Coming off a 7-6 football season and a bowl game, the UTEP football team was picked sixth in the 11-team Conference USA. Last season it was picked sixth in the seven-team West Division, its normal spot over the past half decade.
The poll was conducted among 22 media members, two from each market, who cover C-USA.
The Miners qualified for their first bowl game since 2014 last year, losing 31-24 to Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl. Defensive end Praise Amaewhule, quarterback Gavin Hardison, guard Elijah Klein, punter Joshua Sloan and receiver Tyrin Smith were named to the C-USA preseason watch list.