EPISODE · Nov 4, 2025 · 10 MIN
Rebuilding the Pack: UNM Athletics Rise Amid Exodus, as ABQ Politics Stagnate
from The Rock of Talk · host Eddy Aragon
The University of New Mexico (UNM) athletic program is undergoing one of its most turbulent yet promising transitions in recent years. Following an exodus of key leaders—including Athletic Director Eddie Nunez, Football Coach Bronco Mendenhall, and Men’s Basketball Coach Richard Pitino—the Lobos have faced extensive roster turnover. Over 100 football players have transferred in two years, leaving just 15 from the 2023 team. Meanwhile, basketball lost its Mountain West Player of the Year, Donovan Dent, to UCLA under a $3 million NIL deal, and standout True Washington to Miami. Despite this upheaval, the football program has shown remarkable resilience under new Coach Jason Eck. With a 6–3 record, the Lobos have already qualified for a bowl game—Eck’s nine wins surpassing Mendenhall’s total in twelve games. Notable victories include wins over Utah State, UNLV, and UCLA, with a competitive showing at Michigan (34–17). The team aims for eight wins and a spot in the Mountain West Championship. New Athletic Director Fernando Lobo has emphasized transparency, fan engagement, and community outreach, helping sustain attendance at 22,000–23,000 per game. Financially, UNM faces significant constraints: a $47 million athletic budget versus Power 4 competitors like UCLA ($180 million) and Utah ($130 million). NIL disparities and limited state funding remain structural challenges. Still, optimism surrounds new Basketball Coach Eric Olen, expected to lead a similar turnaround to football’s resurgence. Politically, Albuquerque’s mayoral race parallels the sense of stagnation. Voter turnout is projected to fall below 100,000, with only incumbent Tim Keller qualifying for public financing. The speaker predicts Keller will win a third term (“three-term Timmy”), citing divided Republican support and lackluster campaigns by challengers Darren White, Louis Sanchez, and Alex Uballez. Like UNM’s rebuilding effort, local politics reflects a city searching for leadership and unity.
What this episode covers
The University of New Mexico (UNM) athletic program is undergoing one of its most turbulent yet promising transitions in recent years. Following an exodus of key leaders—including Athletic Director Eddie Nunez, Football Coach Bronco Mendenhall, and Men’s Basketball Coach Richard Pitino—the Lobos have faced extensive roster turnover. Over 100 football players have transferred in two years, leaving just 15 from the 2023 team. Meanwhile, basketball lost its Mountain West Player of the Year, Donovan Dent, to UCLA under a $3 million NIL deal, and standout True Washington to Miami. Despite this upheaval, the football program has shown remarkable resilience under new Coach Jason Eck. With a 6–3 record, the Lobos have already qualified for a bowl game—Eck’s nine wins surpassing Mendenhall’s total in twelve games. Notable victories include wins over Utah State, UNLV, and UCLA, with a competitive showing at Michigan (34–17). The team aims for eight wins and a spot in the Mountain West Championship. New Athletic Director Fernando Lobo has emphasized transparency, fan engagement, and community outreach, helping sustain attendance at 22,000–23,000 per game. Financially, UNM faces significant constraints: a $47 million athletic budget versus Power 4 competitors like UCLA ($180 million) and Utah ($130 million). NIL disparities and limited state funding remain structural challenges. Still, optimism surrounds new Basketball Coach Eric Olen, expected to lead a similar turnaround to football’s resurgence. Politically, Albuquerque’s mayoral race parallels the sense of stagnation. Voter turnout is projected to fall below 100,000, with only incumbent Tim Keller qualifying for public financing. The speaker predicts Keller will win a third term (“three-term Timmy”), citing divided Republican support and lackluster campaigns by challengers Darren White, Louis Sanchez, and Alex Uballez. Like UNM’s rebuilding effort, local politics reflects a city searching for leadership and unity.
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Rebuilding the Pack: UNM Athletics Rise Amid Exodus, as ABQ Politics Stagnate
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