Wysong Watch: UNM season concludes in Hawaii

HAWAII 38,

NEW MEXICO 30

ALBUQUERQUE (Nov. 30, 2024) — UNM football’s (5-7) season--and bowl chances--ended in Hawaii on Saturday after a hard-fought battle against the Warriors (5-7).

UNM wide receiver Luke Wysong finished the game with nine catches for 69 yards on 15 targets. The Rio Rancho native made a living in the slot as he lined up inside for 66.7% of the snaps.

Wysong finishes his incredible season with 111 targets, 68 catches, 840 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, 55 rushing yards, 381 return yards, one punt return touchdown, and a looming bid to the All-Mountain West team (TBA).

According to Pro Football Focus analytics database (PFF), Wysong finished the season with a 77.0 offensive grade, and a 78.0 receiving grade.

For reference, Stanford Cardinal receiver Elic Ayomanor finished with a 72.1 offensive grade and Texas Longhorn receiver Isaiah Bond finished the regular season with a 73.4 receiving grade. Both Ayomanor and Bond would be coveted NFL draft prospects at their positions (should they declare).

With the conclusion of the season, come some decisions. Wysong- a redshirt junior- can declare for the 2025 NFL draft. He has fans in the scouting community, and could benefit from a call to the NFL Draft Advisory Board.

He can also play another year for the UNM Lobos who experienced quite a resurgence under the leadership of Bronco Mendenhall but could Mendenhall be on his way out? Hopefully not. However, reports suggest that Utah State is eying Mendenhall for their head coaching gig. Mendenhall- who was born and raised in Utah- has a $2 million buyout on his contract.

Another option is the transfer portal. In the age of the NIL, the transfer portal has become a shopping spree period for a ton of programs looking to contend. Wysong will have suitors preparing sales pitches to land the dynamic weapon (should he enter the transfer portal).

Obviously, Lobo fans would love to see Wysong, Mendenhall, and quarterback Devon Dampier run it back in the cherry & silver. In the past year, UNM showcased one of the most electric and exciting offenses in the country.