiborne projects as a 5th-Round talent, so the Vikings won’t have to move heaven and earth to get him.
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Demond Claiborne Brings the Burst
Minnesota needs youth in the RB pipeline.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. Claiborne helped spark the Wake Forest offense during the Atlantic Coast Conference matchup played on Oct 5, 2024, energizing teammates on the sideline. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images.
Vikings Meet with Claiborne
Get to know Claiborne’s name because there’s a better-than-average chance that he lands in Minnesota.
Draft insider Ryan Fowler tweeted Monday, “Source: The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne for a 30 visit. Dynamic ball-carrier ran 4.37 in Indy & was a two-time All-ACC selection. 907 rushing yds & 10 TDs in ‘25.”
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Sporting News‘ Billy Heyen added, “The Minnesota Vikings have an experienced backfield returning for the 2026 NFL season. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are both expected to be back on the field. One thing they lack a bit of at this point, though: speed.”
“Claiborne ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Yep, he can move. Claiborne is originally from the state of Virginia, and he measures at 5-foot-10 and 188 pounds. He also broad jumped 10 feet, 2 inches at the NFL Combine. He’d certainly be a nice get for the Vikings to be able to learn behind the veterans while also adding a new element of speed to their offense.”
Minnesota has one 5th-Round pick lined up next month, which might be the perfect spot to nab Claiborne, according to the Consensus Big Board.
The Scouting Report
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Claiborne played 44 games at Wake Forest, tabulating 3,023 yards from scrimmage and 28 total touchdowns. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and caught 28 passes out of the backfield in 2025. The Demon Deacon is known for his speed and breakaway ability, but also has weaknesses, including fumbles and a smaller stature at 190 pounds.
His speed and elusiveness make him an appealing option for teams seeking a complementary back who can generate explosive plays. Offenses that emphasize outside runs, space concepts, and change-of-pace rushing packages could maximize Claiborne’s skill set. Additionally, his experience as a return specialist may help him carve out an early role on special teams while he develops as an offensive contributor.
Demond Claiborne is an explosive, elusive running back whose quickness and burst allow him to generate big plays in space. His ability to cut suddenly, accelerate through gaps, and outflank defenders makes him a dynamic option as a complementary back. While improvements in ball security, receiving consistency, and interior power will be important for his development at the next level, Claiborne’s speed and agility give him the tools to contribute as a change-of-pace back and special teams weapon in the NFL.
The best comp for Claiborne entering the pros is probably Raheem Mostert. Maybe a side dish of Matt Breida.
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Time to Grow for a Rookie RB
For 15 years, the Vikings enjoyed a luxury most teams only dream of. From 2007 to 2022, they consistently boasted a dominant ground game, led by either Adrian Peterson or Dalvin Cook — the 2014 season, marred by Peterson’s suspension, being the only exception. For over a decade, the running back position produced consistently and required little attention.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) carries the ball during third-quarter action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem. Claiborne worked through traffic while advancing the offense during the ACC contest played on Sep 27, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images.
Those days are over.
Now, with the Vikings retaining Jordan Mason while restructuring Aaron Jones’ contract, they appear to be aiming for incremental improvements rather than a significant overhaul. However, Kevin O’Connell’s offensive scheme inherently de-emphasizes the running game. The numbers bear this out:
Vikings Rushing Playcall % NFL Ranking in the Kevin O’Connell Era:
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2022: 30th 2023: 30th 2024: 18th 2025: 29th
Even when the Vikings’ rushing attack is effective, they rarely commit to it, preferring to focus on the passing game and establishing a rhythm for the quarterback. The run is relegated to a secondary role.
This approach, however, has its limitations, particularly in the playoffs. Postseason success often hinges on a strong running game to control the clock, shorten possessions, and protect leads. Contenders typically run the ball more than half the time, a mark the Vikings haven’t approached under O’Connell, at least not yet.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) breaks a tackle attempt by Stanford Cardinal linebacker Tristan Sinclair (8) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Claiborne powered ahead to move the chains for a first down during the matchup played on Oct 26, 2024, extending the Wake Forest drive. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images.
Which brings us back to the draft. The Vikings once relied on superstar running backs to anchor their offense. Perhaps the next one will be a rookie — a standout college player capable of reigniting that explosive ground game. It could be a transformative addition. Claiborne would be a step in the right direction.
The Other Options in the Draft
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If the Vikings want a rookie running back in 5.5 weeks, but it’s not Claiborne, these are the Top 8 options listed alphabetically:
Aug 15, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first half during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings free agency might be going at a snail’s pace so far, especially when it comes to incoming players. However, there have been two new players added so far in this year’s Vikings free agency, and Pro Football Focus has had its say.
PFF keeps an up-to-date tracker of every team’s moves in free agency and then gives its verdict on the moves that are made.
PFF Weighed In on Minnesota’s Key Additions Right Away
While some teams have a lot to grade as the league broke the record for most spending over the opening four days, Vikings free agency has been quiet with the $16.125 million spent by Minnesota the least amount spent by any team in the league – a stark contrast to last year when the Vikings were second only to the New England Patriots in FA spending.
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Dec 26, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) leaves the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
In the first week of free agency, the Vikings made sure that Jalen Redmond, Andrew DePaola, and Tavierre Thomas were back in Minnesota for 2026, and also put a right-of-refusal tender on Ivan Pace. Only two new faces have been announced as arriving in Minnesota. The big news at quarterback is Kyler Murray and James Pierre, adding depth to the cornerback room. PFF gave their assessment of these moves.
CB James Pierre signs with the Vikings
Similar to Isaiah Rodgers last year, Pierre turned his best season in the league to date into a good contract from the Vikings. Pierre is a couple of years older than Rodgers, turning 30 in September, but if he can put in the same level of performance as last season as the Vikings’ CB3, that will be a significant improvement in the Vikings’ secondary. Here is what PFF had to say about the move.
2025 PFF Grade: 86.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.33
Contract: 2 years, $8.5 million
PFF Projected Contract: 1 year, $1.25 million
PFF Deal Grade: Average
Pierre looked really good in limited work in 2025, earning an 86.2 PFF overall grade on 408 snaps, so this is a worthwhile swing of the bat for the Vikings. It’s a bigger contract than PFF was projecting, but even if all he is is a good depth player, it’s a perfectly reasonable signing. The upside is that if Pierre can continue to improve, as we saw this past season, the Vikings could be getting a starting-caliber cornerback for a steal.
Pierre has never been a consistent starter in the NFL, and it would be unusual for that to start at age 30. The contact looks hefty, with the salary cap continuing to grow year on year, and new FA contracts look big every year. If Minnesota can get a couple of seasons of consistent play out of Pierre, this will have been a good deal.
QB Kyler Murray Signs with Vikings
Who were the Vikings going to bring in at QB? It was the story of the offseason, and it became more and more likely that it was going to be Murray as the weeks went by.
We finally got the confirmation, and Murray lands in Minnesota for one year, hoping to prove he can still be the guy and earn another big contract. Here is what PFF had to say about the deal.
2025 PFF Grade: 72.2
2025 PFF WAR: 0.55
Contract: 1 year
PFF Contract Projection: 1 year, $1.3 million
PFF Contract Grade: Good
After a trying 2025 season that saw Murray play just five games, he lands in an ideal landing spot with the Vikings. Murray hasn’t been as dynamic over the last three years with a 74.3 PFF passing grade, tossing 48 big-time throws compared to 43 turnover-worthy plays, but he’s still a high-ceiling starter who should push J.J. McCarthy. If Murray plays like peak form, this will look like an absolute bargain.
Some are still pushing the agenda of a QB competition, but it would be a surprise if Murray doesn’t start the season as the Vikings’ QB1. In the situation that Minnesota found itself in, bringing in a player of Murray’s caliber and basically no cost has been a stroke of luck.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
New Zealand vs South Africa 2nd T20I Live Updates And Live Score: South Africa are struggling in a 176-run chase against New Zealand in the second T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Batting first, New Zealand scored 175/6 in 20 overs with Devon Conway (60) top-scoring. In the first T20I, New Zealand were bundled out for just 91 runs in 14.3 overs after a brilliant display of bowling by the visitors. James Neesham top-scoring with 26 off 21 balls, with two fours and one six. It was a commanding display by South Africa, with the 19-year-old Nqobani Mokoena bagging a three-wicket haul (3/26) on his debut. Apart from the debutant, Gerald Coetzee (2/14), Ottneil Baartman (2/22), and captain Keshav Maharaj (2/25) scalped two wickets apiece. Chasing 92 runs, wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen played a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 45 off 48 balls, with two fours and as many sixes as the Proteas chase down the target in 16.4 overs. (LIVE SCORECARD)
Had the William Reid Stakes remained at Moonee Valley, Jimmysstar was set to begin his autumn there anyway, but Ciaron Maher’s outfit welcomes the move to Caulfield this season.
The million-dollar showdown shifts to Caulfield this Saturday as The Valley undergoes maintenance work.
The Per Incanto six-year-old enters his return off two winning trials, with assistant trainer Jack Turnbull from the Maher stable eager for his weekend engagement.
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“The William Reid is here at Caulfield, which is his favourite track,” Turnbull said.
“He’s had a faultless prep and his trials are obviously there to be seen.
“It would be nice to think he’s come back better – he doesn’t need to – but he tries, he’s very competitive and he’s clearly a very good horse.”
This marks Jimmysstar’s first outing post his third career Group 1 victory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes; though a leading 1400m performer domestically, Turnbull sees the weight-for-age 1200m as optimal for his fresh assignment.
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“He won the Oakleigh Plate here, but that was as a younger horse and he had no weight,” he said.
“Now as a mature horse, effectively he is a ‘seven furlong’ (1400m) horse, but he’s so brilliant and fresh over six (furlongs) he can really rip.”
With 15 declarations for the William Reid Stakes, Jimmysstar shares the Maher interest with Benedetta.
Benedetta has contested twice this time in, both on Flemington’s straight track—third in the Black Caviar Lightning, then sixth in the Newmarket Handicap—and Turnbull praises her unlucky but competitive showings.
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“She’s been running bold races against some very good horses,” he said.
“She’s obviously going back to weight-for-age, but she deserves her place as well.”
Joining the Maher runners are 10 other Group 1 winners in the mix: Baraqiel, Charm Stone, Devil Night, Jigsaw, Lady Shenandoah (unlikely), Magic Time, Skybird, Tropicus, and Angel Capital as a probable.
The Alabama Crimson Tide are in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth year in a row. The Tide will are the No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region and will face the CAA champion Hofstra Pride in Tampa, Florida, in the first round of March Madness.
Alabama (23-9 overall) had a brief stay at the SEC Tournament in Nashville, falling 80-79 to a streaking Ole Miss Rebels team that jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first half before the Crimson Tide made a late push. Labaron Philon led Alabama with 28 points, Aden Holloway added 18, and Aiden Sherrell had 14.
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Hofstra (24-10) defeated William & Mary and Towson before taking down Monmouth, 75-69, in the CAA’s championship game to clinch the Pride’s first NCAA Tournament berth in 25 years. Cruz Davis leads Hofstra in scoring with 20.2 points per game, followed by Preston Edmead with 16. Philon leads Alabama in scoring with 21.7 points per game, which ranked third in the SEC this season.
CBS Sports, TNT Sports reveal TV broadcasters for Alabama basketball vs Hofstra
Ahead of Alabama-Hofstra, CBS Sports and TNT Sports announced who will have the call of Friday’s first-round NCAA Tournament game. Tom McCarthy, Candace Parker and Dan Bonner are scheduled to call the action from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. AJ Ross will report from the sidelines.
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What channel will Alabama vs. Hofstra game be on?
Alabama-Hofstra will broadcast nationally on truTV.
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Alabama vs. Hofstra start time for NCAA Tournament
Alabama-Hofstra will tip off at 2:15 p.m. CT on Friday.
Alabama basketball schedule 2026
Here’s a game by game look at Alabama’s 2025-26 men’s basketball schedule.
The Colorado Avalanche have been leading the pack for the Presidents’ Trophy all season, but some recent struggles and a surge by the Dallas Stars have closed the gap.
The Avalanche and Stars both lost on Monday, meaning Colorado will maintain its three-point lead over Dallas entering a pivotal showdown on Wednesday.
But it’s how the Avalanche have been losing that’s most concerning to Nathan MacKinnon. On Monday, it was a 7-2 loss at home to the Pittsburgh Penguins that exposed more flaws in the Avalanche lineup.
“We’re too perimeter, we don’t shoot enough. We haven’t had 30 shots in four games now, which is very, very, very rare for us,” MacKinnon said post-game. “Usually we work off that D1 shot, but obviously our forwards need to help our D more. Even the Seattle game wasn’t great either; sometimes winning can mask some stuff.”
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The Avalanche are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games with just a plus-one goal differential. In the Seattle game MacKinnon mentioned, the Avalanche won 5-1 last Thursday despite being outshot 29-26. They followed that up with a 3-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, in which they heavily tilted the ice in their favour but only scored once, and Monday’s loss to the Penguins, in which Pittsburgh led 4-2 after the first period and never let up from there.
The Avalanche have been playing without three key forwards in Gabriel Langeskog, Artturi Lehkonen and Ross Colton. As a result, MacKinnon says, the lines have been shuffled around a lot, but he’s not using that as an excuse.
“I think chemistry matters, you know, and if a guy’s used to playing centre, filling in, routes, it’s no one’s fault,” MacKinnon said. “A lot of different line combinations lately, for everybody, so it’s hard.
“It sounds like an excuse, but tonight was just bad, too… It was one of those nights that just sucked.”
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says that Chris Atherton’s switch to the Republic of Ireland is “disappointing, but we have to accept it”.
Atherton made history in September 2022 when he became the youngest senior footballer in the United Kingdom at 13 years and 329 days old, when he featured for Glenavon in the League Cup in Northern Ireland.
The 17-year-old moved from Glenavon, who he had been with since the age of four, to Chelsea’s academy in July 2025 before signing a professional contract in October.
Atherton represented Northern Ireland at under-16 and under-17 level, and was a youth ambassador at the announcement in Nyon for the UK and Ireland’s successful bid to host Euro 2028 in October 2023, but has now changed allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.
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Speaking at his squad announcement for the World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy, O’Neill said “every player has the right to make that choice”.
“He’s a young player that had been initially in the Republic of Ireland set-up,” he continued.
“He came back to be part of our set-up and I think Chris played maybe 17 times for representative teams for us.
“But every player has the right to make that choice, and obviously he’s made that choice.”
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O’Neill also referenced the decision of Omari Kellyman, who is on loan at Cardiff City from Chelsea and switched to England from Northern Ireland in 2023.
Northern Ireland have also benefited from changes of allegiance, as Jamie Donley and Ronan Hale switched from England and the Republic of Ireland respectively in the past 12 months.
“We can’t handcuff them to a decision that they made initially,” O’Neill added.
“They have the right to make that choice once in their career, and Chris has decided to make that choice.
Despite featuring in the Top 10 highest run-getters in IPL history, these legendary players have never won the orange cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.
IPL Trophy. (BCCI/IPL Photo)
Despite featuring in the Top 10 highest run-getters in IPL history, these legendary players have never won the orange cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.
IPL Trophy. (BCCI/IPL Photo)
Despite featuring in the Top 10 highest run-getters in IPL history, these legendary players have never won the orange cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches its blockbuster start of the 19th edition on March 28, the tournament once again promises high-octane cricket, massive runs, and individual brilliance. In an era dominated by batting, where the highest run scorer of season leads to the prestigious Orange Cap, there is a shocking fact that some of the IPL’s greatest run-scorers have never claimed the award.Despite featuring in the Top 10 highest run-getters in IPL history, these legendary players have never won the orange cap even after 18 editions of the tournament.1. Rohit Sharma: One of the biggest names in IPL history, Rohit Sharma is also one of the most successful captains, leading Mumbai Indians to five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). Known for his elegant batting, Rohit ranks 2nd in the top run-scorers in IPL history with 7,046 runs in 272 matches. Rohit Sharma’s best IPL season with the bat was arguably 2013, where he scored 538 runs to lead the Mumbai Indians (MI) to their maiden title. Despite his impact, he has never won an Orange Cap. 2. Shikhar Dhawan: Sitting 3rd on the all-time run charts, Dhawan has amassed 6769 runs in 222 matches. He came close to winning the Orange Cap in 2020 and 2021, where he was among the top contenders but narrowly missed out. Representing teams Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings, Dhawan has delivered several memorable performances but never topped a season.3. Suresh Raina: Suresh Raina Often called ‘Mr. IPL’ was the backbone of Chennai Super Kings’ batting lineup. He scored 5,528 runs in 205 matches Sitting on 5th on the all-time run charts. His best season came in 2013 (548 runs), but even then, he fell short of the Orange Cap an astonishing fact given his dominance during IPL’s early years.4. AB de Villiers: One of the most destructive batters in IPL history, AB de Villiers thrilled fans with his innovative stroke play. He ended his IPL career with 5,162 runs in 184 matches currently sitting on 8th position, with his best season coming in 2016 (687 runs, 3rd place). Batting mostly in the middle order often reduced his chances of accumulating the highest seasonal tally, keeping the Orange Cap just out of reach.5. Ajinkya Rahane: Ajinkya Rahane currently at 9th position in all time run getters has been a dependable opener in the IPL, scoring 5,032 runs in 183 matches. His standout season came in 2012 (560 runs for Rajasthan Royals), yet he never finished as the top run-scorer in any edition. Despite his classical style and consistency, the Orange Cap has eluded him.
Honourable Mention: MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, one of the most iconic players in IPL history, has also never won the Orange Cap. The Chennai Super Kings legend has led his team to five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) and scored 5,439 runs in 278 matches. Known more for his finishing role than accumulating big seasonal tallies, Dhoni’s best seasons 2018 (455 runs) and 2019 (416 runs) still weren’t enough to secure the award mainly because his role as a finisher limited his opportunities to score big runs across the season.
Yang Hyun-Jun has delivered a clear message to Hearts and the latest Ibrox club, insisting the Celtic squad is fully focused on the title run-in after putting recent distractions behind them…
The winger was instrumental in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Motherwell, netting twice to help close the gap at the top of the Premiership to just two points behind leaders Hearts with eight matches remaining.
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It has been a turbulent campaign for Martin O’Neill’s side, with injuries disrupting progress on the pitch while off-field issues have also created instability throughout the season.
However, there were signs of renewed unity at Celtic Park over the weekend, as the Hoops produced one of their finest performances of the season at a crucial stage of the campaign.
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Yang believes the challenges of recent months are now in the past and says the team is fully committed to pushing hard in the closing weeks as they aim to secure another league title.
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Speaking post match after starring in Celtic’s 3-1 win Motherwell, Yang told the mainstream media via Daily Record: “The goal is to win the title now. What has happened this season is in the past now and I am only focusing on the present and what is to come.
“In order for a team to be successful there has to be obstacles. You don’t just get an easy win. It has been difficult at times but if we can achieve our goal this season it will be a massive boost to the team.
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“I was really happy with the result and the performance. You can see the character in the team. It just feels like all of the hard work we are doing is paying off and you can see the path the team wants to take. It has to be one game at a time though at this stage of the season.”
Hyunjun Yang of Celtic scores his team’s opening goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on March 14, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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Yang added: “It was a very tough game. It was nice to get the two goals but my main priority was for the team and getting the win. I was fortunate to get the opportunities to score and I was very happy to contribute.”
“But I was more happy with the win. It was a very important three points following the difficult run of away matches.”
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Hyunjun Yang of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the ScottishPremiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on March 14, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“Motherwell are obviously a very good team. We prepared really well over the past week and I think that contributed to the win. I think this can give me and the team a lot of confidence that we can take into the next game and the rest of the season.”
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“Our goal is to win the title,” Yang’s message to Celtic’s rivals
Utah State won the regular-season Mountain West Men’s Basketball Championship in 2025-26.
It’s the third title overall for the Aggies, who also won the title in 2023-24, and shared the title with Nevada in 2018-19.
San Diego leads all MW teams with nine regular-season championships overall, followed by BYU with six. New Mexico and Utah both have five.
Below you’ll find a complete table of all regular-season men’s basketball championships by year, with the winning coach (or coaches, in the case of shared titles) dating back to the 1999-2000 season.
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A breakdown of championships by program appears at the bottom.
All-Time Regular Season Men’s Basketball Championships
Boise State entered last season as the G6 favorite to make the Playoff, only to start the season with a blowout loss to South Florida. 
It’s the third title overall for the Aggies, who also won the title in 2023-24, and shared the title with Nevada in 2018-19.
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