UNM football: Two defensive starters ruled out, QB James Laubstein questionable against CSU

New Mexico defensive tackle Gabe Lopez and Abraham Williams have been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Colorado State, per an availability report released Thursday by the Mountain West.

Lopez, a 6-foot-2, 246-pound senior team captain, has made 12 total tackles in nine starts this season. It is unclear why he is out Saturday.

Williams, a 6-1, 186-pound cornerback, suffered an undisclosed injury ahead of UNM’s win over UNLV on Nov. 1 and is set to miss his second straight game.

Without Lopez and Williams, defensive tackle Okiki Olorunfunmi (12 total tackles) and cornerback Frankie Edwards III (24 total tackles) are expected to start.

Quarterback James Laubstein is also listed as questionable on UNM’s availability report after suffering an injury against the Rebels. The Lobos’ 6-3, 211-pound backup has completed 10 of 14 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns this season; Laubstein has also rushed for 192 yards on 26 attempts.

When asked Tuesday if Laubstein would be available against Colorado State, head coach Jason Eck said, “At this point, yes, but (he’s) still getting treatment and (we’re) bringing him along. We’ll know more later in the week after we get through practice (Tuesday and Wednesday).”

A second report will be released three hours before Saturday’s game. All Mountain West teams are required to submit availability reports without injury specifics prior to each league contest.

UNM’s full availability report (as of Thursday, Nov. 13):

QB James Laubstein – Questionable

S Clint Stephens – Questionable

WR Michael Buckley – Out (Full Game)

LB Hunter Haemker – Out (Full Game)

DB C.J. Johnson – Out (Full Game)

DL Gabe Lopez – Out (Full Game)

S Nick Wheeler – Out (Full Game)

CB Abraham Williams – Out (Full Game)

WR Kader Diop – Out (Season)

DL R.J. Adams – Out (Season)

OL Elvin Harris – Out (Season)

CB Jayden Sheridan – Out (Season)

ENTERING THE PORTAL: Colorado State running back Jalen Dupree has left the program and will not play this Saturday, he announced via social media Thursday.

The 6-0, 210-pound redshirt freshman and team captain rushed for a team-high 508 yards and two touchdowns on 52 carries in nine games this season. He is listed as out on Colorado State’s availability report.

“It was an honor to be a captain,” Dupree wrote in a post on X. “Due to coaching changes I have decided to enter the transfer portal with three years of eligibility left at the end of the season. This was not an easy choice as I have deep respect for the program and all those who have supported my journey.”

Colorado State fired fourth-year head coach Jay Norvell on Oct. 19. Dupree is the second offensive starter to leave the program since the former Nevada coach was dismissed; quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi left the program on Oct. 22 and is expected to enter the transfer portal.