New Mexico QB Jack Layne to miss 2026 season

New Mexico starting quarterback Jack Layne will miss the 2026 season as he prepares to undergo a second surgery on his throwing elbow. Layne had been limited during preseason camp while rehabbing an initial offseason surgery before receiving a second opinion on the elbow.

Coach Jason Eck said Thursday that Layne filed a waiver to return for an extra season in 2027 following his first surgery, and that the expectation is it will go through. "We really feel for Jack," Eck said. "He's a great competitor, he's someone who absolutely loves football, loves being a part of it."

Layne, who followed Eck from Idaho to New Mexico, started all 13 games last season and set a single-season team record for completion percentage at 65.1, finishing with 2,486 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Lobos went 9-4 and finished tied for first place in the Mountain West.

New Mexico will use multiple quarterbacks in its season opener Sept. 5 at home against Central Michigan, with senior James Laubstein, junior Luke Moga and sophomore Toa Fa'avae competing in camp. "Our guys all have different strengths, they complement each other," Eck said. "We're still finalizing exactly what the rotation will be."