New Mexico
New Mexico QB Devon Dampier transfers to Utah
Utah has found its new quarterback in Devon Dampier, a dual-threat playmaker from New Mexico. Following offensive coordinator Jason Beck to Salt Lake City, Dampier is set to bring his electrifying skillset to a revamped Utes offense. As a sophomore at New Mexico, Dampier was the centerpiece of a high-powered attack that ranked among the nation’s best, averaging 484.2 yards and 33.5 points per game. His dual-threat abilities generated an impressive 3,934 total yards in 2024, split between 2,768 passing and 1,166 rushing yards, alongside 19 rushing touchdowns.
Dampier’s arrival signals a shift in Utah’s offensive philosophy. Under Beck, the Utes will implement a run-pass option (RPO)-heavy scheme designed to maximize the quarterback’s running ability. At New Mexico, this approach produced the fifth-best rushing offense in the nation, and Dampier excelled as a dynamic runner, forcing 51 missed tackles and showcasing elite speed and agility. His ability to make plays with his legs will provide Utah with an offensive dimension it hasn’t seen since Alex Smith’s 2004 season in Urban Meyer’s spread system.
Despite his success on the ground, Dampier’s passing remains a work in progress. His 57.9% completion rate and 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio (12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions) highlight areas for improvement. Beck’s guidance and an offseason to refine his mechanics could help Dampier address these weaknesses and adapt to the increased competition in the Power Four conferences. With 2,768 passing yards in 2024 and flashes of brilliance, including two 300-yard games, Dampier has the tools to develop into a more balanced quarterback.
Dampier is poised to step into the starting role immediately, given Utah’s current quarterback situation. Following the departures of Isaac Wilson, Brandon Rose, and Luke Bottari, the Utes are left with only incoming freshmen Wyatt Becker and Jamarian Ficklin on the roster. Cam Rising’s reported departure would further clear the path for Dampier to lead the offense in 2025. While Utah may seek another quarterback through the transfer portal, Dampier’s familiarity with Beck’s system gives him a significant advantage as the Utes transition to a new offensive identity.
With Dampier’s dual-threat capabilities and Beck’s proven system, Utah’s offense has the potential to reach new heights. However, the success of this pairing will hinge on Dampier’s ability to improve as a passer and adapt to the challenges of competing at a higher level.
SANTA FE, N.M. — Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison is running for governor as a Republican, he announced on social media Tuesday.
Ellison is running on affordability, opportunity and trust in government as the key points of his campaign. His experience includes serving on the NMPRC in 2023 and 2024.
“New Mexico deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results. Our state has enormous potential, but too often that potential is held back by policies that don’t serve everyday New Mexicans,” he said on his website. “I’m running to bring practical solutions, honest accountability, and a renewed focus on the public interest.”
A Georgia native, Ellison has lived in New Mexico for 20 years and currently lives in the Albuquerque area with his wife and two children.
Ellison is aiming to get 5,000 signatures by Feb. 2, to appear on the primary ballot with at least three other Republicans who have announced their candidacy.
Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez announced his campaign in December and recently confirmed to KOB 4 that he received enough signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and New Mexico State Sen. Steve Lanier are also running.
Three Democrats are running – Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A successful University of New Mexico Lobo athletics season and the athletics director’s departure has culminated in players and coaches making moves.
The moves follow a successful 2025 season and the departure of athletics director Fernando Lovo.
Running back coach John Johnson, special teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato and wide receiver coach Colin Lockett are all leaving the Lobos after just one season. Johnson is headed to Iowa State while Da Prato is expected to join Minnesota and Lockett is headed to UCLA, all for the same jobs.
Johnson’s Lobo running backs ran for more than 1,400 yards. Da Prato’s special teams finished top-five nationally in kickoff returns.
Running back D.J. McKinney entered the portal, he confirmed on social media the day the portal officially opened. McKinney rushed for 464 yards and seven touchdowns with the Lobos.
Two players who received all-Mountain West Conference recognition also made moves. All-Mountain West tight-end Dorian Thomas, who caught for touchdowns for the Lobos, entered the portal. Meanwhile, all-Mountain West honorable mention punter Daniel Hughes is set to leave.
Others set to leave include:
- Cole Welliver, backup quarterback who played in one game
- Landon Williams, defensive end who graduated from La Cueva High School
- Randolph Kpai, senior linebacker who is at the end of his college football career without a waiver
Intel is planning a custom Panther Lake CPU for handheld PCs
Pope Leo calls for Christians to treat foreigners with kindness as he closes Catholic Holy Year
Wyoming Supreme Court rules laws restricting abortion violate state constitution
Measles outbreak explodes in South Carolina; multiple people hospitalized as cases surpass 200
Tom Izzo explodes on former Michigan State player in wild scene: ‘What the f— are you doing?’
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Wyoming Supreme Court rules laws restricting abortion violate state constitution
How strong are Latin America’s military forces, as they face US threats?
Trump says Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to US | CNN Business
Video: Nvidia Shows Off New A.I. Chip at CES
Pelosi heir-apparent calls Trump’s Venezuela move a ‘lawless coup,’ urges impeachment, slams Netanyahu
-
World1 week agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
News1 week agoFor those who help the poor, 2025 goes down as a year of chaos
-
Business1 week agoInstacart ends AI pricing test that charged shoppers different prices for the same items
-
Health1 week agoDid holiday stress wreak havoc on your gut? Doctors say 6 simple tips can help
-
Technology1 week agoChatGPT’s GPT-5.2 is here, and it feels rushed
-
Business1 week agoA tale of two Ralphs — Lauren and the supermarket — shows the reality of a K-shaped economy
-
Science1 week agoWe Asked for Environmental Fixes in Your State. You Sent In Thousands.
-
Politics1 week agoThe biggest losers of 2025: Who fell flat as the year closed