The Coach Jason Eck era in University of New Mexico Lobo football has given the city of Albuquerque a new spark when fall comes around at University Stadium. The Lobos are coming off a historical season, finished tied for second in the Mountain West conference with an overall record of 9-4 and an appearance in the Rate Bowl.
So far the Lobos are losing eight players to the transfer portal. The most notable losses come on the offensive side of the ball; tight end Dorian Thomas is heading to the University of California, Berkeley, and running back DJ McKinney will play for University of Tulsa. Standout punter Daniel Hughes is also leaving, taking his talents to Florida State University.
Other players who have entered the transfer portal include quarterbacks Cole Welliver and Isaiah Chavez, offensive tackle Travis Gray, linebacker Mihalis Santorineos and long snapper Trey DuBuc.
Despite losing fan favorites to the portal, the Lobos have gained some intriguing names. As of Sunday, Feb. 1, six players have committed to the University. On the offensive side of the ball, the Lobos landed former University of Oregon quarterback Luke Moga, University of Nevada, Las Vegas wide receiver Troy Omeire, University of Southern California tight end Joey Olsen and Temple University offensive tackle Ken Meir. Defensively, they landed linebacker Clay Martineau from Boise State University and cornerback Kevin Longstreet from University of Southern California.
The Lobos are bringing back a handful of their talent from last season, referred to by the University as “The Real Ones,” headlined by quarterback Jack Layne and linebacker Jaxton Eck. Other notable names returning to the Lobos this upcoming season are cornerback Abraham Williams, defensive tackle Jalen McIver, safeties Austin Brawley and Tavian Combs, defensive end Darren Agu, linebacker Mercury Swaim and tight end Cade Keith.
The Lobos also filled some coaching holes by bringing in Zach Lujan as the new Wide Receiver Coach and an Associate Head Coach. Lujan was previously the Offensive Coordinator for Northwestern University.
Erik Link will be the Special Teams Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach after having spent six years at the University of Missouri as the Special Teams Coordinator. Darrius G. Smith was hired as the Running Backs Coach and Zach Parrella as the Associate Director of Athletic Performance.
Ryan McNamee will also serve in the newly created role of Chief of Staff for the football team. McNamee will oversee internal and many back-of-house operations including logistics and travel.
There’s been an emphasis to continue building what the Lobos have started under Head Coach Jason Eck. Retaining big-time contributors from last year, and bringing in some new talent, will help continue to establish a new culture and standard for New Mexico Lobo football.
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
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