New Mexico football opened its 2026 season with a commanding 38-7 victory over Central Michigan on Saturday night at University Stadium in Albuquerque.
Why it matters: This win marks a strong start for New Mexico under head coach Jason Eck, who is entering his second season. The Lobos aim to build on last year's success, where they finished with a 9-4 record and made their first bowl appearance since 2018.
New Mexico outgained Central Michigan 364-109, demonstrating a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.
The Lobos held Central Michigan to just 30 passing yards throughout the game, highlighting their defensive prowess.
With this victory, New Mexico extends its home winning streak to eight games, dating back to 2024.
Driving the news: The game kicked off at 10 p.m. ET, attracting a crowd of 24,126 fans eager to see the Lobos in action. The excitement was tangible as New Mexico fans packed the stadium, celebrating the return of college football.
Scottre Humphrey set the tone early with a 7-yard rushing touchdown, giving New Mexico a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
James Laubstein added two rushing touchdowns, solidifying his role in the Lobos' offensive strategy.
Grant Glasgow contributed significantly with three field goals, including kicks from 48 and 46 yards.
State of play: New Mexico's offense showcased its versatility, with quarterbacks Toa Fa’avae and Luke Moga combining for 159 passing yards on 17 completions out of 25 attempts. This multi-quarterback approach kept Central Michigan's defense guessing.
Laubstein's contributions included rushing for 18 yards and scoring two touchdowns, proving effective in short-yardage situations.
The Lobos scored on their next three drives after Humphrey's initial touchdown, leading to a comfortable 20-0 halftime advantage.
The big picture: New Mexico's performance against Central Michigan sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season. The Lobos are looking to build momentum and improve upon their previous season's success.
Central Michigan, led by second-year coach Matt Drinkall, finished their previous season with a 7-6 record and will need to regroup after this tough loss.
New Mexico’s next challenge is against Mercyhurst, scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m., broadcast on MW+, the Mountain West’s streaming service.
What they're saying: Fans expressed their enthusiasm for the season opener, emphasizing the importance of community support for Lobo football.
Louis Trujillo, a dedicated fan, noted, "It’s important to show up for local football because, honestly, this is a basketball town." He believes more support is needed for football, especially when the team has struggled in the past.
Anthony Ortiz echoed this sentiment, saying, "Keep your head in the game, stay focused, do your best, and show your all for New Mexico Pride."
By the numbers: The statistics from the game highlight New Mexico’s dominance.
New Mexico held Central Michigan to only 30 passing yards, a stark indicator of their defensive strength.
The Lobos recorded 364 total yards of offense compared to Central Michigan's 109.
Attendance for the game reached 24,126, indicating strong community support for the Lobos.
What's next: Looking ahead, New Mexico will host Mercyhurst in their next game, aiming to continue their winning streak.
The matchup is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, providing another opportunity for the Lobos to showcase their skills.
Fans can watch the game on MW+, the Mountain West’s subscription-based streaming service.