Brutal injury to New Mexico starting QB could shake up College Football Playoff race

New Mexico will enter the 2026 season without starting quarterback Jack Layne after the veteran suffered another setback involving his throwing elbow. Head coach Jason Eck confirmed on Thursday that Layne will miss the entire season and undergo a second surgery after receiving another medical opinion on the injury.

The development is a major blow for a Lobos team coming off a 9-4 campaign in 2025 that included six consecutive wins to close the regular season and an appearance in the Rate Bowl. New Mexico also finished tied for first in the Mountain West and had been viewed as one of the conference’s leading contenders heading into 2026.

Layne had been expected to provide continuity after following Eck from Idaho. He started all 13 games last season and completed a school-record 65.1% of his passes. The veteran quarterback finished with 2,486 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

His injury history had already complicated his preparation for the new season. Layne played through a torn tendon in his throwing elbow for much of the second half of 2025 before undergoing offseason surgery. He was limited during preseason camp while recovering, and his status had recently been considered questionable for the season opener. A second surgery has now ruled him out for 2026.

Eck said Layne filed a waiver seeking an additional season in 2027 after his first surgery, with the expectation that the request will be approved. That could give the quarterback an opportunity to return after missing the upcoming campaign.

For now, New Mexico must replace its experienced starter. The Lobos plan to use multiple quarterbacks when they host Central Michigan on Sept. 5. James Laubstein, Luke Moga and Toa Fa’avae have been competing for opportunities during camp. Laubstein is a sixth-year senior, Moga is a junior who transferred from Oregon, and Fa’avae is a sophomore.

Eck had described the quarterback competition as close even before Layne’s latest setback. With Layne now unavailable for the entire season, New Mexico will have to rely on its three remaining options as it attempts to build on last year’s 9-4 breakthrough.

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