What is New Mexico's Defensive Identity Going To Look Like In 2026? Interview with Spence Nowinsky

In Spence Nowinsky's first season in Albuquerque in 2025, he completely revamped UNM's defense, turning it into one of the country's best. The Lobos were the most-improved team in the FBS against the run, shaving 100.15 yards per game off their total from 2024. UNM was 21st nationally against the run, allowing just 112.8 yards per game, and four times during the season, the Lobos allowed just double-digit rushing yards, including 13 against Colorado State and 15 against New Mexico State.
UNM had the No. 2 most improved scoring defense and the No. 2 most improved total defense in the FBS. After allowing 38.0 points in 2024 to rank 130th out of 134 teams, UNM in 2025 allowed just 22.3 points, a 15.7 points per game improvement. UNM allowed 20 or fewer points in a game seven times, the most in a season since having seven such games in 2004. UNM ended the 2025 season with four straight games allowing 20 or fewer, the best stretch since a five-game streak in 2004 as well.
So it begs the question, what will the defense look like in 2026? And more importantly, what identity will it have?
We sit down with New Mexico Defensive Coordinator Spence Nowinsky to take a look at the Lobos defense.

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