Offense
The quarterback room returns Jack Layne, who was inconsistent at times last season. Throwing four interceptions against Michigan and three against San Jose State. He was limited in the spring, and 4-star Oregon transfer Luke Moga could push him. James Laubstein is a great rushing threat and can be used in different packages.
The running back room will feature a nice one-two punch in Scottre Humphrey and Memphis transfer Cameron Matthews. Humphrey is the bigger physical back, but needs to stay healthy, while Matthews is quick and makes guys miss. North Texas transfer Kiefer Sibley will also see carries.
The wide receiver room returns some experience in Shawn Miller, Zhaiel Smith, and tight end Cade Keith. The additions of Trey Omeire (UNLV), Miles Williams (Eastern Washington), and tight ends Tripp Walsh (Iowa State), Joey Olsen (USC), and Bear Tenney (Sacramento State) are beneficial. Omeire could contribute well for this offense.
The offensive line returns four starters in Kaden Robnett (All-MWC), Jaymar Tasi, Malik Aliane, and Tyler Lawrence. Tevin Shaw and Elvin Harris also have experience. The additions of Ken Meir (Temple), Cole Millward (Weber State), and Markus Fetcho (JUCO) provide added depth.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Brian Booker (All-MWC), Jalen McIver, Xavier Slayton, Darren Agu, and Elijah Brody. The additions of Jalen Charles (Memphis), Deven Dyer (D2 Western New Mexico), AJ Robinson (JUCO), and Albert Tuahalau (JUCO) will help this unit.
The linebacker room returns two good ones in Jaxton Eck and Mercury Swaim. Eck was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year last season with 129 tackles. Watch out for redshirt freshman Nick Wheeler. The additions of Clay Martineau (Boise State) and true freshman Ricklan Holmes II will also see action.
The secondary returns experience in Drew Speech, Chris Gant Jr., Frankie Edwards III, Jahmir Torres, Tavian Combs, CJ McBean, and Austin Brawley. The additions of Eric McClain (Ball State), Ormanie Arnold (Cincinnati), Will Hicks (Hampton), Kevin Longstreet (USC), and Jayden Sheridan (Utah Tech) provide solid depth.
Specialists
Competition will take place here. Kicking duties sees a three-way competition between Grant Glasgow, Wagner transfer Nick Romero, and Western Kentucky transfer Konner Olson. Punting duties sees a battle between Charles Steinkamp and California transfer Michael Kern. Abraham Williams is a threat to score on every kickoff.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Central Michigan
- 9/12 Mercyhurst
- 9/19 at Oklahoma
- 9/26 at New Mexico State
- 10/3 UTEP
- 10/17 at Hawai’i
- 10/24 North Dakota State
- 10/31 at San Jose State
- 11/6 at Nevada
- 11/14 UNLV
- 11/20 at Wyoming
- 11/27 Air Force
Final Analysis
Jason Eck worked wonders in Year 1 winning nine games. New Mexico has a good deal returning as well and will be one of the favorites in the Mountain West. The Lobos have never played in the Mountain West Conference Championship game. That could change this season.
