Michigan vs. New Mexico
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
TV/radio: NBC/94.7 FM
Records: Season opener for both teams
Line: Michigan by 36½
Series: First meeting
Michigan ready to open the season against New Mexico, with a matchup that pits the Wolverines’ depth and front-seven strength against a Lobos offense looking to adjust to a new scheme and a rebuilt line.
Key matchup
Lobos offensive line vs. Michigan defense
New Mexico’s line returns only one starter, Richard Pearce, making the group a pivotal question as the Lobos try to establish the run against a Michigan defense known for its depth and disruptive front. The Lobos want to lean on the ground game, but finding holes won’t be easy against the Wolverines’ front seven, which has consistently been a strength for Michigan.
Three Lobos to watch
– Jack Layne, quarterback: A 6-foot-2, 206-pound transfer from Idaho who followed his head coach to Santa Fe. Layne was All-FCS last season, playing in seven games and passing for 1,472 yards on 100-of-155 with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for 23 yards on 25 carries.
– Damon Bankston, running back: A transfer from Weber State who led Weber State in rushing last season with 1,104 yards and six touchdowns. He also contributed 142 yards on 11 receptions and a touchdown. Partnered with Scottre Humphrey, Bankston is part of a backfield the Lobos lean on.
– Keyshawn James-Newby, defensive end: A 6-2, 244-pound edge rusher who impressed at Idaho last season, earning first-team All-Big Sky honors. He had 65 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 10.5 sacks in 13 games, along with 13 quarterback hurries and a couple of forced fumbles.
Fact and figures
– New Mexico has a new head coach for the third straight season. Jason Eck takes the job after Danny Gonzales (2023) and Bronco Mendenhall (2024). The program has also changed coordinators frequently, with four different offensive and defensive coordinators over the past four seasons.
– The Lobos returned only five starters from last year’s 5-7 team: one on offense, three on defense, and the placekicker. In total, 17 letterwinners returned, including nine on offense. Among the transfers, 31 players had started at their previous schools.
– This is the season opener for both programs and the first-ever meeting between Michigan and New Mexico. New Mexico has not beaten a Big Ten opponent in five tries, and the Lobos’ only prior game against a Michigan program was in 1961 against Western Michigan in the Aviation Bowl.
Commentary and context
The Lobos are coming into Ann Arbor with significant turnover and a relatively thin returning roster, so their focus will be on executing up front and leveraging playmakers like Layne, Bankston, Humphrey, and James-Newby to keep Michigan off balance. Michigan, meanwhile, can lean on its experience, depth, and defensive versatility to control the pace and establish its own rhythm early in the season.
Summary
This Week 1 matchup offers a contrast in approach: New Mexico’s need to establish the run behind a rebuilt line against a Michigan defense known for pressure and depth. For Michigan, it’s about starting fast, evaluating depth across the roster, and laying a foundation for a demanding schedule ahead. The Lions of New Mexico will look to surprise, but the Wolverines’ home field and talent edge should shape the flow of the game.
Positive note
If New Mexico can protect the quarterback and control time of possession early, this game could provide a valuable early-season test and a chance to showcase the Lobos’ growth under a new regime. For Michigan, it’s an opportunity to shake off any rust from the offseason and build momentum heading into a challenging schedule.
If you’d like, I can tailor this into a concise game preview for a quick-read post or expand with player-by-player scouting notes.