NEW MEXICO LOBOS 9-4 · 2025 2ND IN MW
9-4 · 2025 2ND IN MW
Next Game vs Central Michigan ·
Sun, September 6th 2:00AM
UNM -12.5 TOTAL 48.5
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Jack Layne - Remains without return timeline Layne (elbow) remains without a clear return timeline from his elbow injury, with Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal reporting Monday that he is "not real close." The New Mexic...
Impact This adds to the uncertainty surrounding Layne's availability for the start of the season. Until he progresses further in his recovery, New Mexico's other quarterback options remain relevant entering the opener. Toa Fa'avae appears to have taken the lead in the Lobos' backup quarterback race with the season right around the corner.
2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE
Toa Fa'avae - Takes lead in QB battle Fa'avae "asserted himself" in the Lobos' quarterback battle according to head coach Jason Eck, per Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact Fa'avae saw snaps in just one game last fall, but he looked good in live action Monday at practice and Eck said the young quarterback "separated" himself in the battle between Luke Moga and James Laubstein. New Mexico should still turn to Jack Layne when he's healthy, but that might not be Week 1, meaning Fa'avae could earn a few starts if he holds on to win this competition.
2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

College Football Rankings: Where All 138 FBS Teams Stand Ahead Of 2026 Kickoff

Ahead of the 2026 college football season, FOX Sports' RJ Young ranked every single FBS team — all 138 of 'em.
2 DAYS AGO • FOX SPORTS
College Football Rankings: Where All 138 FBS Teams Stand Ahead Of 2026 Kickoff
Jack Layne - Might not be ready for Week 1 Layne (elbow) might not be ready for the season opener against Central Michigan on Sep. 5, head coach Jason Eck told Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal, who added that they're...
Impact Layne had an offseason surgery to repair a torn tendon in his elbow, but is still battling through the injury, according to Eck. If he isn't ready to start, there are three options who could start under center in Week 1 -- Luke Moga, James Laubstein and Toa Fa'avae. Layne should be the starter when healthy, but he's in a race against time to be able to do so when the season starts.
AUGUST 11 • ROTOWIRE
Toa Fa'avae - Part of QB competition Fa'avae is in a three-way competition with Luke Moga and James Laubstein for the QB1 role in case Jack Layne (elbow) isn't ready for the season opener against Central Michigan on S...
Impact UNM is preparing in case Layne isn't ready for the season opener against UCM, and Fa'avae is one of the options to get the nod under center. However, head coach Jason Eck said it's been a "pretty even battle" between the three signal-callers to see who gets the nod in case Layne isn't ready to play against UCM. Fa'avae saw some reps in the spring, but it wouldn't be surprising if he's seen as the third option in this race behind Moga and Laubstein.
AUGUST 11 • ROTOWIRE
James Laubstein - Battling for temporary QB1 role Laubstein is in a three-way competition with Luke Moga and Toa Fa'avae for the QB1 role in case Jack Layne (elbow) isn't ready for the season opener against Central Michigan on Sep...
Impact The Lobos are preparing in case Layne isn't ready for the season opener against UCM, and Laubstein is one of the options to get the nod under center. However, head coach Jason Eck said it's been a "pretty even battle" between the three signal-callers to see who gets the nod in case Layne isn't ready to play against UCM. Laubstein was mostly used as a rushing option last season, recording 363 yards on the ground and adding one touchdown for UNM.
AUGUST 11 • ROTOWIRE
Luke Moga - Competing for potential QB1 role Moga is in a three-way competition with James Laubstein and Toa Fa'avae for the QB1 role in case Jack Layne (elbow) isn't ready for the season opener against Central Michigan on Se...
Impact Moga completed 3-of-5 passes for 58 yards last season and might have the inside track to open the season in a starting role as long as Layne isn't ready. However, no decision has been made yet, and head coach Jason Eck said it has been a "pretty even battle" between the three signal-callers to see who gets the nod in case Layne isn't ready to play against UCM.
AUGUST 11 • ROTOWIRE
Joey Olsen - Out with torn ACL Olsen tore his ACL in the offseason but is aiming to return at some point before the end of the 2026 campaign, head coach Jason Eck told Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal. "Jo...
Impact Olsen tore his ACL during offseason workouts this winter, and while he's trending in the right direction, he won't be an option in the opening weeks of the campaign. Olsen filed a waiver to be eligible for 2026, however, so he'll be able to step on the field if he recovers completely. According to Eck, he could return to action at some point between late October and early November.
AUGUST 11 • ROTOWIRE
Aldin Bilalbegovic - Fully practicing Bilalbegovic (undisclosed) is participating in spring ball, Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal reports.
Impact Bilalbegovic missed New Mexico's spring game, but he's not active with the season soon approaching. The 6-foot-4 tight end has yet to see the field with the Lobos.
AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE
Kader Diop - Practicing in fall Diop (undisclosed) has been active during fall camp, Edgerrin Garcia of The Daily Lobo reports.
Impact Diop appears to be good to go ahead of the 2026 season after going down with a season-ender last year. He has yet to record a catch with the Lobos.
AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE
Cameron Mathews - Clear RB2 heading into season Mathews has a firm grasp on the backup running back role heading into the season, Edgerrin Garcia of the Daily Lobo reports.
Impact Mathews, who transferred into the program from Memphis this offseason, is set to back up Scottre Humphrey during the upcoming campaign. Mathews is a relatively unknown prospect since he has not yet received a touch at the collegiate level, but he's clearly impressed the coaching staff this offseason.
AUGUST 6 • ROTOWIRE
Jack Layne - Out for near future Layne (elbow) is still recovering from surgery and he is out for the near future, Edgerrin Garcia of the Daily Lobo reports.
Impact Layne had an offseason surgery to repair a torn tendon in his elbow, but is still battling through the injury according to head coach Jason Eck. Layne said he was "feeling good" in the middle of July, but now his status is in question for the start of the season. He's set to start the season opener on Sept. 5 if he's healthy, but if he's not Luke Moga would likely take his place.
AUGUST 6 • ROTOWIRE
Abraham Williams - Not seen in practice Williams (undisclosed) was not spotted in practice Wednesday, according to Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact It remains to be seen whether Williams is dealing with a severe injury, but he was one of several skill-position players who weren't spotted during Wednesday's practice. The senior wideout appeared in seven games for New Mexico in 2025 but didn't record a single stat.
AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE
Troy Omeire - Dealing with hamstring injury Omeire is dealing with a hamstring injury and wasn't a full participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact Omeire didn't participate in spring ball due to an undisclosed injury, and now he's sitting out the early part of training camp with a hamstring issue. The wideout figures to be a key player for the Lobos' offense in 2026, but he needs to be healthy to contribute.
AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE
Joey Olsen - Not spotted in practice Wednesday Olsen (undisclosed) was not spotted in practice Wednesday, according to Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact Olsen is a depth option at tight end and made just one appearance in the 2025 season. His absence won't be much of an issue from a fantasy perspective.
AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE
Deshaun Buchanan - Doesn't practice Wednesday Buchanan (foot) did not practice Wednesday for New Mexico, according to Sean Reider of The Albuquerque Journal.
Impact This continues Buchanan's absence during camp, following reports that he was expected to miss most of that stretch after being sidelined with a foot injury ahead of fall camp. His continued time away limits his chances to build momentum in the Lobos' backfield. It remains to be seen whether he'll be able to practice in the near future; otherwise, his availability for the season opener against Central Michigan on Sep. 5 could be in question.
AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE
James Laubstein - Will compete for starting QB role Laubstein is in the mix for New Mexico's quarterback competition, Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal reports.
Impact Laubstein was recently granted an extra year of eligibility, and head coach Jason Eck noted that he will remain part of the quarterback competition. In terms of what the signal-caller has to improve on, Eck said, "I think being more consistent in the passing game is probably the biggest thing." The quarterback was mostly used as a rushing option last season, recording 363 yards on the ground and adding one touchdown for the Lobos. He will compete against Jack Layne and Luke Moga, where his prior game experience could help his case as New Mexico sorts out its options under center.
JULY 16 • ROTOWIRE
Jack Layne - Recovering from elbow surgery Layne said his elbow is "feeling good" after offseason surgery for a torn tendon, according to Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact The New Mexico quarterback added that he is healthy now after playing through the injury for much of last season. This is a positive offseason update for Layne after he was limited during spring work and inactive for the spring game while recovering from the elbow issue. His health will be a key factor for New Mexico's offense heading into fall camp.
JULY 15 • ROTOWIRE
Deshaun Buchanan - Dealing with foot injury Buchanan (foot) is currently dealing with a foot injury ahead of the 2026 season, per Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact Buchanan is slated to miss most of the Lobos' fall camp due to his foot injury. Head coach Jason Eck noted how he doesn't know what is exactly wrong but is certain it's something with his foot. The running back has a solid window of time to recover before the season opener but was seen in a walking boot and on crutches during spring practices.
JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE
Deshaun Buchanan - Out for fall camp Buchanan (undisclosed) is most likely out for the majority of New Mexico's fall camp, according to Edge Garcia of The Daily Lobo.
Impact Buchanan was previously sidelined for New Mexico's spring game back in April and will now miss a majority of fall camp due to an undisclosed injury. The tailback didn't produce much on the ground for the Lobos last season and was looking for a bigger role in the offense this upcoming season.
JUNE 24 • ROTOWIRE
James Laubstein - Returning to New Mexico After winning an appeal to be granted an extra year, Laubstein will return to New Mexico, per Sean Reider of The Albuquerque Journal.
Impact Laubstein will rejoin the Lobos' offense after being granted an extra year of eligibility. He will most likely compete against Luke Moga for the backup quarterback duties. Last season, he appeared in nine games, primarily serving as a dual-threat option, with 59 rushing attempts for 363 yards and one touchdown.
JUNE 24 • ROTOWIRE
Darrion Bowers - Participates in spring game Bowers (undisclosed) participated in New Mexico's spring game, Edge Garcia of DailyLobo.com reports.
Impact At long last, Bowers is good to go after an undisclosed problem took him out of action just before New Mexico's 2025 season got underway. The running back has no counting stats to his name.
MAY 6 • ROTOWIRE
Aldin Bilalbegovic - Out for spring game Bilalbegovic (undisclosed) is out for New Mexico's spring game Saturday, per Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact Bilalbegovic is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury, leading to his absence. Once healthy, he is still expected to be buried on the depth chart and likely will see limited playing time.
APRIL 25 • ROTOWIRE
Deshaun Buchanan - Sidelined for spring game Buchanan is out for New Mexico's spring game, per Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact Buchanan held a very minor role in the Lobos' backfield last season, rushing for 14 yards on seven carries. The halfback is expected to have a bigger role this fall, but he's sidelined for the spring game, meaning other tailbacks will get an opportunity to show the coaching staff what they've got. Buchanan will look to get fully healthy by fall camp.
APRIL 25 • ROTOWIRE
Jack Layne - Out for spring game Layne (elbow) is inactive for New Mexico's spring game Saturday, per Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal.
Impact Layne remains sidelined, as he continues to recover from a torn flexor tendon in his elbow. He will look to be at full health in time for the regular season, as he is once again expected to serve as the team's starting quarterback.
APRIL 25 • ROTOWIRE
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