The Lobos’ recruiting department continues to score behind the scenes, helping secure six new commitments within the past week.
As of publication, New Mexico is up to 15 total commits and counting for their 2027 recruiting class.
Gunner Edwards, Defensive Line
Edwards, a three-year starter at Frenship High School in Wolfforth, Texas, announced his commitment to the University of New Mexico on June 17 via X.
“I knew that UNM was the school I would continue at because of how happy it made me (after my visit),” Edwards said. “What separates (UNM) is I feel like they don’t really care — if you have 5 stars or 0 stars they're gonna bring you in because they believe in you.”
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound New Mexico native held offers from North Texas and UNM’s in-state rival, New Mexico State. Edwards told the Daily Lobo his decision to commit to UNM goes far beyond playing at University Stadium.
“I feel like the academics really impressed me too,” Edwards said. “I’m not just going to play football. I’m going to earn a degree and they have a great team for that as well.”
Evan Macken, Tight End
Macken became the second tight end commit for UNM alongside Collin Benninger, after announcing his commitment June 16 via X. Macken — a Coppell High School product out of Coppell, Texas — attributed the team’s brotherhood as a key aspect in his decision to commit to New Mexico.
“The culture surrounding the team is what really stood out to me,” Macken said. “Seeing how all the players interacted with each other gave me a glimpse on how they’re developing, not just as football players, but men.”
Listed at 6-foot-6, 245-pounds, Macken earned 2nd Team All-District honors during his junior season. His mindset heading into the next chapter of his journey is one he said most should adapt — on and off the field — in order to find success.
“As someone who has dealt with adversity, I’m used to being told things like ‘you can’t do that’,” Macken said. “How you handle adversity — that dictates your success. It’s easy to let that break you down, but for me, it fuels my hunger. There’s nothing better than accomplishing something that people said you couldn’t achieve.”
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Ar’Modd Alexander, Edge / Linebacker
Make that two commits from North Forney High School: Alexander is joining his teammate Bryson Fleming after announcing his commitment on June 22 via X.
“I’m a big relationship guy and they’ve knocked it out the park thus far,” Alexander said of UNM’s coaching staff. “That’s what sold me.”
Alexander, listed at 6-foot-3, 225-pounds, held offers from 18 different programs, including Colorado State, Bowling Green, Nevada, North Texas and Texas State. Alexander attributed the authenticity of UNM’s interest in him as a key reason in his decision to call himself a Lobo.
“The culture and the relationships (have been) genuine since they started recruiting me,” Alexander said. “They did whatever it took to get me locked in.”
Marquiss Murry II, Running Back
As an LBJ Austin High School dual-athlete, Murry played both football and basketball during his junior year — tallying over 1,500 rushing yards on the field and averaging 17 points-per-game on the court — but will continue his athletic career at University Stadium, after announcing his commitment June 22 via X.
“What separated (UNM) from others was how they treat their players like family and they're all about development,” Murray said.
The Lobo faithful played a part in Murry’s decision to choose New Mexico as well, comparing the same love and compassion shown in his hometown.
“The city loves the Lobos,” Murray said. “It's like the whole city is in love with football like my original Hometown Tyler, Texas.”
Ilias Williams, Defensive Line / Offensive Line
The San Jacinto High School attendee received an offer from UNM June 5, and announced his commitment to the program June 22 via X.
Williams, listed at 6-foot-4, 250-pounds, provides flexibility along the offensive line, having played both guard and tackle for the Tigers. His versatility doesn’t stop there, as he contributed on the defensive line as well, flourishing on both sides of the ball during his junior season.
Ryder Molchanoff, Edge
Molchanoff announced his commitment to New Mexico on June 18 via X, having racked up 36 total tackles, 4 sacks and 6 tackles-for-loss during his junior season at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, California.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound pass-rusher made New Mexico his destination of choice despite offers from Air Force, Army and Hawaii.
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @ByEdgeGarcia
