The New Mexico Lobos are heading to Lubbock. The university announced Tuesday that it has signed a deal to face Texas Tech in 2027, reigniting a historic rivalry that dates back to their days in the now-defunct Border Conference.
Set for September 18, 2027, this matchup will be the first between the two programs since 2012. It fills the void left after Texas A&M canceled a previously scheduled game, a move the Aggies made following the SEC's shift to a nine-game conference schedule last November.
For stepping onto the field at Jones AT&T Stadium, UNM will pocket $1.2 million, according to a contract provided to the Journal. The agreement was signed by Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt and Texas Tech President Dr. Lawrence Schovanec on April 22, with UNM Athletic Director Ryan Berryman adding his signature on May 1. That payout is a slight dip from the $1.7 million the Lobos were guaranteed for the canceled game at Texas A&M. Berryman told the Journal there are no plans "as of now" to pursue legal action against the Aggies.
The all-time series heavily favors Texas Tech, who leads 37-6-2. The Lobos' last victory came in dramatic fashion on September 11, 2004, when kicker Wes Zunker drilled a 43-yard field goal as time expired to steal the win. Fans of both schools will be hoping for a similar thriller when they meet again.
The 2027 contest is just one piece of UNM's nonconference puzzle. The Lobos will also host Northern Colorado on September 4, welcome rival New Mexico State on September 25, and travel to Oregon State on September 11. It's a challenging slate that should give fans plenty of reasons to gear up in cherry and silver.