New Mexico quarterback Cole Welliver to enter portal

New Mexico quarterback Cole Welliver is entering the transfer portal, he announced Monday night via social media.

The 6-7, 224-pound redshirt freshman appeared in one game this season as UNM’s third-string quarterback. A former Connecticut transfer, he has three years of eligibility remaining.

“I want to thank my family for their constant love and support throughout my career, as well as many coaches, teammates, and everyone who has been part of my growth as a student-athlete,” Welliver posted on X. “The relationships, lessons and memories I’ve made will always mean a lot to me.

“After a lot of prayer and thoughtful conversations, I have decided that I will be entering the NCAA transfer portal … this decision is about finding the best fit for my goals as both a student and an athlete, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.”

Welliver is the ninth Lobo to announce he’s entering the portal, and represents the first quarterback to do so. If he left for another school, UNM would carry four quarterbacks into spring practice: Jack Layne, Gabriel Motschenbacher, Toa Faavae and Cade Mitchell, a three-star prospect set to enroll in January.

The transfer portal opens Friday, Jan. 2 and closes Jan. 16.

Set to return

Two Lobos – including a defensive starter – are running it back in 2026.

Linebacker Mercury Swaim and running back Deshaun Buchanan have both signed to return for next season, the school announced Tuesday via social media.

Swaim, a 5-10, 213-pound redshirt junior, became a starter in his first season with UNM, making 52 total tackles and two sacks in 12 games played. The former St. Francis (PA) transfer has one year of eligibility remaining.

“I returned to UNM because of the combination of both academic and athletic prestige,” Swaim said in a statement released by the program. “I believe in (head coach Jason Eck) and the entire coaching staff. I’m excited to be able to support and continue to uplift this community (though) my play and go win a Mountain West championship next year.”

Buchanan, a 5-9, 193-pound redshirt sophomore, rushed for 14 yards and caught six passes for 56 yards with UNM this season. The former Idaho transfer has two years of eligibility remaining.

“I came back to win a conference championship and compete again with my brothers,” Buchanan said in a statement released by the program.