As the transfer portal continues to reshape college basketball, loyalty still matters. For the New Mexico Lobos, Jake Hall’s decision to return to Albuquerque stands as one of the most significant developments of the offseason.
For days, rumors and speculation kept Lobo fans on edge. Every update was tracked, every possibility debated as it looked like this Lobo star was off to greener pastures.
The uncertainty brought a mix of hope, anxiety, and anticipation—but in the end, it also united the fan
base in a way only sports can, it was a buzz on Lobo social media sights.
There is now clarity.
After entering the transfer portal, Hall has officially withdrawn his name and will return to New Mexico next season.
His decision gives head coach Eric Olen a cornerstone player as the Lobos prepare for another run through the Mountain West Conference.
A Star on the Rise
Hall’s freshman season was nothing short of exceptional.
The 6-foot-4 guard led the Lobos with 16.4 points per game and shot an impressive 44% from three-point range, helping win some critical games for Eric Olens Lobos with his clutch shots at the end of the game.
His 117 made three-pointers not only set a New Mexico single-season record but also rank among the top totals ever by a Division I freshman.
His impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Hall became only the third true freshman in Mountain West history to earn First Team All-Conference honors, joining Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Bennett.
He also earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors, cementing his status as one of the country’s brightest young stars.
The Portal Frenzy
When Hall entered the transfer portal, the response from Lobo fans was immediate, “Here we go again.” Seeing some top Lobo players from both Lobo football under Jason Eck and Lobo basketball under Eric Olen.
Programs like Duke, UConn, Kansas, North Carolina, and IU quickly showed interest, recognizing his value as one of the most dynamic young scorers in college basketball.
For a week, uncertainty hovered over Albuquerque for the Lobo faithful fan base.
Then came the decision that changed everything—Hall stayed.
Family, Fit, and the Future
Ultimately, Hall’s decision was about more than basketball—it was about trust, relationships, and belief in the program.
The Hall family’s connection with Eric Olen runs deep, dating back to when Olen first began recruiting Jake at age 14.
That relationship played a significant role in his return. Although other programs offered major NIL and revenue-sharing opportunities, the foundation laid in Albuquerque proved stronger.
While the details of those opportunities remain private, one thing is clear: the Hall family believes in New Mexico.
And now, that commitment has grown even stronger.
On Wednesday, Jake’s younger brother, 6-foot-1 point guard Dax Hall, signed with the Lobos after earning CIF San Diego Section Player of the Year honors—following a similar path to his brother, though at a different school.
Next season, The Pit will feature not just one Hall—but two.
Roster Continuity and New Additions
Hall’s return headlines what is shaping up to be a deep and balanced roster.
New Mexico brings back key contributors, including:
- Uriah Tenette, who stepped into a starting role late in the season
- Chris Howell, who started the first 11 games before a season-ending injury
The Lobos have also added exciting new pieces:
- Freshmen Dax Hall and Ben Schuch, a 6-foot-9 forward from Austria
- Transfer Imran Suljanovic, a 6-foot-8 forward from St. John’s and Austrian national teammate of Schuch
- Guard Hudson Mayes from UC San Diego
The blend of returning experience and new talent gives New Mexico both continuity and upside. With improved depth, versatility, and pace, the Lobos are poised to elevate their transition game, perimeter shooting, and defensive presence.
A Statement to the Conference
In today’s transfer-heavy era, retaining a player like Jake Hall is as impactful as any major signing, and it also underscores coaches’ relationships with younger athletes and the athlete’s respect for the loyalty owed to both the coach and the program.
This decision represents more than roster stability—it reflects culture, trust, and belief in a program that continues to build momentum.
Hall had every reason to explore his options. The offers were real. The attention was national.
But he chose to stay.
Looking Ahead
With another offseason to develop and a system built around his strengths, Hall enters the year as a strong Mountain West Player of the Year candidate.
His return—combined with a strengthened roster and the addition of his younger brother—raises expectations across the board.
For Lobo fans, the message is clear:
The star is staying. The family is growing. And the future in Albuquerque has never looked brighter.
One has to give major props to head coach Eric Olen, his hardworking staff, and the players who want to stay in the “Lobo Band.” For now, the future looks very bright for this program.
With the new look Mountain West Conference next season, the UNM Lobo program is set up on so many levels to be the most dominant team in the conference.
You can bet new Athletic Director Ryan Barryman is all smiles coming into this Athletic Department, “for such a time as this” If you know, you know.
