ALBUQUERQUE, NM — The University of New Mexico Lobos (3-1) defeated the New Mexico State University Aggies (2-2) in the Rio Grande Rivalry football game, in the 115th edition of the most anticipated rivalry in New Mexico.
The final: UNM 38, NMSU 20.
And, the matchup had even higher stakes this year, with a new Chile Roaster Trophy being awarded to the winning team. Created by the student bodies of both UNM and NMSU, the Chile Roaster Trophy is the official traveling trophy for the Rio Grande Rivalry. Let’s find out how the Lobos came away with the victory in Week 5.
New Mexico Lobos vs. New Mexico State Aggies College Football Recap
“What a great day, a great day for the University of New Mexico, a great day for the state, a great day for the city of Albuquerque,” said UNM head coach Jason, who has led UNM to its first 3-1 start since 2007 .
It was a star-studded night in Albuquerque on Saturday, featuring a litany of celebrities. Those in attendance included UFC Legends Holly Holm and Jon “Bones” Jones.
Also at the event was viral internet personality, IShowSpeed. And, for the first time since 2007, University Stadium had a sold out crowd.
“[I am] So thankful for our fans, the way you guys came out and supported us today,” Eck said.
Aggies Strike First
New Mexico State struck first with a trick play that saw receiver TJ Pride throw a 34-yard touchdown to another Aggies receiver, Donovan Faupel. Though the rushing attack from NMSU was ineffective (held to 83 yards on the day), quarterback Logan Fife showed that he could sling it. NMSU receivers Gavin Harris and Donovan Faupel nearly eclipsing the century mark in receiving yards (97 yards a piece).
However, the Lobos responded with a touchdown pass of their own, which came from quarterback Jack Layne to tight end Cade Keith.
NMSU would go on to score 10 unanswered, including a fumble scoop-and-score touchdown by the Aggie defense. On the defensive touchdown, NMSU linebacker Tyler Martinez caused UNM running back Scottre Humphrey to fumble the ball, and nickel defender Bernock Iva would scoop the loose ball, and take it to the house.
The Lobos would respond once again. This time, “QB1” Layne dropped a ball into the bucket, connecting on a 31-yard pass to receiver Shawn Miller. Yet unfortunately, Miller would have a miscue of his own. The receiver muffed a punt that led to an extra possession for the opposing Aggies.
Yet in a night with big names, one for the Lobos made their presence felt. The UNM defense led by EDGE defender Keyshawn James-Newby came up big for the Lobos, and eventually the Aggies missed a 51-yard field goal. James-Newby was an X-factor all game, and finished the day with 2.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups.
“I left some out there, man. That’s how I always am even after a good game,” James-Newby said.
The defender helped the Lobos team to a nine-sack game, which has only happened five times in the school’s history.
“Yes sir! This is what I needed from my boys,” James-Newby excitedly said about his teammates.
Also logging sacks for the Lobos included linebacker Jaxton Eck (1), EDGE Elijah Brody (1), defensive lineman Gabe Lopez (1.5), EDGE Brett Karhu (1), defensive back Abraham Williams (1), and linebacker Ky’Won McCray (1).
Yet at the half, the Aggies led the Lobos, 17 to 14.
Lobos Pull Away
The Lobos began the second half by scoring 10 unanswered points. That included a touchdown throw from Jack Layne to tight end Dorian Thomas, the team’s leading receiver.
The dagger for the Aggies came when the Lobos pulled a trick out of the hat, and receiver Michael Buckley dished out a 41-yard pass to receiver Keagan Johnson for a fourth quarter touchdown. Johnson finished the game with five catches, 117 yards, and the one score. After the Johnson touchdown, the crowd began to feel the win coming, and that the new Chile Roaster trophy was staying at UNM.
The final points of the 2025 Rio Grande Rivalry came from Layne’s fourth touchdown pass which went eight yards to Humphrey.
“It was good to be able to get some good plays in the passing game,” Lane said. “I thought our receivers did a great job of getting open, and playing physical.” The quarterback also mentioned that NMSU played with a ton of players in the box.
Yet despite that, the Lobos offensive line kept a clean pocket for Layne to operate, and did not allow a sack. Center Kaden Robnett, and right guard Richard Pearce looked outstanding as maulers in the run game as well. And as the game ended, fans rushed the field to celebrate with the Lobos as they lifted the heavy Rio Grande Rivalry trophy.
“Very proud of the way that we played. I thought that was a dominant second half,” Eck said.
What’s Next for New Mexico Football?
The NMSU Aggies will have a short week, and begin preparations for an Oct. 2 game against Sam Houston (0-4). This will mark NMSU’s first Conference-USA game of the 2025 season.
The UNM Lobos will begin Mountain West conference play against San Jose State University at CEFCU Stadium Oct. 3. Kickoff is 8 p.m. (MT).
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