In the shadow of a seismic shift in the collegiate sports landscape, the University of New Mexico isn’t just holding steady—it’s accelerating into a bold new era.
Just six months into his tenure, Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo has overseen a school year packed with championships, national honors, academic excellence, and now, a transformative step forward as Lobo Athletics officially enters the revenue-sharing age of NCAA sports. In an open message to Lobo Nation this week, Lovo reflected on what has been a historic year for New Mexico Athletics—and set the tone for what’s to come.
A Banner Year for the Cherry and Silver
UNM capped the 2024–25 academic year as the winningest program in the Mountain West, racking up six conference titles across multiple sports—tying for the fourth-most in school history—and finishing atop the league in both the fall and winter Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. That national barometer for all-sport success reflects the depth and consistency of Lobo Athletics like never before.
Off the field, it was just as dominant. A record-tying 275 student-athletes earned Mountain West All-Academic honors, and 231 were named Scholar-Athletes—a new school record. Every single Lobo team posted a GPA of 3.00 or higher for the first time ever.
And the year isn’t over yet. Eleven Lobos—including reigning national champion Habtom Samuel and fellow distance stars Pamela Kosgei and Ishmael Kipkurui—are headed to Eugene this week for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the second-most national qualifiers in UNM history.
House v. NCAA: A New Game Begins
But this summer marks more than just the end of a record-setting year. It also signals the beginning of a new financial era in college athletics. With the House v. NCAA settlement formally approved, schools can now opt into a revenue-sharing model—and New Mexico is doing just that.
“We’re entering a transformative era,” Lovo said. “And we’re ready.”
Under the terms of the agreement, all participating Division I institutions—UNM included—will contribute to a $2.8 billion backpay fund to former athletes, primarily from Power Five football and basketball. For the Lobos, this will mean a six-figure annual reduction in NCAA revenue for the next decade.
But the bigger shift lies ahead: schools will now be allowed to directly compensate student-athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL), potentially up to $20.5 million annually, though UNM will scale its model to match Mountain West peers.
Basketball and Football Lead the Way
As part of this new strategy, Lobo Athletics is placing an early emphasis on Basketball and Football—the two revenue-driving engines of collegiate sports.
“Lobo Basketball is part of the state’s identity,” Lovo noted. “We know how much pride our community takes in it. And we are fully committed to elevating our Football program as well. When both thrive, every sport benefits.”
Lobo Alliance: The Next Evolution in NIL
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Lobo Club will lead all NIL fundraising through a new initiative called Lobo Alliance, bringing the program’s NIL infrastructure under a single, unified umbrella. These contributions will now be tax-deductible, and will support direct compensation for student-athletes—adding a powerful new tool for recruiting, retention, and competitive sustainability.
Lobo Alliance will complement ongoing fundraising efforts like the Lobo Scholarship Fund, sport-specific donations, and leadership development programs. The 505 Sports Venture Foundation, which helped lay the groundwork for NIL at UNM, will remain a key partner in fan engagement and brand development.
Coaching Stability and Star Power
Amid these changes, UNM also secured one of its brightest leaders, Track & Field/Cross Country head coach Darren Gauson, to a five-year contract extension through 2030. In just two seasons, Gauson has already delivered five Mountain West titles and coached 19 All-Americans—including a 2024-25 campaign that saw 22 new school records and a sweep of all three women’s championships: cross country, indoor, and outdoor.
With 11 athletes competing this week at Hayward Field, including record-setters Kosgei, Kipkurui, and Samuel, the Lobos are poised for national contention on both the men’s and women’s sides. DyeStat’s formcharts project a Top-10 finish for the men, while the women sit just outside the Top 10 in team scoring potential.
Jordy Oriach Named District 8 Player of the Year
The excellence isn’t just limited to the track. In baseball, Jordy Oriach has been named the NCBWA District 8 Player of the Year, joining a list of past honorees that includes Stephen Strasburg, Buster Posey, and David Price.
The junior designated hitter turned in one of the most dominant seasons in Lobo Baseball history: a .388 average, 16 home runs, 63 RBI, and a .748 slugging percentage. He led the Mountain West in nearly every major offensive category and helped power UNM to a 30-23 record in 2025.
What Comes Next?
Lovo closed his message with a direct appeal to Lobo Nation:
“The progress we’ve made — and the ambitions we’re chasing — are only possible because of your support. Whether it’s buying a ticket, making a gift, or sharing our story, you are part of everything we do.”
Here’s how fans can support:
- Buy season tickets for Lobo Football and get ready for Basketball sales in the coming weeks.
- Make a tax-deductible gift through the new Lobo Alliance initiative.
- Stay connected through GoLobos.com and on social media for streaming, live results, and behind-the-scenes content.
The next chapter of Lobo Athletics is being written in real-time. With the support of Lobo Nation—and the fire of a department hungry for more—New Mexico isn’t just adapting to the future of college sports. It’s shaping it.