New Mexico Lobos versus New Mexico State Aggies
Overview of the Rivalry
Matchup: The University of New Mexico Lobos (2-1) square off against the New Mexico State Aggies (2-1) in one of the state’s most storied showdowns—the Rio
Grande Rivalry, also known as the Battle of I-25.
Kickoff Details: The action gets underway at 2 p.m. this Saturday at University Stadium in Albuquerque.
How to Watch & Listen
:- TV Broadcast: Altitude Sports, a regional network based in Colorado, will televise the game with Robert Portnoy handling play-by-play duties and DonTrell Moore providing analysis.
- Online Streaming: Fans without Altitude access can catch the same coverage via themw.com.
- Radio Coverage: The Lobo Radio Network (770 AM/96.3 FM) will feature J.J. Buck (play-by-play), Ned James (analyst), and former UNM soccer standout Skye McMillon reporting from the sidelines.
Betting Line: According to ESPN BET, UNM enters the matchup as a 13.5-point favorite.
Why It Matters: This isn’t just another game—it’s a clash of pride, tradition, and bragging rights between two fierce in-state rivals.
- When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 4 p.m. ET
- Location: University Stadium (NM) in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- TV: MW Network
photo courtesy of picksandparlays.net
The Rio Grande Rivalry returns this Saturday as the New Mexico State Aggies head south to Albuquerque to face the New Mexico Lobos in one of college football’s oldest and most passionate rivalries.
Started in 1894, this game means more than just football; it’s about tradition, pride, and bragging rights in the Land of Enchantment. Saturday will mark the 115th all-time meeting between NM State and New Mexico.
When these two teams face off, records and rankings take a backseat—the focus is on dominance and a legacy that extends beyond the field. From a fans’ perspective, it will be very entertaining with lots of fireworks!
This year is significant as both teams enter the game with 2-1 records, marking the first time since 1992 that UNM and NMSU meet with winning records.
Last year, the Lobos won a high-scoring shootout in Las Cruces, 50–40, while the Aggies claimed the 2023 matchup in Albuquerque, 27–17.
Returning from a bye week, Jason Eck’s Lobos focus on their rival, New Mexico State. The Aggies are 2-1 but still rank among the lower-tier teams in FBS football, giving the Lobos a good chance to improve to 3-1 for the first time since 2007, the year Rocky Long led that team to a 9-4 record.
Former Lobo star and head coach Rocky Long is well-known for inspiring his team with the phrase: “Lobos don’t lose to Aggies.” Over the years, the Lobos have dominated the series with 74 wins, 35 losses, and five ties.
During Rocky Long’s tenure as head coach, he went 8-3 against the Aggies, winning the last six of those games (According to UNM Sports Information Director Frank Mercogliano). It truly is a heated rivalry game for New Mexicans.
Started in 1894, this game represents more than just football; it’s about tradition, pride, and bragging rights in the Land of Enchantment. Saturday will mark the 115th all-time meeting between NM State and New Mexico.
When these two teams face off, records and rankings take a backseat—the focus is on dominance and a legacy that goes beyond the field, and you can be sure that from a fans’ perspective, it will be very entertaining with lots of fireworks!
This year is significant as both teams enter the game with 2-1 records, marking the first time since 1992 that UNM and NMSU meet with winning records.
Last year, the Lobos won a high-scoring shootout in Las Cruces, 50–40, while the Aggies claimed the 2023 matchup in Albuquerque, 27–17.
Returning from a bye week, Jason Eck’s Lobos concentrate on their rival, New Mexico State. The Aggies are 2-1 but still rank among the lower-tier teams in FBS football, giving the Lobos a strong opportunity to improve to 3-1 for the first time since 2007, the year Rocky Long led that team to a 9-4 record.
Former Lobo star and head coach Rocky Long is well-known for inspiring his team with the phrase: “Lobos don’t lose to Aggies.” Over the years, the Lobos have dominated the series with 74 wins, 35 losses, and five ties.
During Rocky Long’s tenure as head coach, he went 8-3 against the Aggies, winning the last six of those games (According to UNM Sports Information Director Frank Mercogliano). It truly is a heated rivalry game for New Mexicans.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Recent outcomes for these two teams
The Rio Grande Rivalry is back, and both teams are starting at 2-1 with a lot at stake early in the season. For New Mexico State, they’re looking to bounce back after a tough 49-14 loss at Louisiana Tech, where the Aggies struggled offensively with only 27 yards rushing on 17 carries, finishing with 308 total yards.
On defense, NMSU was run over for 353 yards on 65 attempts. The Lobos, meanwhile, are coming off one of the biggest wins in program history with a 35-10 victory on the road at UCLA, their first win against a Power Conference opponent since 2008.
The Lobos dominated the game with a strong run game that totaled 298 yards at 6.5 yards per carry. Overall, UNM gained 450 yards on offense over 63 plays, while their defense held UCLA to just 109 rushing yards and 217 passing yards.
With both teams now above .500, the intensity of this year’s rivalry will only grow stronger. The Aggies need a much-needed bounce-back performance, while the Lobos are eager to prove that the UCLA win wasn’t a fluke.
Bragging rights in New Mexico are sure to be fiercely contested. The Rio Grande Rivalry is back, and both teams are coming in at 2-1 with a lot at stake early in the season.
For New Mexico State, they’re looking to rebound after a tough 49-14 loss at Louisiana Tech, where the Aggies couldn’t get much going offensively with only 27 yards rushing on 17 carries, settling for 308 yards of total offense. Meanwhile, on defense, NMSU was ran over for 353 yards on 65 attempts.
The Lobos, on the other hand, are coming off one of the largest wins in the program’s history with a 35-10 win on the road at UCLA, their first win against a Power Conference opponent since 2008.
The Lobos took control of the game with a strong rushing attack that gained 298 yards at 6.5 yards per carry. Overall, UNM racked up 450 yards on offense on 63 plays, while the defense allowed UCLA to only gain 109 rushing yards and 217 passing yards.
With both teams breaking above .500, the animosity of this year’s rivalry will only be that much stronger. On one end, the Aggies need a much-needed bounce back performance, while the Lobos are trying to establish that the UCLA win wasn’t a fluke. Bragging rights in New Mexico are sure to be hard fought.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
New Mexico Lobos: Rolling In With Momentum
The Lobos are entering the rivalry with strong momentum after a commanding 35–10 victory over UCLA—their first win against a Power Five opponent since 2008.
Jack Layne has become a steady and confident quarterback, displaying composure and accuracy under pressure. Offensive Coordinator Luke Schleusner has crafted an offense that plays to Layne’s strengths, emphasizing quick reads, ball security, and efficiency.
The backfield features a formidable duo of Scottre Humphrey and Damon Bankston. Humphrey excels at gaining tough yards between the tackles, while Bankston offers explosive speed and big-play ability.
A large, tough offensive line supports this balanced attack. For UNM, reducing turnovers will be essential for sustaining drives, controlling the clock, and maintaining the pace—key factors in this intense rivalry.
The Lobos are entering the rivalry with strong momentum, after a commanding 35–10 win over UCLA—their first victory against a Power Five opponent since 2008.
Jack Layne has become a steady and confident quarterback, showing composure and accuracy under pressure. He really has been a blessing to this Lobo offense with his poise under pressure; he just doesn’t get rocked.
Offensive Coordinator Luke Schleusner has designed an offense that plays to Layne’s strengths, focusing on quick reads, ball security, and efficiency.
The backfield features a strong duo in Scottre Humphrey and Damon Bankston. Humphrey is great at gaining tough yards between the tackles. At the same time, Bankston provides explosive speed and the ability to make big plays.
A large, tough offensive line supports this balanced attack. For UNM, reducing turnovers will be crucial for sustaining drives, managing the clock, and maintaining the pace—key factors in this intense rivalry.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Defensive Advantage
Defensively, New Mexico has shown significant improvement. Linebacker Jaxton Eck leads the unit, delivering a standout performance against UCLA with 11 tackles and a crucial deflection that resulted in a fourth-quarter interception.
His impact helped secure UNM’s first win over a Power Conference opponent in 17 years, earning him Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors—the first Lobo to receive a weekly award this season
Additionally, junior edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby has become a disruptive force on defense. His quickness and relentless effort allow him to collapse pockets and pressure quarterbacks, making him a significant threat to the Aggies.
With 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, eight tackles for loss, and top rankings in QB pressures and pass rush win rate, James-Newby’s ability to impact the game is well recognized by teammates and opponents alike.
If he can unsettle Aggie quarterback Logan Fife, NMSU’s offense could struggle. This defense recently held UCLA to its lowest point total in years, and replicating that performance against Fife and his receivers will be crucial for success.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Defensively, New Mexico has shown significant improvement. Linebacker Jaxton Eck leads the unit, delivering a standout performance against UCLA with 11 tackles and a key deflection that resulted in a crucial fourth-quarter interception.
His impact helped secure UNM’s first win over a Power Conference opponent in 17 years, earning him Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors—the first Lobo to receive a weekly award this season.
Also, players who have started to really stand out on defense for the Lobos include Caleb Coleman with 11 solo tackles and Abraham Williams with nine solo tackles.
Additionally, junior edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby has become a disruptive force on defense.
His quickness and relentless effort allow him to collapse pockets and pressure quarterbacks, making him a significant threat to the Aggies. I predict he is going to wreak havoc on the Aggies’ offense; he is that good.
With 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, eight tackles for loss, and top rankings in QB pressures and pass rush win rate, James-Newby’s ability to impact the game is well recognized by teammates and opponents alike.
This defense recently held UCLA to its lowest point total in years and replicating that performance against Fife and his receivers will be crucial for success.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
A veteran in the Lobos’ secondary, Tavian Combs has been part of the team since 2020 and offers valuable experience despite past injury struggles.
Tavian is a young man of faith, and he is sure he has relied on it, with three different head coaches, different coordinators, and all the adversity of overcoming injuries that would have leveled most people.
He is easily one of the smartest players in the Mountain West Conference secondary. If you watch him on film, he is really a ball hawk, always reading what’s going on with the opposing offense each play.
At his best, he’s a playmaker — with 210 career tackles, three interceptions, seven breakups, and four forced fumbles.
photo courtesy of msn.com
New Mexico State Aggies: Air It Out or Bust
The Aggies’ offense revolves around quarterback Logan Fife, who has thrown for 762 yards and five touchdowns in three games.
His strong connections with receivers PJ Johnson III and Donovan Faupel make NMSU a threat through the air. However, the running game has been inconsistent, with Dijon Stanley leading the team with just 57 yards on 20 carries.
This one-dimensional attack increases pressure on the passing game, especially against UNM’s improving front seven.
Defensively, the Aggies have struggled to stop the run, giving up over 27 points per game and a staggering 45.5 points per game in their two losses. If Humphrey and Bankston find their groove, it could pose problems for NMSU’s defense.
photo courtesy of saintswire.usatoday.com
Series History
New Mexico leads the all-time series 74–35–5, including last year’s 50–40 victory in Albuquerque.
The Aggies are looking to win back-to-back games against New Mexico since the 2009 and 2011 seasons.
The Aggies won the 2023 matchup and have made the rivalry more competitive in recent years. This year’s game is expected to be another physically and emotionally exhausting battle, likely decided by execution in the fourth quarter.
If the Lobos establish their running back with their two-headed monster of Humphrey and Bankston, it will be a long night for the Aggies. The Lobos are just too balanced and are a team that doesn’t beat itself with penalties.
photo courtesy of lcsun-news.com
Matchup Breakdown
- Pass Rush vs. Pass Protection: Advantage UNM
- Run Defense/Linebacker Play: Advantage UNM
- Secondary vs. WRs: Slight edge NMSU
- Running Game/Line of Scrimmage: Advantage UNM
- QB Decision Making: Even, with a slight edge to UNM
What to Watch
- UNM: Establish the running game early, control the tempo, and unleash James-Newby on defense.
- NMSU: Fife needs to develop timing with Johnson III and Faupel while protecting the ball; big plays are their primary avenue for success.
X-Factor: Turnovers. Momentum swings in this rivalry can be dramatic and game-changing.
Prediction
While the Aggies’ passing game will keep the contest close, New Mexico has a more well-rounded team. The Lobos’ balanced offense and improving defensive effort should help them maintain momentum, and this team looks like a squad that doesn’t beat themselves.
They have two very powerful running backs with an offensive line that competed at Michigan and then at UCLA. Combine that with a defense that has improved and added more pieces (Darren Agu) to the front, along with leadership from Combs, Eck, and Abram Williams, and it will be too much for the Aggies to overcome.
