A new dawn is breaking over Albuquerque, and the Lobos are looking to turn the page after years of struggle. With the hiring of Jason Eck, the former Idaho Vandals head coach, New Mexico is putting its faith in a man known for offensive wizardry and FCS grit.
2025 New Mexico Football Schedule
Coming from the Big Sky Conference with a reputation for reviving programs, Eck is now tasked with pulling the Lobos out of the Mountain West basement. The challenge is steep, the opponents are tougher, but for the first time in years, there’s a cautious sense of excitement brewing in the Land of Enchantment.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟱𝟬𝟱 🌇🏈
We’re 15 Saturdays away from being back in University Stadium! #GoLobos | 🐺🆙 pic.twitter.com/yM3e4FgNRZ
— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) May 24, 2025
- Aug. 30—at Michigan
- Sep. 6—vs. Idaho State
- Sep. 13—at UCLA
- Sep. 27—vs. New Mexico State
- Oct. 4—at San José State
- Oct. 11—at Boise State
- Oct. 18—vs. Nevada
- Oct. 25—vs. Utah State
- Nov. 1—at UNLV
- Nov. 15—vs. Colorado State
- Nov. 22—at Air Force
- Nov. 29—vs. San Diego State
Breaking Down the Slate: What to Expect in 2025
Jason Eck’s first season with the Lobos begins with a firestorm as New Mexico travels to the Big House to face Michigan on August 30.
The Wolverines, College Football Playoff regulars, will likely enter the season ranked in the top 10 and are expected to flex their depth against the rebuilding Lobos. It’s a no-lose scenario for New Mexico, which can use it as a measuring stick and gain invaluable experience.
Week 2 brings a much-needed breather with a home matchup against Idaho State, an FCS opponent from Eck’s old stomping grounds in the Big Sky. That contest will be key for building confidence and ironing out any early-season wrinkles before another daunting road trip, to UCLA on September 13.
The Bruins, now competing in the Big Ten, are a different breed than what Lobo fans are used to seeing on the schedule.
The schedule balances out a bit with a highly anticipated September 27 home showdown vs. New Mexico State, a heated in-state rivalry game that could serve as the emotional turning point of the season.
After that, Mountain West play hits full stride with a road double at San José State and Boise State, two teams that have historically bullied the Lobos in the trenches.
October wraps up with winnable home games against Nevada and Utah State, both programs that have struggled with consistency. November opens with a trip to UNLV, which, depending on their quarterback situation, could go either way.
The home stretch includes Colorado State at home, a late-season grind at Air Force’s triple-option machine, and a regular-season finale against San Diego State, which is retooling but never easy to put away.
If New Mexico can come out of this stretch with four to five wins, it would already be a step in the right direction. The realistic target? Competing hard, avoiding blowouts, and snatching a few surprise victories at home.
What to Expect Under Former FCS Coach Jason Eck?
New Mexico’s coaching hire didn’t make national headlines, but Jason Eck could be the right man at the right time. At Idaho, he inherited a middling program and turned it into an FCS playoff contender, finishing 8–5 in 2023 and earning national top-25 votes.
His offensive units consistently ranked in the top 30 in total yards per game and were known for quick reads and creative formations.
Eck’s biggest challenge will be elevating a Lobo offense that averaged just 18.6 points per game last season, ranking near the bottom of the FBS. He brings in his offensive coordinator, Luke Schleusner, who also comes from Idaho, to install an up-tempo spread attack with zone-read elements.
If the quarterback room can stabilize—likely between junior Devante Kincade Jr. and redshirt freshman Marcus Mills—then the Lobos might finally open up the playbook.
Eck has also made strides in recruiting, locking in several JUCO linemen and a few speedy slot receivers who could make an impact right away. “We’re going to bring energy and swagger back to this program,” Eck said at his introductory press conference. “This isn’t about surviving in the Mountain West—it’s about competing and building something special.”
Coordinator Derrick Odum returns on defense, aiming to instill more discipline and better third-down efficiency. The Lobos will lean heavily on senior linebacker Tavian Combs, one of the most underrated tacklers in the conference, and promising sophomore safety Jayden Johnson, who led the team in pass breakups last year.
What fans should expect in 2025 is a team that looks vastly different from what they’ve seen in recent years. The offense will take more risks. The special teams unit—often overlooked—has added a new kicker and return specialist from California JUCO programs. There may be growing pains, but there’s also a vision taking shape under Eck’s leadership.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
The foundation will be set if the Lobos can stay competitive through November and pull out a few signature wins at home. And in the Mountain West, sometimes momentum is more important than perfection.
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