On this episode of Reider’s Block, host Sean Reider talks with Edge Garcia of The Daily Lobo and Andrew Graham of Mitten Football to preview New Mexico’s 2026 season opener against Central Michigan. Garcia and Graham break down the first-ever meeting between the Lobos and Chippewas and what each team brings into Saturday night’s matchup at University Stadium.

Garcia discusses New Mexico’s offseason, the loss of starting quarterback Jack Layne and the decision to use multiple quarterbacks in the opener, along with the Lobos’ returning defensive talent and expectations coming off a 9-4 season and Rate Bowl appearance. Graham provides the Central Michigan perspective, including the emergence of quarterback Angel Flores, a Chippewa offense returning several key contributors and a defense that will feature a significant amount of new faces.

The conversation also looks at the biggest matchup questions, how New Mexico’s physical rushing attack could test Central Michigan, what the Chippewas need to do to handle the Lobos’ defense, and which players and units could ultimately determine the outcome. With both teams coming off bowl seasons in 2025, Sean, Edge and Andrew set the stage for an intriguing Group of Six season opener in Albuquerque.

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On this episode of Reider’s Block, host Sean Reider is joined by Edge Garcia to break down the latest developments surrounding New Mexico Lobos football as UNM moves closer to the 2026 season.

Sean and Edge take a closer look at the Lobos’ quarterback competition, including Luke Moga, James Laubstein and the different directions UNM could potentially take at the position. They discuss what they’ve seen during fall camp and the second scrimmage, where the competition appears to stand, and what could ultimately factor into the decision.

The conversation also goes beyond quarterback. Sean and Edge discuss players and position groups that may be trending up or down during camp, including the wide receivers, running backs, offensive line, pass rush and secondary. They also highlight several younger players who have caught their attention during practices and scrimmages.

The episode also touches on recent NCAA eligibility developments that could affect UNM’s roster and how the Lobos’ depth could become important if personnel changes occur.

It’s an in-depth conversation about what Sean and Edge have observed during fall camp and some of the biggest questions surrounding New Mexico football heading into the season.

If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription.

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The UNM Lobos are preparing for a highly anticipated football season, but several questions could shape what comes next. Host Sean Reider previews the quarterback competition, potential playmakers, offensive-line possibilities, defensive pressure, and roster depth to watch during fall camp.

Could greater continuity help the Lobos take another step? Which position battles may have the biggest impact? Reider’s Block breaks down the developing storylines—without getting too far ahead of what could unfold on the field.

Subscribe for more UNM Lobos football discussion, analysis, and updates throughout the season.

If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription.

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In this episode of Reider's Block, host Sean Reider sits down with Jason Eck, head coach of the New Mexico Lobos football, for a wide-ranging conversation about the program and the offseason ahead.Coach Eck discusses recent developments around the Lobos football program, including the appointment of a new athletic director, offseason roster changes, and how the team is approaching the transfer portal and recruiting landscape. The conversation also touches on the importance of staff continuity, offseason player development, and how the program is working to build momentum heading toward the next season.Eck shares insight into spring preparation, competition within key position groups, and how expectations may be evolving as the program continues to develop. The discussion also explores the role of community support, fan engagement, and the broader culture around Lobos athletics.The episode wraps up with lighter topics ranging from sports fandom to life in New Mexico, giving listeners a glimpse into Coach Eck’s perspective both on and off the field.Watch the full conversation for insights into UNM football, college football roster management, and the evolving landscape of the sport.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#NewMexicoLobos#LobosFootball#CollegeFootball#MountainWestFootball#UNMFootball#JasonEck#SeanReider#ReidersBlock#TransferPortal#CollegeFootballPodcast#AlbuquerqueSports#MountainWestConference

In this episode of Reider’s Block Albuquerque Journal staff writer Sean Reider shares offseason thoughts on UNM football following the bowl loss to Minnesota and the weeks that followed. The conversation touches on coaching staff changes, including replacements and a newly added support role, plus what those moves could mean for continuity and special teams.A big focus is the transfer portal window, with a look at a relatively smaller number of departures compared with recent years and how the roster appears to be reloading at positions of need. The host discusses why portal news tends to draw more attention than high school recruiting, highlights the type of additions that can change fan perception of a class, and points to potential spring storylines—especially around offensive skill talent and quarterback depth as UNM heads toward spring practice.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#UNMFootball #NewMexicoLobos #LobosFootball #CollegeFootball #CFB #MountainWest #TransferPortal #CollegeFootballNews #OffseasonFootball #FootballRecruiting #SpringPractice #QBCompetition #WideReceivers #SpecialTeams #NCAAfootball #Gridiron #FootballTalk #SportsPodcast #AlbuquerqueSports #NMsports #BowlGame #RosterUpdate #PortalSeason #CFBOffseason #FootballAnalysis

On this episode of Reider’s Block, host Sean Reider is joined by Ryan Burns, who covers Minnesota football for 247Sports, to preview the upcoming bowl matchup between the New Mexico Lobos and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.The conversation breaks down Minnesota’s 2025 season, including how the Gophers exceeded preseason expectations despite an up-and-down road performance, what has fueled their success at home, and how injuries impacted their offensive identity. Burns offers insight into Minnesota’s quarterback play, the challenges of their rushing attack, and why their defensive front has been one of the most disruptive units in the Big Ten.Reider and Burns also discuss key individual matchups to watch, how Minnesota approaches bowl games under its current staff, and what New Mexico must do to stay competitive against a physical Power Five opponent. The episode wraps with score predictions and expectations for a tightly contested bowl game in Phoenix.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#ReidersBlock#SeanReider#RyanBurns#CollegeFootball#BowlSeason#NewMexicoFootball#MinnesotaFootball#BigTenFootball#MountainWestFootball#CFBPreview#CollegeFootballPodcast#UNMLobos#MinnesotaGophers

On this solo episode of Reider’s Block, host Sean Reider, staff writer at the Albuquerque Journal, breaks down one of the most important weeks in New Mexico football in recent memory. With no guest joining the show today, Sean takes the mic to explain the complete picture around UNM’s massive matchup against San Diego State and how it shapes the Mountain West Championship race.Sean walks listeners through every possible scenario — from the cleanest path to the most complicated multi-team tiebreakers — and breaks down how predictive metrics, results-based rankings, and head-to-head outcomes determine who plays for the title. He also previews the key matchups to watch:• UNM’s receivers vs. SDSU’s physical, disciplined secondary• A huge SDSU offensive line against UNM’s athletic defensive front• Quarterback play: Jack Lane vs. Jalen Denegal’s high-velocity approach• The role of explosive plays, ball security, and special teams• How the Humphrey/Bankston backfield combination fits the game planWin or lose, Sean highlights why this moment reflects the dramatic progress the Lobos have made and why the program appears to be turning a corner.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#UNMFootball #ReidersBlock #MountainWest #SDSUFootball #UNMLobos #CollegeFootball #AlbuquerqueJournal #SeanReider #MWCChampionship #NCAAF #NewMexicoFootball #SportsPodcast #CollegeFootballAnalysis #LobosFootball

On this episode of Reider’s Block, host Sean Reider talks with Brent Briggeman, the Air Force football beat writer for The Gazette / Denver Gazette, about the Falcons’ season arc and what to watch in the matchup with New Mexico. They cover how injuries and secondary turnover shaped Air Force’s year, why the defense has steadied lately, offensive identity and ball-control tempo, and the mindset in Colorado Springs down the stretch. The conversation closes with what could decide the game in Falcon Stadium and how a few key plays may swing the result. (Guest verification: Brent Briggeman, Air Force beat writer at The Gazette/Denver Gazette.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#ReidersBlock #SeanReider #BrentBriggeman #AirForceFootball #UNMLobos #MountainWest #CollegeFootball #FalconStadium #NewMexicoFootball #GamePreview #CollegeFootballPodcast #AlbuquerqueJournal #MWWire #NCAAF

Join host Sean Reider as he sits down with veteran reporter Kevin Lytle (covering Colorado State University athletics for the Coloradoan) to dissect what went wrong with the Rams’ season. From quarterback misfires and transfer portal losses, to in-season coaching turmoil and a defense that’s held up despite chaos — Kevin breaks it all down. The conversation also preview’s a looming matchup with the New Mexico Lobos Football program, offering insights on how UNM might break a longstanding losing streak and whether they can cover the spread.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/a...To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#ColoradoStateRams #NewMexicoLobos #MountainWestFootball #CollegeFootballAnalysis #CSUvsUNM #RamsBreakdown #NewMexicoFootball #SeanReiderPodcast #KevinLytle #FootballStrategy

Welcome to Reider’s Block, with your host Sean Reider. In this episode, we’re joined by Steve Cofield (UNLV sideline reporter and show host in Las Vegas) to break down one of the most pivotal matchups of the season: the UNM Lobos (5-3) looking to clinch their first bowl bid since 2016, versus the UNLV Rebels (6-1) with high expectations.Steve gives us the inside scoop on:What first-year head coach Dan Mullen has brought to the UNLV program, both on and off the field.Why UNLV’s defense is showing big issues (14 chunk plays of 19+ yards in one game) and how that affects this weekend’s clash.How UNLV’s offense under quarterback Anthony Colandrea has become a calm, efficient machine — short throws, timed runs, and explosive plays.The major opportunity for the Lobos: a bowl bid, the road record challenge, and how they can take advantage of UNLV’s vulnerabilities.A free-form score prediction: a high-scoring battle, likely in the 30s, possibly a UNLV win but by no means a sure-thing for UNM.Tune in for a full preview, expert insights, and a lively discussion ahead of one of the most important games in the Mountain West this year.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#UNMLobos #UNLVRebels #MountainWestFootball #DanMullen #AnthonyColandrea #CollegeFootballPreview #ReidersBlock #AlbuquerqueJournal #BowlGamePush