ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico Lobos earned bragging rights in the state once again, defeating New Mexico State 38–20 on Saturday night before a sold-out crowd at University Stadium.
The sellout marked one of the largest turnouts in the rivalry’s modern era, showcasing just how much this game continues to mean to fans across New Mexico. The stadium’s energy was electric from kickoff, with red and cherry filling the stands as UNM faithful celebrated one of the program’s biggest wins of the season.
Quarterback Jack Layne stole the spotlight, completing 23 of 30 passes for 303 yards and four touchdowns. His poise in the pocket and ability to spread the ball kept the Aggies’ defense on their heels. Keegan Johnson was Layne’s go-to target, catching five passes for 117 yards.
On the other side of the ball, the Lobos’ defense delivered a statement performance, sacking Aggie quarterback Logan Fife nine times. Keyshawn James-Newby led the charge with 2.5 sacks, as UNM’s defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage and forced NMSU into costly mistakes.
The game was close in the first half, but the Lobos broke away after halftime, outscoring the Aggies 24–10 in the second half to secure the win.
Saturday’s matchup was the 115th meeting in the storied Rio Grande Rivalry, one of the oldest football rivalries west of the Mississippi. The two schools, separated by just 200 miles along I-25, have faced off almost every year since 1894.
With this win, UNM extended its all-time series lead to 75–35–5, continuing its historic edge over NMSU. The rivalry, once played in front of modest crowds, has grown into a statewide spectacle, with games often drawing tens of thousands of fans.
“This rivalry is about more than football,” UNM head coach said. “It’s about pride in New Mexico, and tonight our players delivered for the state, for our fans, and for this program.”
The victory also gave the Lobos possession of the “Silver Spade” and the “Brass Spittoon,” rivalry trophies that have been exchanged between the schools for decades.
The win boosts the Lobos’ record to 3–1 on the season and provides momentum as they head into Mountain West Conference play. For the Aggies, the loss drops them to 2–2, and they’ll look to rebound quickly as Conference USA matchups begin.
For now, the Lobos can savor another rivalry victory — one delivered in front of a raucous, sold-out home crowd that will remember this win for years to come.
Fast Facts: Rio Grande Rivalry
- First meeting: Jan. 1, 1894 (UNM 18, NMSU 6)
- All-time series: UNM leads 75–35–5
- Latest matchup: Sept. 27, 2025 — UNM 38, NMSU 20
- Largest margin of victory: UNM 110–3 (1917)
- Trophies at stake: Silver Spade & Brass Spittoon
- Last sold-out crowd: Sept. 27, 2025, University Stadium
- Longest UNM win streak: 18 games (1938–1958)
- Longest NMSU win streak: 3 games (various times, most recently 2008–2010)
