Since the last season ended, hardly a day has passed without the words “Mountain West Championship” and “New Mexico Lobos” sharing the same conversation.
In his first season, head coach Jason Eck led UNM to its first bowl game since 2016 and just the sixth nine-win season in program history. The Lobos can now be called contenders, and with that comes a mix of proven strengths, emerging storylines and lingering questions.
Quarterback uncertainty with plenty of answers
Jack Layne’s chances at suiting up Week 1 look doubtful. Whether the job belongs to Luke Moga, Toa Fa’avae or James Laubstein, we won’t know until closer to the season opener, but the Lobos will need smart play from their quarterback. All three possess high-end athleticism, but protecting the football will be paramount.
While Moga and Fa’avae can create with their legs, Eck wants to see them step up in the pocket and deliver more throws on a consistent basis to maximize the talent surrounding them.
Cade Keith has been the go-to target throughout fall camp and headlines a talented tight end room alongside Tripp Walsh and Simon Mapa, whose blocking ability provides added versatility. Freshmen Max Leeper and Trey Moore may not see the field immediately, but their development is worth keeping eye on.
The receiver room is full of flavors, from veterans Shawn Miller, Kader Diop, Zhaiel Smith, Miles Williams and Evan Wysong, to the standout freshmen Massiah Mingo, DJ Darling, Dorian Patterson and Bailen George. Not to mention UNLV transfer Troy Omeire, who Eck hopes to have fully healthy by Week 1.
All have made plays throughout camp amid catching passes from three different quarterbacks. The big question: who will solidify themselves as an every-down player and difference-maker in big moments?
The uncertainty under center hopes to be softened by one of the deepest collections of pass catchers Eck has assembled since arriving in Albuquerque.
The defense starts in the middle
Preseason Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Jaxton Eck said having a nuclear engineering major next to him in Mercury Swaim makes his job easier. Jaxton Eck and Swaim have a tight-knit relationship both on and off the field.
“Over the break we went on a double date with his fiance and my girlfriend,” Swaim said during fall camp. “We get to spend a lot of time together, he’s always pushing himself, so I’m always trying to push myself to be better for him and the team.”
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Their chemistry has become the backbone of a defense with aspirations of being the Mountain West’s best, with depth behind them only adding confidence in doing so.
Boise State transfer Clay Martineau has been a key chess piece on defense. His versatility off the edge has been evident through fall camp. Nick Wheeler — who transitioned from safety to linebacker — has great instincts, speed and pursuit. Both could play in different packages on defense while contributing on special teams.
Look out for the dynamic group this season.
Winning in the trenches
“I want to get Scottre (Humphrey) to his 1,000-yard season,” offensive lineman Mailk Aliane said of the running back. “I promised him.”
A promise, if fulfilled, would boost the offense and ease the burden on the starting quarterback.
UNM lost production at running back after departures from Damon Bankston and DJ McKinney. Senior Scottre Humphrey is poised for a breakout season after a disappointing 2025. He’s dominated fall camp and elevated his pass-catching ability.
Aside from Humphrey, Eck said he likes what he’s seen from running backs Cameron Mathews and Kiefer Sibley.
“I think we’re trending towards having three backs, who we have a lot of confidence in, being ready to go,” Eck said.
UNM will need production from all three backs in 2026 — but it starts up front.
“The sky is the limit for (them),” Humphrey said when asked about the offensive line.
With four starters set to return from last season in Aliane, Kaden Robnett, Jaymar Tasi and Tyler Lawrence, they should be a group UNM relies on throughout the season.
Aliane said the main emphasis is improving in pass-protection. UNM allowed 34 sacks last season, which ranked 13th worst in the country, and their run game ranked 76th in total yards per game (152.0); improve in both areas, and you’re experiencing major improvements in 2026.
Takeaways and… a new sack record?
“We’re beating the UNM sack record this year,” defensive tackle Brian Booker said.
It’s an ambitious goal, but a realistic one. UNM recorded 36 sacks in 2025, its highest total since 2005, and welcomes back both Booker and Brett Karhu, after the latter was granted another year of eligibility.
Vanderbilt transfer Darren Agu, a 6-foot-6 pass-rusher from England, has dominated fall camp alongside Karhu. Booker’s confidence in the group stems from their depth, with Albert Tuakalau, Elijah Brody and Jalen Charles all making strong impressions throughout camp.
Nothing’s more of a consensus among the entire defense though than creating more turnovers.
“This is the most I’ve ever seen a team punch at footballs during fall camp so far,” safety Austin Brawley said. “(Turnovers) was an area we definitely struggled with last year.”
Brawley and Tavian Combs lead a secondary alongside Cincinnati transfer Ormanie Arnold, and Frankie Edwards III at cornerback. UNM’s depth on the back-end is strong. Safeties Drew Speech, Kevin Longstreet and CJ McBean will play important roles throughout the season, and cornerbacks Jahmir Torres and Eric McClain have proven their worth throughout camp.
“Statistically, that’s definitely the number one thing we want to improve on,” Edwards III said regarding takeaways.
Every championship contender enters the season with strengths to trust and questions to answer. Over the course of four months, the Lobos will find out whether this is simply just another pretty good team, or the one that finally brings a conference championship back to Albuquerque.
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @ByEdgeGarcia 5
