New Mexico is entering the 2026 season without a definitive QB1.
Head Coach Jason Eck announced Thursday that the team will play “multiple quarterbacks” in their season opener at home against Central Michigan on Sep. 5.
The decision followed nearly three weeks of competition between James Laubstein, Luke Moga and Toa Fa’avae, with the majority of the coaching staff’s evaluation coming from scrimmages designed to replicate game situations.
“I think all the guys have different strengths,” Eck said of the quarterbacks. “I think they complement each other… so we’re gonna use all the assets we have.”
Eck added that the team is still finalizing the rotation between the three, including who takes the opening snap.
It’s worth noting Eck didn’t disclose whether all three of the quarterbacks would see the field, or if the team would use a two-man system.
Moga and Laubstein’s decision-making and protection of the football throughout camp were encouraging. Both displayed their ability to create plays off-script and deliver accurate throws while on the run.
Fa’avae’s willingness to push the ball downfield delivered mixed results. As of last week’s final scrimmage, Fa’avae hit wide receiver Kader Diop for 38 yards along the sideline, and wide receiver Massiah Mingo for 54 yards on a deep post. But with an aggressive playstyle comes more turnover-worthy plays. His interceptions (and one fumble) throughout camp were hard to ignore, but so was his explosiveness.
Where all three of the signal callers found success was on the ground.
Each offers a different running style. Laubstein is a downhill, physical runner who isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards. Moga’s athleticism outside the pocket is dangerous, and his ability to recognize when to get out of bounds, slide, or take off has been evident. Fa’avae combines elements from both, paired with his elite acceleration and speed.
“We have a good mix there of Laubstein, who’s a veteran and played before; (he) did a great job for us last year on a nine-win team,” Eck said. “And then two really talented guys in Toa and Luke, who haven’t played a lot, but bring a lot to the table. Both have great arms; both are fast…I think all three will help us win this year.”
All three quarterbacks bring different elements to the offense, but the biggest question will be whether they can generate explosive plays through the air.
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Jack Layne will miss the remainder of the season
Jason Eck announced Thursday that quarterback Jack Layne would miss the remainder of the season and require a second surgery after receiving a second opinion on his elbow injury that kept him sidelined for the entirety of fall camp.
“We really feel for Jack,” Eck said. “He’s a great competitor; he’s someone who absolutely loves football. He’ll still travel with us…we’ll rally around him.”
Eck said Layne filed a waiver for an extra year of eligibility after his first surgery in the case he missed the 2026 season.
“He was able to file a waiver just in case this happened…so we’re hoping to expect that he may get another year back, which we’re excited about,” Eck said.
Layne started in all 13 games for the Lobos last season, throwing for 2,486 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 INTs. Layne helped lead UNM to its first bowl game since 2016.
Edge Garcia is a beat reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @ByEdgeGarcia
