The New Mexico Lobos represent the University of New Mexico with a strong history in college athletics. Competing in the Mountain West Conference, both New Mexico Lobos football and New Mexico Lobos basketball have built loyal fan bases and achieved major success over the decades, making them key contenders in NCAA Division I sports.
College Sports Established
1892
Location
Albuquerque, New Mexico
College Name
University of New Mexico
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1999 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1962 – 1999 / Western Athletic Conference
1951 – 1962 / Skyline Conference
1931 – 1951 / Border Conference
Nickname
Lobos - Regarding college sports, few teams have as unique a nickname as the New Mexico Lobos. But where did this name come from? Let’s look at this iconic NCAA team's history and nickname origins.
New Mexico Lobos Origin
The University of New Mexico has been competing in collegiate athletics since 1892, but it wasn’t until 1924 that they adopted their official mascot: The Lobo. This was thanks to an article written by local newspaper columnist Drue Jennings who suggested that the school adopt “Lobos” in honor of their state animal – the Mexican Gray Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi).
What makes this story even more interesting is that there are two different theories on how exactly “Lobos” came to be associated with wolves. Some believe that Drue Jennings used Spanish slang for the wolf when choosing his suggestion, while others think he was inspired by Native American folklore, which often referred to wolves as "Mountain Howlers." Regardless, both stories highlight why Lobos is an appropriate choice for UNM's mascot - it pays homage to one of nature's most majestic animals. It captures some critical aspects of New Mexico's culture and heritage!
Furthermore, over time "Lobo" has become synonymous with strength and courage among fans throughout all levels, including youth sports programs which further solidifies its place within UNM athletics today! It's no wonder so many people proudly wear or display items featuring The Lobo logo whenever they can - after all these years, we still recognize how unique our beloved team truly is!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1920
- 1978
- 2003
- 2014
- 2016
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Naming of New Mexico “Lobos”
The Lobos name began in 1920. A UNM Weekly student newspaper editor, George S. Bryan, came up with the teams’ name, the “Lobos”, which is the Spanish word for wolf. Previously the University’s teams were referred to as the “University Boys” or “Varsities” -
Five-Time NBA champion Michael Cooper
He attended Pasadena High School, graduating in 1974, then Pasadena City College before transferring to the University of New Mexico. He played for the New Mexico Lobos for two seasons, 1976 – 1978, and was named first-team All-Western Athletic Conference. In his senior season, the Lobos won the WAC title, with Cooper averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists ... -
Lobos Women basketball in Sweet Sixteen
The women’s Basketball Team of The Lobos has appeared in the NCAA Tournament eight times, with a record of 3-8. Their best result was reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2003 -
Lobos Wins MWC Championship
In 2014, New Mexico Lobos For the third straight season, the New Mexico Lobos spent a Saturday in mid-March cutting down the nets after a Mountain West Conference tournament championship win, becoming the first team to win the event three years in a row. Behind a tournament MVP performance of 17 points and nine rebounds from senior power forward Cameron ... -
Lobos wins New Mexico Bowl
In 2016, New Mexico Lobos Football team wins the New Mexico Bowl over UTSA by 23-20.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New Mexico Lobos History
The New Mexico Lobos have built a remarkable legacy in NCAA sports, known for their passion, loyalty, and fierce rivalries—especially with the UNLV Rebels and Utah State Aggies. Founded in the early 1900s, the Lobos have grown into one of the most respected athletic programs in the Mountain West Conference, producing countless memorable moments and legendary athletes across decades.
In New Mexico Lobos basketball, the program has enjoyed tremendous success since its early dominance in the Western Athletic Conference. The Lobos captured their first WAC championship in 1975 and continued their strong performance through the 1980s. Between 1982 and 1988, the team made six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including Sweet Sixteen runs in 1984 and 1985. During this golden era, the Lobos produced NBA talents such as Michael Cooper of the Los Angeles Lakers and Luc Longley of the Chicago Bulls. More recently, from 2009 to 2012, New Mexico Lobos basketball earned four straight NCAA Tournament berths, led by stars like Cameron Bairstow and Tony Snell—both later drafted into the NBA.
The New Mexico Lobos football program has also made its mark with a proud tradition dating back to the early 20th century. Under head coach Bob Davie, the Lobos re-emerged as a competitive force, appearing in five bowl games since 2012. Notable victories include wins over Arizona State in 2016 and Utah in 2017, signaling the team’s return to national relevance. Historically, the Lobos were one of the premier teams in the western region, winning eight conference championships and capturing Cotton Bowl victories over Nebraska in 1960 and Arkansas in 1961. These triumphs established the Lobos as one of the most respected programs in college football during that era.
Lobos Achievements
Beyond basketball and football, the New Mexico Lobos excel in multiple NCAA sports, including track and field, soccer, and cross-country. The women’s cross-country team, in particular, has become a national powerhouse, capturing several NCAA titles over the past decade. The university continues to develop elite athletes who represent both the school and the nation on international stages.
With a proud past and a promising future, the New Mexico Lobos, through both New Mexico Lobos football and New Mexico Lobos basketball, continue to inspire fans across generations. Their commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and tradition ensures the Lobos remain a dominant presence in collegiate athletics for years to come.
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