Welcome to the seventh post in our twelve-part series reviewing each team’s signing class to date. These articles aim to provide a snapshot look at each team and lay out possible next steps once the transfer
portal opens. Teams will be examined in alphabetical order. Today will look at the Lobos.
The Road So Far:
Number who signed in December: 31
Number who will enroll early: 10
Number of states represented:
10247 Composite Rankings (subject to change): 79th
MWCConnection December Ranking: 6th
Positional Strengths: Wide Receiver, Linebacker
Notable signees: Massiah Mingo, Cade Mitchell
Overall thoughts:
The first recruiting class for Jason Eck is in, and New Mexico ended up in the top half of the conference and a respectable 79th in the nation, the latter of which is their highest ranking since 2010. The talent in this class is more solid than spectacular, and there is nothing wrong with that, especially for a program that has struggled to recruit over the years. Along with that, it’s noteworthy to say the class also avoids a large dropoff until the bottom, meaning a lot of quality talent has been brought in with this group.
The Lobos recruited the areas they should be recruiting, and found success doing it. Dipping into neighboring Arizona and Texas, finding some top in-state talent, and of course mining in California proved to be a successful strategy for the first-time staff. They also weren’t afraid to try their hand in non-traditional MW states like Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, and others. It’s a nice blend of different states and it resulted in being able to find a nice blend of talent.
The success of this New Mexico class should not only be measured in relation to the rest of the Mountain West, but also to its own past classes. While it is a good MW recruiting class, it’s a tremendous class when considering how tough it has been to recruit players to Albuquerque over the past decade and a half.
The Road Ahead:
Expected Level of Transfer Additions: Low
Top Position Targets Remaining: Running back, Edge
Overall thoughts:
The Lobos signed a large high school class, suggesting less activity in the transfer portal. At the very least, it should be different than last year, when the team had to replace the majority of their roster. If the 2025 season showed what Coach Eck could do with a brand new roster, many of which came from the FCS ranks, it will be intriguing to see what he can do with a roster filled with returnees and some supplemental talent.
On that note, there is room for improvement on New Mexico’s roster. They loaded up on certain positions in their high school recruiting and now will turn their attention to the transfer portal. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them add a veteran running back to their ranks. On the defensive side of the ball, bringing in more pass rushers would bolster their ability stop opposing offenses. Additions won’t be limited to those two positions either, but that would be a good starting point.
The Lobos are already in uncharted territory this cycle with recruiting success. While that doesn’t mean transfer additions should be seen as merely a victory lap, it does mean there is less pressure to solve every issue, and instead, the portal can be used to plug a few holes, not a whole roster.
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