The 2025 season marked a defining moment for UNM Lobos football—and for head coach Jason Eck. With an unprecedented 9–4 overall record and a 6–2 finish in Mountain West Conference play, the Lobos tied for first place in the conference, signaling a powerful resurgence for the program.
Adding to the milestone year, Coach Eck’s son, linebacker Jaxton Eck, was named Mountain West Co–Defensive Player of the Year and earned MVP honors. Shortly thereafter, Coach Eck signed a new five-year contract, cementing his leadership at UNM.
Albuquerque City Lifestyle publisher Rich Ringrose—who brings experience coaching both high school and college football—sat down with Coach Eck, his wife Kimberly, and their son Jaxton to discuss the culture shift, family dynamic, and foundation behind the Lobos’ breakout season.
Rich Ringrose: When you look back at the start of the season, what do you believe was the biggest catalyst for this turnaround?
Coach Jason Eck:
It began with honest conversations inside our program about championship behavior. You have to act like a champion before you become one. Excellence in life carries over into football. If you’re underachieving academically or in your personal life, it will show up on the field. Going back to spring ball and the spring semester, the first real indicator was our players’ GPA trending in the right direction.
Once the season began, the way we competed at Michigan—especially after falling behind—revealed a lot about our resilience. We went down 14–0 quickly, were rattled early, then threw an interception on a tipped pass that gave them the ball at our 20-yard line. Our defense responded by holding them to a field goal. From that point forward, we played them evenly. It was 17–0 at one point, and the game ultimately ended 34–17.
The following week against Idaho State, we were down in the fourth quarter and had to show real composure to come back and win. That response to adversity was telling. I saw the signs in the spring and in those first two games. Beating UCLA is when the outside world noticed, but the foundation was already in place.
Rich Ringrose: At what point did you personally feel this team had turned a corner, even if others hadn’t noticed yet?
Coach Eck:
The response after beating UCLA was significant. The Idaho State comeback mattered even more, especially after last year’s loss to an FCS opponent. We also had to overcome adversity against New Mexico State after falling behind early. Then we opened conference play with a two-game losing streak to San José State and Boise State, but responded with a gritty win over Nevada—a game that could have gone either way. Utah State felt like our first complete conference performance. There were many signs along the way, but our academic progress consistently stood out as a key indicator.
Rich Ringrose: Kimberly, what was the most emotional moment for you this season?
Kimberly Eck:
Without question, the final game. We already knew we were going to a bowl game, but it still felt surreal. Coming to Albuquerque, having one son on the team, another working equipment, and watching my husband coach—it all came together in that moment. Knowing we had a chance at a championship and were headed to a bowl game gave me so much to be thankful for.
Rich Ringrose: What makes you most proud of how Jason leads young men?
Kimberly Eck:
I’m proud of him on so many levels—taking two football programs and helping transform them for the better. He pours his heart and soul into what he does. He’s passionate and deeply invested. We’ve received middle-of-the-night calls from players, and he’s always there. He’s not doing this for himself; he’s doing it for them. It’s always about the team and the players, and that’s what makes me most proud.
Rich Ringrose: What were one or two of your proudest moments watching Jaxton this year?
Kimberly Eck:
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one. As a mom, I watch him on the sidelines and see his leadership and how he supports his teammates. He’s an incredibly hard worker, both on and off the field, and an exceptional human being. He’s a leader in our family and an amazing son. I couldn’t be prouder.
Rich Ringrose: How did leadership within the locker room evolve as the season progressed?
Jaxton Eck:
It really started back in the spring. Having several guys transfer in from Idaho—about seven of us—helped establish the culture and get buy-in. After the Michigan game, our confidence grew. We believed we could compete with anyone on our schedule. Losing the first two conference games was tough, but it ultimately made us stronger and helped leadership and belief continue to grow through adversity.
Rich Ringrose: During the toughest moments, what principle did you lean on most?
Jaxton Eck:
Championship behavior, along with the pillars of our program—grit and toughness. Grit is sustained effort toward long-term goals. Even when things were difficult, we kept showing up and working. Our defensive coordinator calls us “the mutts”—a selfless group where no one is bigger than the team. That mentality carried us through the season.
Rich Ringrose: What are one or two moments that stand out most from this season?
Jaxton Eck:
The win over UNLV to become bowl eligible stands out. For guys who had endured some tough years, it meant everything. We found a way to win when people expected us to fall short. That game felt like a turning point and created memories we’ll never forget.
Rich Ringrose: What foundation has been laid that fans might not fully see yet?
Coach Eck:
There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, particularly around improving the stadium experience for both fans and players. Our facilities are solid, but to continue growing, we need consistent crowds around 30,000 and improved fan amenities. We’ve seen some exciting renderings, and that’s the future. Fans are starting to see the offseason work pay off.
Coach Eck:
We got off to a strong start and now need to keep building—expanding our fan base and strengthening our connection to the city. We want to be Albuquerque’s team. You don’t have to be an alum to belong. We were undefeated at home this year, and our goal is to make Lobo football the go-to event on fall Saturdays in Albuquerque.
Publishers Note
In just one year at the University of New Mexico, Coach Jason Eck has orchestrated an incredible turnaround of the Lobo football program. Equally important to that success is the support of his wife, Kimberly, whose presence and encouragement strengthen the program’s family-centered foundation.
By establishing a strong culture rooted in accountability, discipline, and championship behavior, Coach Eck elevated both performance and belief. The team’s resilience, academic focus, and competitive edge reflect his leadership. Beyond the scoreboard, Coach Eck has united players, energized fans, and laid a solid foundation for sustained success at UNM.
We got off to a strong start and now need to keep building—expanding our fan base and strengthening our connection to the city.