New Mexico starting quarterback Jack Layne will sit out the 2026 season as he prepares to undergo a second surgery on his throwing elbow.
Coach Jason Eck said Thursday that Layne, who had been limited during preseason camp while rehabbing the initial offseason surgery, received a second opinion about the elbow.
"We really feel for Jack," Eck said. "He's a great competitor, he's someone who absolutely loves football, loves being a part of it."
Eck added that Layne filed a waiver to return for an extra season in 2027 following his first surgery, and that the expectation is it will go through. Layne, who followed Eck from Idaho to New Mexico, started all 13 games last season and set a single-season team record for completion percentage (65.1), finishing with 2,486 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Lobos went 9-4 and finished tied for first place in the Mountain West.
New Mexico will use multiple quarterbacks in its season opener Sept. 5 at home against Central Michigan. Senior James Laubstein, junior Luke Moga and sophomore Toa Fa'avae have been competing in camp.
"We're excited about them," Eck said. "Our guys all have different strengths, they complement each other. So we're going to use all the assets we have, use all the different things. We're still finalizing exactly what the rotation will be."
