For the first time in the program’s 90‑year history, the University of New Mexico Lobos have cracked the Associated Press Top 25 college‑football poll, debuting at No. 22 with 179 points, according to KOAT. The ranking follows a 21‑16 victory over San Jose State on Saturday, marking the Lobos’ first road win against the Spartans since November 1, 1969.
Sporting News notes the Lobos entered the poll with a 7‑1 record, a résumé that includes a lone loss on the road to Oklahoma (14‑6). The win over San Jose State kept UNM atop the Mountain West Conference standings and placed the team ahead of SEC programs Florida and South Carolina in the latest rankings.
The AP Top 25 poll, compiled by writers and broadcasters who cover college football, assigns points on a 1‑to‑25 scale, with the No. 1 team receiving 25 points and the No. 25 team receiving one point. UNM’s 179 points secured the No. 22 slot, making the Lobos the first Mountain West team to be ranked since Boise State appeared at No. 25 in the 2025 preseason poll.
Looking ahead, the Lobos travel to Nevada on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, according to Sporting News. Nevada’s recent 27‑0 loss to No. 5 UCLA and the combined 16‑8 record of UNM’s remaining opponents give the Lobos a clear path to finish the season strong and potentially earn a historic postseason bid.
What’s next: UNM will aim to win out and solidify its place among the nation’s elite. The next game against Nevada offers a chance to improve the Lobos’ standing and keep the momentum alive as the season draws to a close.
Sources: koat.com, sportingnews.com
