Texas A&M Cancels 2027 Game Against New Mexico; Lobos pivot to Texas Tech

Wes Zunker is swarmed by teammates, including Kenny Byrd, after drilling the game-winning field goal that lifted New Mexico to a dramatic 27-24 victory over Texas Tech Red Raiders at University Stadium in Albuquerque on Sept. 11, 2004.

This remains one of the signature wins in recent UNM football history.

The rivalry peaked in the 1980s and early 1990s. Between 1981 and 1994, the teams met nine times, with each game decided by a single point, underscoring how closely matched the programs were and the rivalry’s intensity.

The schools last met between 2009 and 2012, with Texas Tech winning all four games, including those at University Stadium in 2010 and 2011.

Switching from Texas A&M to Texas Tech offers New Mexico several advantages: a more regionally relevant rivalry, better prospects for a competitive matchup, and increased opportunities for recruiting and growth against a prominent Big 12 program.

Texas A&M has one of the nation’s deepest and most expensive SEC rosters. Texas Tech, improving under Joey McGuire, offers a more attainable challenge for the Lobos under Jason Eck.

Texas Tech recently completed a 12-2 season to win the Big 12 title, reached the College Football Playoff, and lost to Oregon in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, New Mexico enters the next phase of the Jason Eck era with significant momentum.

The Lobos finished 9-4 in 2025, tied for first in the Mountain West Conference, and are expected to be among the league’s favorites next season.

After years of rebuilding, there is growing national belief that New Mexico football is achieving sustainable success.

Regionally, the Texas Tech matchup is also a logical fit for New Mexico.

Lubbock is more accessible to New Mexico fans than College Station, which should enhance the road-game atmosphere for the Lobos. The game also helps maintain New Mexico’s visibility in West Texas, a region important to the program.

Financially, the Texas Tech agreement is favorable for UNM, providing guaranteed revenue, improving fan attendance, and allowing the athletic department to retain strategic resources.

The original Texas A&M contract guaranteed $1.7 million and included language allowing cancellation without penalty if conference scheduling changes made the game “impossible or impracticable.”

Given these provisions, New Mexico is not expected to take legal action against Texas A&M.

Under the new agreement, Texas Tech will pay New Mexico $1.2 million for the 2027 game. The contract also includes 500 complimentary tickets for UNM and permits the purchase of up to 750 additional tickets for fans.

The addition of Texas Tech further strengthens New Mexico’s nonconference schedule for 2027.