Yes, we might be getting ahead of ourselves, but Oklahoma’s Week 3 opponent, New Mexico, suffering a devastating injury might actually end up hurting the Sooners more than it helps them, especially down the road.
New Mexico head coach Jason Eck announced on Thursday that starting quarterback Jack Layne will miss the entire season after getting surgery. New Mexico is no cupcake, but the Lobos still never really had a chance against the Sooners, especially inside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. However, New Mexico was among a handful of teams that were poised to represent the Group of 6 in the College Football Playoff in 2026, so if the Lobos’ playoff chances are now dashed, that’s also a blow to the Sooners’ strength of schedule for their own CFP resume.
Layne was the centerpiece for the Lobos’ high expectations for 2026. He followed Eck from Idaho ahead of last season, then led the Lobos to a 9-4 record and first-place tie in the Mountain West while starting every game. Layne set a single-season program record with a 65.1 completion percentage while totaling 2,486 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his debut season at the FBS level. He and the Lobos were obviously expected to do even more this season in Year 2 under Eck.
Jack Layne injury could cost the Sooners an underrated non-conference win
Eck said the Lobos will now use three quarterbacks in their season opener against Central Michigan. That could still be their situation when they visit Norman on Sept. 19. College football fans who have been around long enough know that more than one quarterback actually means no quarterback at all…