Imperfect, But Undeniable: Lobo Football Finds A Way To Win

There are two certainties about the University of New Mexico football team in this unbelievable 2025 season: the offense plays to its competition, and the defense always rises to the occasion.

That formula—sloppy offense, stellar defense—was on full display in Saturday's gritty 20-17 victory over Colorado State. Despite turning the ball over four times, the Lobos secured their fourth straight win and first winning season since 2016.

The Hunt for Seven: Eck Fights Off 'Elk' Complacency as Lobos Seek History

As big game hunting season begins, UNM Football Coach Jason Eck is focused on a different, but equally crucial, quarry: a winning season. His Lobos (6-3) are heavy favorites against a wounded Colorado State Rams team (2-7), but Eck is acutely aware of the dangers of complacency.

"I think that's human nature," Eck mused, comparing his team's three-game winning streak to a caveman who, after bagging a few elk, might "relax a little bit." The Lobos are chasing their seventh win, which would guarantee their first winning record since 2016 and add to their list of historic achievements this season.

Knockout in Vegas: Lobo Football Punches Ticket to Bowl Season!

The New Mexico Lobos didn't just win a football game in Las Vegas—they won a heavyweight title fight and earned their first trip to a bowl game since 2016!

In a thrilling, back-and-forth battle at Allegiant Stadium, the Lobos (6-3, 3-2 MW) showcased the resilience and resolve of first-year coach Jason Eck, taking down high-octane UNLV, 40-35.

Lobo Football's Dangerous Success: Why a Win in Vegas Could Be a Long-Term Loss

The New Mexico Lobos are just one win away from their first bowl game since 2016, a spectacular achievement for a team with the fewest returning players in the FBS. The Lobos' rapid turnaround—highlighted by last week's dominant victory over Utah State—is a testament to the brilliance of first-year coach Jason Eck.

"We're Looking Pretty Good": Lobo Football Kicks Bronco Out of the Land of Enchantment

The University of New Mexico football team just sent a very clear message to their old coach: thanks for the breakup. In a performance that was equal parts dominant and delicious, the Turquoise-Laden Lobos pummeled Bronco Mendenhall's Utah State Aggies 33-14, putting on the best display yet of the Jason Eck era. Before a jubilant crowd, the Lobos didn't just win; they closed the book on the drama of Mendenhall's quick departure from Albuquerque with a decisive, three-phase victory.

Bronco and a bowl game with a turquoise twist. Forget the humble 5-7 record—the storyline for this Saturday’s clash between the New Mexico Lobos and Utah State Aggies is drenched in turquoise, betrayal, and the tantalizing scent of a bowl berth. With a win, the rejuvenated Lobos—under a new staff and featuring 72 fresh faces—will stand just one victory away from their first bowl game since 2017. That's a magnificent feat in its own right. But the game’s intrigue goes deeper than conference standings and high-powered Aggie offense. It’s about the man on the visitors’ sideline: coach Bronco Mendenhall.

Forget perfection. For the New Mexico Lobo football team, "winning ugly" isn't just a phrase—it's quickly becoming their defining, albeit messy, strategy. Their recent 24-22 victory over Nevada was a microcosm of their season: a dramatic, error-filled battle where the beauty of the game was a beast they narrowly tamed. The Lobos lost the turnover battle, missed a field goal, racked up eight penalties, and even had a touchdown wiped out. And yet, they led wire-to-wire. As Eck himself put it, “It’s awesome when you can overcome things... We’re a tough-minded team. We battle and we compete, no matter what the situation.”

The UNM Lobos are standing at the tipping point of their 2025 season. At 3-3, this Saturday's home clash against the struggling Nevada Wolfpack isn't just another game—it's a definitive must-win for any realistic shot at a bowl berth. Favored by over a touchdown, the Lobos must capitalize on this golden opportunity to "defend our home field," as Coach Jason Eck emphasized.

The University of New Mexico Lobo Football team gave a lion-hearted effort on the blue turf, battling the favored and statistically dominant Boise State Broncos into a one-score game entering the fourth quarter. Despite an atrocious start and being outmatched in size, speed, and depth, the Lobos showed a new resolve, even briefly leading 14-10 in the second quarter.

After a promising 3-1 start to the 2025 season that included a win over UCLA, the New Mexico Lobo football team suffered a "deflating loss" to Mountain West rival San Jose State, falling 35-28.

While frustrating, the coach views the loss as a necessary "reality check" for an up-and-coming program learning how to sustain success. The Lobos (3-2, 0-1 Mountain West) now face a tough road test against Boise State (3-2, 1-0), a place UNM hasn't won since the legendary "Greatest Night in Albuquerque Sports History" in 2015.

In their Mountain West opener, the New Mexico Lobos found themselves outdueled and under pressure, falling to the San Jose State Spartans 35-28.The difference came down to the quarterbacks: UNM's Jack Layne (28-of-40 for 344 yards, 3 INTs) struggled against a pass rush that tallied four sacks, while Spartans QB Walker Eget was masterful, completing 26 of 30 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. As Lobos coach Jason Eck admitted, "I thought their quarterback was outstanding."

It's a new feeling for the University of New Mexico football team. While the annual Lobo Howl for basketball is tomorrow, all eyes are also on the football team as they open their Mountain West season on the road in San Jose.

The Lobos are off to a 3-1 start—their best since 2007—and coach Jason Eck thinks that puts a "bull's-eye" on their back. Despite being 2.5-point underdogs to San Jose State (1-3), Eck expects the Spartans to be "desperate" to avoid a 1-4 start.

UNM’s win over NMSU felt a little nostaligc. Greg Archuleta on what the 38-20 Lobos’ win over the Aggies meant for the program.

Jeffery Gordon on why The Land of Enchantment needs to embrace the football game between the state’s two biggest universtiies. And why basketball should take a back seat - for a day at least.

The UNM football team could enter uncharterd territory with a win at University Stadium against NMSU on Saturday. Why Greg Archuleta thinks a victory over the Aggies could be a huge momentum swing for Lobo football.

The UNM football team played fearless against UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Friday. It earned them a 35-10 win and Greg Archuleta has instant reaction on why he thinks the gambles by Jason Eck paid off in a huge win for the program.

UNM heads to UCLA on Friday to take on the Bruins at the Rose Bowl. UNM is looking for back-to-back wins while UCLA seeks its first win of 2025.

UNM football hasn’t played UCLA since a bowl game in 2002, the history of the Rose Bowl stadium itself and place kicker Katie Hnida’s groundbreaking moment.

Erik Moulton awards his helmet stickers for Week 2 to the best peformance and players in the Mountain West Conference.

UNM rallies late to beat Idaho State and earn the first victory for first-year head coach Jason Eck on Saturday an University Stadium.