UNM football: Who did the Lobos land commitments from last weekend?

Another busy recruiting weekend yielded results for New Mexico.

The Lobos signed four players — two transfers and two prep recruits — across Saturday and Sunday, with at least one filling an immediate need as fall camp inches closer.

Here's who UNM landed commitments from:

Transfer commits

S Chris Gant Jr. (North Texas)

Summary: A former three-star prospect, Gant made four solo tackles over three games with North Texas last season before entering the transfer portal. The 5-foot-10, 203-pound safety held offers from Montana State, Incarnate Word, Old Dominion and Northwestern State before announcing his commitment to UNM while on an official visit this weekend.

A Spring, Texas native, Gant has four years of eligibility remaining.

How he fits: UNM’s push to deepen its defensive backfield via the portal wasn’t entirely expected, but Gant’s commitment represents another rock-solid step in doing so.

TE Simon Mapa (Cal)

Summary: Mapa, a 6-4, 235-pound sophomore, committed to Cal in January over New Mexico State, UTEP and Sacramento State before re-entering the portal this spring. He previously played two seasons at College of San Mateo (California), earning All-Bay 6 honors last year after catching four passes for 50 yards.

A San Mateo native, he has two years of eligibility remaining.

How he fits: Tight end was a clear need after spring starter Keayen Nead entered the transfer portal in April, leaving UNM with just three tight ends. Whether Mapa adds to a room already stacked with capable pass-catchers in Dorian Lewis, Cade Keith and Aiden Valdez or serves as more of an in-line blocking end remains to be seen, but at the very least, he provides necessary depth.

Prep signees

OL Jojo Matautia

Summary: Matautia joins linebacker Cody Thumlert as the second Eastside (Washington) Catholic School product from the class of 2025 to commit to the Lobos this cycle. The 5-10, 270-pound two-star recruit signed with Idaho — head coach Jason Eck’s previous school — in December before flipping to New Mexico on Sunday night.

How he fits: UNM’s rich depth at guard will likely prevent any chance of Matautia playing immediately, but he’ll almost assuredly be given the time to develop behind the Lobos’ seasoned interior linemen.

DB Jahmir Torres

Summary: A 6-0, 175-pound receiver, Torres was a two-way star last season at King/Drew Magnet (California) High School, tallying 2,828 total yards, 34 tackles and three interceptions.

How he fits: Given that Torres was recruited by defensive backs coach Stanley Franks Jr., it feels safe to say he’ll join the Lobos on the defensive side of the ball. If so, UNM adds a player with a clear nose for the ball, even if he’s as raw as any prep recruit might be expected to be.