Ranking the Lobos’ five most intriguing transfer additions

After a frantic month of visits, verbal commits and signings, it’s official: New Mexico’s roster is set for spring practice.

But until then, there’s plenty of discussion to be had about the Lobos 21 new signees and how they could help the program entering head coach Jason Eck’s second season. 

Here are UNM’s five most intriguing transfer additions, ranked:

5. LB Clay Martineau (Boise State)

Analysis: Jaxton Eck was a mainstay last season as UNM’s starting middle-linebacker, a role he nearly perfected to win Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors. There was a bit more shuffling, however, at UNM’s weak-side-linebacker spot before Mercury Swaim emerged as the Lobos’ starter down the stretch.

To be clear, I don’t know if Martineau can beat out Swaim, a smart, tough player. But I do know the 6-foot-3, 227-pound former four-star prospect could bring another dose of athleticism to his defense as an off-ball linebacker; an intriguing possibility, even if Martineau didn’t find a regular role in Boise State’s defense over the last two years.

4. TE Joey Olsen (Southern California)

Analysis: Another former four-star prospect, Olsen only appeared in two games in as many seasons with the Trojans. But he was an awfully productive player at Lakeridge (Ore.) High School, catching 36 passes for 650 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior to finish as the Pacers’ all-time receptions (119) leader.

Even beyond All-Mountain West selection Dorian Thomas, UNM’s staff has a track record of not only developing tight ends, but giving them a prominent feature in the offense. Olsen looks like another intriguing candidate to get that treatment.

3. CB Eric McClain (Ball State)

Analysis: UNM skated on thin ice last season when it dealt with injuries to a thinner cornerback room, so it was no surprise when Eck pinpointed it as a position of need in the portal. Of the five corners the Lobos did add, McClain might be my favorite after making 28 total tackles and two interceptions on top of three forced fumbles last season with the Cardinals.

It won’t be easy to replace Jon Johnson, who became UNM’s de facto CB1 last season, but McClain, a 6-0, 181-pound sophomore, appears to be a candidate who could help in that regard.

2. QB Luke Moga (Oregon)

Analysis: Eck told the Journal this week he’s “optimistic” starting quarterback Jack Layne could return for spring practice after suffering a torn tendon in his right elbow this season. Whether he is or isn’t, Moga (3-for-5, 58 passing yards last season) will still be a name to watch after spending the last two seasons at Oregon.

Why? While the 6-2, 204-pound redshirt freshman sat behind Ducks starter Dante Moore last season, he’s a former four-star recruit with a strong arm and an ability to make plays with his legs. Layne’s still the starter until further notice, but adding a Power Four-caliber talent to the quarterback room is always cause for intrigue.

1. WR Troy Omeire (UNLV)

Analysis: My number one choice, and it wasn’t all too close. At 6-4, 210 pounds, the sixth-year senior is probably the longest true receiver the Lobos have had since they brought in D.J. Washington in 2023. But unlike Washington, Omeire has a track record of producing at the FBS level, catching 31 passes for 514 yards and a team-high five touchdowns last season with UNLV.

That’s on top of a two-year stint with Arizona State, where he made 20 receptions for 223 yards and three touchdowns in 2023 after starting his college career at Texas. It’s one thing to bring in a former four-star prospect via the portal. It’s completely another to bring in a four-star prospect who’s produced at the FBS level, and that’s exactly what UNM did here.

Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider.