AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 26, 2026
New Mexico Lobos Football Making National Waves
The New Mexico Lobos football team is drawing national attention following a significant victory over North Dakota State. With this win, the Lobos have moved up in football rankings, sitting at No. 27 in the latest AP Top 25 with 41 votes and No. 29 in the Coaches Poll. The victory underlines the progress made by the program and demonstrates their growing momentum.
Highlighting a Complete Team Effort
Head coach Jason Eck attributed the triumph to a comprehensive team effort, with a particular emphasis on the defensive unit. Facing a North Dakota State team known for its strong defense, UNM rose to the challenge, showcasing both resilience and execution on both sides of the ball.
“That truly was a team win,” said Coach Eck. “Our defense was awesome. I thought in a battle of two top defenses, they really came up big and played huge.”
Ground Game Gives Lobos Edge
Despite facing a tough North Dakota State defense, the Lobos found success in their ground attack. UNM finished the game with 187 rushing yards while limiting the Bison to just 53. Keifer Sibley played a key role, leading the team with 91 rushing yards and scoring a touchdown. Running back Scottre Humphrey added a two-yard touchdown run just before halftime, helping to secure the Lobos' advantage. This productive rushing attack allowed UNM to dictate tempo and support their standout defensive performance.
Defense Steps Up with Standout Performances
Defense was the defining story of the game for the Lobos. Brett Karhu contributed a sack and five tackles, consistently applying pressure on the Bison quarterback. CJ McBean’s interception added to the Lobos' defensive momentum, while Austin Brawley provided a memorable highlight. Brawley intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, a key moment that underscored the strength of the UNM defense.
Coach Eck praised Brawley, stating, “He’s just got such a knack for making big plays… He’s got great ball skills.”
Austin Brawley’s Playmaking Continues
Austin Brawley’s impact has been felt throughout the season. He described how he anticipated the Bison’s play, made the interception, and managed to stay inbounds for the game-changing return. “I knew that was their go-to guy,” Brawley said. The interception added to his season total, giving him three on the year, and further cemented his role in the UNM secondary.
Brawley also highlighted the mutual trust among the defense as a factor in their success: “We had blood, sweat and tears out on the field. We truly believe in whoever’s going to be on that field on defense.”
Lobos Look Ahead to San José State and National Progress
With their strong defensive performance and ground game, the Lobos have built notable team momentum at a crucial point in the schedule. UNM now sets its sights on San José State, traveling for a matchup next Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. As the Lobos look to continue their climb in the AP Top 25 football rankings, maintaining this level of play will be essential.
Source: krqe.com.
