The pressure was on at fall camp, and New Mexico football fans held their breath for weeks. Would the Lobos turn to a fresh face or stick with experience? With new head coach Jason Eck stepping in, the quarterback position was up for grabs, and the team needed a leader who could handle that kind of spotlight.
Why Did Jason Eck Choose Jack Layne as New Mexico’s Starting QB for the Michigan Game?
Eck made his decision official, handing the reins to Jack Layne, who emerged on top after battling James Laubstein in one of the most talked-about competitions of the preseason. Layne didn’t just win the job – he’s about to take his first snaps as the Lobos face Michigan on August 31. It starts Layne’s QB career in Albuquerque and Eck’s head coaching era.
The move was first reported August 18 by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, confirming that the junior transfer would be in control when the Lobos take the field against the Wolverines.
Sources: New Mexico has named junior transfer Jack Layne the starting quarterback. He’ll debut for the Lobos in the opener at Michigan in the first game for coach Jason Eck. He’s Idaho transfer who threw for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns and shined in the FCS playoffs last year. pic.twitter.com/RDbhyx6JTY
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 18, 2025
Layne’s story goes beyond the stat sheet. He grew up surrounded by football, with a family that knows the game inside and out. His uncle, Greg Bellisari, played linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his twin brother Dylan hits the field for the Idaho Vandals as a linebacker.
Jack’s parents, Matt and Cheryl Layne, saw him excel on and off the field as a National Honor Society member.
Back in 2018, Layne caught everyone’s attention at Lake Oswego High School by leading the Lakers to a state championship. That year, he was nearly unstoppable – completing 72 percent of his passes and racking up big yardage and touchdowns.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award and a spot on the all-state first team showed just how much talent he brought.
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After high school, Layne started his college career at Idaho in 2022. While playing time was limited initially, he made sure every opportunity counted, performing well in key spots and showing promise when it mattered. His debut and ability to keep calm under pressure stood out to coaches and teammates alike.
Layne grew into a reliable backup as the 2023–24 campaign rolled around, never missing a beat when called upon. His breakout game against Idaho State, where he piled up both yards and touchdowns, helped solidify his reputation as a quarterback who could step in and deliver when needed.
How Does Layne’s History with Jason Eck Give the Lobos an Edge This Year?
The connection between Layne and Eck was already in place back at Idaho, and it played a part in deciding New Mexico’s starting quarterback.
Both player and coach knew each other’s styles, which helped Layne get comfortable with the Lobos’ system during fall camp. Their history gave him a leg up to win out over Laubstein, putting New Mexico in a spot to shake up the offense.
Timing made everything line up. After Devon Dampier ran the Lobos’ offense under Bronco Mendenhall in 2024, his move to Utah left a wide-open competition. Layne stepped in with experience, leadership, and a firm grasp of Eck’s playbook.
Eck didn’t come alone. He brought in standout running back Scottre Humphrey from Montana State, who helped create a deeper backfield for the Lobos. Humphrey’s record-setting performances add another layer to the offensive threats in Albuquerque.
New Mexico finished the 2024 season with one of the top-scoring offenses in the Mountain West, averaging 33.5 points per game. This year, the Lobos turn to Layne for consistency and attack, hoping his leadership can keep the team in the hunt even as they work to bolster their defense in 2025.