Lobos face off against Big Ten champions in first-ever meeting at “The Big House”
College Football 2025 – Week 1
Matchup: Michigan vs. New Mexico
Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI (“The Big House”)
When: Saturday, Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. MT (7:30 p.m. ET)
TV: NBC | Radio: Lobo Radio Network (770 KKOB AM, Albuquerque)
Michigan vs. Mountain West Conference: The Wolverines have a 14-1 mark against Mountain West Conference schools, defeating MW Member Fresno State 30-10 in last year’s opener.
A New Chapter,
a National Stage
The University of New Mexico football team experiences a new chapter this weekend, as head coach Jason Eck takes the Lobos to one of the most recognized venues in sports—Michigan Stadium, otherwise known as “The Big House.”
Saturday’s game against the Wolverines will be the first meeting between New Mexico and Michigan. For Eck, who built Idaho to a playoff team, this is certainly a baptism by fire. Michigan enters the game as a 36.5 point favorite, fresh off a Big Ten title and boasting one of the best all-around rosters in the country.
The Wolverines are led by new head coach Sherrone Moore and brand new true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who was the top recruit in the country last year who de-committed from LSU to join Michigan. He was named the starter this week, making for plenty of buzz in the maize and blue to start the season.
But for New Mexico, while a financial payday is welcome, what it means to them is much greater: it’s an opportunity to measure growth, build confidence, and show the national audience that Eck’s plan for the Lobos is coming together.
Quarterback Decision: Layne Takes the Reins
photo courtesy of Idaho Athletics
After a two and a half week competition, junior Jack Layne was named the Lobos’ starting quarterback. A 6’2″, 206 lb. physical specimen, Layne exhibits poise and leadership while being very adept at executing offensive coordinator Luke Schleusner’s system.
For the first time in his Lobo career, Layne is healthy; he has been remarkable with the command he has taken while running the huddle and his play has been consistent while he always brings the spirit of optimism with him when playing football.
Lobo Head Football Coach Jason Eck said Layne is possibly the most cerebral quarterback he has ever coached. Layne’s lively arm is still as strong as ever, and he can throw pinpoint accurate passes and very comfortably as he works from a three-quarters delivery.
There is no question, after watching Lobo practices, that Layne walks the walk, while bringing a lot of zeal and infectious enthusiasm to his team mates and maintaining an incredible work ethic.
Behind Layne, the QB room will feature Idaho transfer James Laubstein, UConn transfer Cole Welliver, JUCO QB Gabriel Motschenbacher, and true freshman Toa Faavae who has had to adjust to the pro-style system after playing in a option system at De La Salle HS.
Offensively Michigan is getting ready to kick off their Season with their superstar Quarterback as they prepare to face the Lobos. Michigan will have a freshman QB with 5 Star recruit Bryce Underwood making his very first start ever.
Underwood, the No.1 recruit in the 2025 class, chose Michigan after involved in a heated recruiting battle with LSU. He had one heck of a run while playing at Belleville HS.
He led his team to two state championships and ended his high school career with just under 13,000 yards total and a ridiculous 179 touchdowns.
Photo Courtesy of University of Michigan Photography
Offensive Outlook
If there is a position group that can give New Mexico hope it’s the running backs. Scotter Humphrey (1,386 yds, 16 TDs at Montana State), Damon Bankston (1,104 yds), Deshaun Buchanan (567 yds) and DJ McKinney put together offer one of the deepest running back rotations in the Mountain West. Expect the Lobos to lean heavily on this position to set the tempo and keep Michigan’s offense on the sidelines.
There is no question that the running back room represents the best group of talent for the Lobo offense, with the speed and ability to take it to the house on any carry, given the opportunity with this Jason Eck squad.
The offensive line is a major concern, however. Richard Pearce is the only starter coming back and while he played reliable last year, allowing zero sacks, how quickly the new group comes together will determine if Lobos can be competitive.
A new receiving corps. Keagan Johnson (20 catches, 359 yards at Kansas State) and Michael Buckley (8 catches, 103 yds with the Lobos last year) are new arrivals, respectively, and their chemistry with the new QB and system is untested.
Defensive Challenge
Defensive Coordinator Spence Nowinski has already imparted a more physical, aggressive mindset. The Lobos registered six sacks and two interceptions (including a pick-six) in the fall camp period—exhibiting a physical mentality that has been absent in other seasons.
Michigan is simply one of the largest tasks in college football. Their offensive line is overpowering, and their run game is geared to just pound you physically.
With their bend but don’t break 4-2-5 scheme, New Mexico will look to counter with disciplined play to limit explosive plays and long-yardage situations.
They will certainly have size and speed in the middle with linebacker Randolph Kpai (80 tackles in 2024) who will provide leadership, transfer Jaxton Eck (Idaho), who was an FCS All-American with 134 tackles, 13.5 TFL, and an interception.
Ky’won McCray (Jacksonville State) adds to the mix and shows his size and versatility all over the camp. The depth continues with Dimitri Johnson and Mercury Swaim, so New Mexico will have flexibility for different linebacker roles.
Among the defensive is a proven pass rusher and a game-changer. The secondary should be comprised of Abraham Williams, Albert Nunes, Clint Stephens, and veteran Tavian Combs.
They should have gotten more speed and toughness out than have had in previous years. In totality, this defense will have more playmakers, leadership and depth—giving the Lobos a chance to challenge Michigan on national television.
That said, games are usually decided in the trenches. If the Lobos can match Michigan’s physicality and come up with some game-changing plays, they should be able to maintain competitiveness.
Watch for junior Derrick Moore, one of Michigan’s most dangerous defenders. Moore is one of the best edge rushers in the nation, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 256 pounds, and could prove to be a nightmare for the Lobos if not contained.
Last season, he totaled 23 tackles, including four sacks. Pro Football Focus ranks Moore as a likely second-round NFL Draft selection. He has that type of talent to change the game at any moment.
Photo courtesy of on3.com
So expect this Luke Schleusner (Lobos Offensive Coordinator) to go 12 personnel (two tight ends, one running back) if it comes to that.
A good edge rusher, especially one forecasted to be a high draft pick could make it a really long day for Coach Jason Eck and the Lobos, they need to be handled to a certain extent.
photo courtesy of Idaho Athletics
• The addition of Abraham Williams, Albert Nunes, and Clint Stephens at safety and cornerback improves depth and versatility. Along with veteran Tavian Combs, they will all be tested and need to perform well for the Lobos to have a chance to compete.
What’s on the Line
This trip to Ann Arbor is no more than just an opener, it’s a statement opportunity. After Bronco Mendenhall left, nearly 40 players left via the transfer portal, Eck went to the transfer portal, returning players, and even the trusted coaching staff from his stops at Idaho and South Dakota State to rebuild the roster.
No one expects the Lobos to shock the college football world on Saturday, but if they bring toughness, organization, and growth, it will prove Eck’s rebuild is on the right track. For a program that has been looking for an identity, and respect, that is a significant objective.
New Mexico is scheduled to receive $1.8 million for the game. Those big objectives are: play well on offense and defense, represent the Mountain West Conference positively as a up and coming FBS league, show progress, and return to Albuquerque without major injuries.
Idaho transfer Keyshawn James-Newby and Montana State transfer Scottre Humphrey are two of New Mexico’s stars, and Saturdays contest gives them an opportunity to really show what they can do on a national stage.
It doesn’t happen too often that a player can say they played in a nationally televised game where there were millions of eyeballs, some even NFL scouts, watching from home to create that incentive that they belong on that stage, if you will. Can you say “incentive?”
Aside from influencing whether the Lobos can stay competitive, both players can get NFL scouts to take notice with a strong performance on Saturday.
Coach Jason Eck emphasized the opportunity given that, “this first game of the year is the first opportunity for players with NFL aspirations to break out.
You have the chance to go out there and play hard and make a play. The Lobos will come in as the underdogs so they may not be on the radar of the scouts in the same way Michigan’s stars will be.””
Photo Courtesy of Montana State football
Three Things to Watch
- Jason Eck’s debut – Known for discipline and physicality in football, Eck transformed Idaho into a contender. How will his approach translate immediately at the FBS level?
- Jack Layne Under Center – Now healthy, Layne has the keys to the offense. Can he steady the unit and establish rhythm against a top Michigan defense?
- Defensive Grit – The Lobos don’t need to stop Michigan, but they must show fight: pressure the quarterback, win a few third downs, and avoid the big plays that have hurt them in past years.
Prediction
Michigan’s size and depth will likely wear down the Lobos as the game progresses. However, if New Mexico can stay competitive in the first half and demonstrate resilience, it will establish a strong foundation for the Jason Eck era and support them throughout this season.
Prediction: Michigan 45, New Mexico 21
