This week, the Lobos took a trip northeast — dressed in their best black suits, matching red ties and pocket squares — prepared to answer a different set of questions than they faced before last season and the team’s eventual trip to the Rate Bowl.
The newly-configured Mountain West Conference held its annual football Media Days at the Palms Resort and Casino, on Wednesday, July 15, and Tuesday, July 16. Each program was represented by their head coach and four player representatives to discuss their upcoming season.
Senior linebacker Jaxton Eck, quarterback Jack Layne, defensive tackle Brian Booker and offensive lineman Malik Aliane were the select four for New Mexico.
Five Lobos named to preseason All-Mountain West team; Jaxton Eck earns preseason DPOY
During the event, the Mountain West released their annual preseason team and honors, as selected by the conference’s media panel, where the Lobos tied for first in the conference with five selections — their most since 2003 (6) and first time with five since 2005.
Jaxton Eck, one of the five selectees, earned preseason Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors. Eck was the Co-Defensive Player of the Year last season after finishing 10th in the nation in tackles (129) and tackles-per-game (9.9).
“He’s one of the smartest football players I’ve ever been around. He knows our playbook probably as good as me. He runs this team, and I’m so happy he’s back,” Jack Layne said on Wednesday.
Alongside Jaxton Eck, defensive tackle Brian Booker rounded out New Mexico's defensive selections after starting 11 games last season and totaling 3 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks.
The Lobos landed three offensive players on the preseason team: versatile lineman Malik Aliane, UNLV transfer receiver Troy Omeire and sophomore tight end Cade Keith. Aliane started all 12 games last season, making 10 starts at left tackle and two at left guard.
Omeire — who was limited during the spring with an injury — left a lasting impression on Head Coach Jason Eck heading into fall camp.
"He's big," Eck said. "He's really worked hard. He's the biggest receiver I've been around. He's got a massive frame, he looks more like a basketball player. He's gonna be a weapon."
Coach Eck has also acknowledged how important Keith’s role could look this season.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"I think (Cade) has had an excellent offseason," Eck said on the Pit Press Podcast in an episode recorded in Las Vegas at the event. "I'm expecting big things from him."
Coach Eck embraces championship expectations
Despite the endless talk of high expectations, Eck said the message to the team hasn’t changed.
"We really gotta focus on us," Eck said when asked about championship expectations. "That's what I tell our team. We didn't really listen last year when people picked us to finish 11th. Now people are picking us higher — we just go about our business. We don't listen to them."
Eck told The Pit Press that becoming more detail-oriented will be key if the Lobos hope to turn a successful season into a championship one.
"Going 6-6 and going to a bowl game, I wouldn't be content with this year," Eck said.
Eck acknowledged the foundation was built during last season's breakthrough. Now, he believes this year's senior group has an opportunity to define their own legacy in 2026.
"I think that'd be tremendous," Eck said when asked what winning a conference championship would mean on the Pit Press Podcast. "I think we put ourselves in a position to be a contender through the work we had last year. I'm very thankful to our seniors last year for helping lay that foundation. For the guys coming back, it's their legacy — what they can accomplish."
Quarterback figures could be a two-man competition
While Jack Layne enters fall camp as the presumed starter, Eck said transfer quarterback Luke Moga was a key offseason addition as insurance while Layne recovered from an elbow injury.
Layne will be managed carefully during camp, giving Moga an opportunity to compete for the job. Eck also called James Laubstein's return after receiving another year of collegiate eligibility "a big boost.” Laubstein is expected to continue contributing in specialty packages using his legs.
Media Days are always exciting — but when September rolls around, the suits and ties will turn to pads and chin straps, the microphones will return for end-of-game pressers and any preseason prediction or honor will seem like ancient history.
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @ByEdgeGarcia
