Two defensive starters questionable for UNM at San Jose St.

Two of the Lobos’ key defensive starters might not be available Saturday. Defensive end Darren Agu and safety Tavian Combs are questionable for New Mexico’s game at San Jose State, per an availability released Thursday by the Mountain West. The 6-foot-6, 252-pound Agu has started every game for UNM at its Jack (boundary end) position. The fifth-year senior and former Vanderbilt transfer leads the Lobos with 28 quarterback pressures and is second on the team with four sacks. Combs has started every game for UNM at boundary safety. The 6-2, 198-pound seventh-year senior leads the Lobos with four interceptions in addition to 28 total tackles, the second-highest mark on the team. Initial availability report is out. The headline here: S Tavian Combs and DE Darren Agu are questionable for Saturday’s game. https://t.co/0cwCiW0dBd — Sean Reider (@lenaweereider) October 30, 2026 It is unclear why Agu and Combs are questionable. Monday, UNM head coach Jason Eck said the Lobos “came out pretty good” health-wise after their 21-16 win over North Dakota State. “No one is out (due to) that game,” he added. “For how physical (the game) was, we came out in pretty good shape.” Linebacker Jaxton Eck (shoulder) and wide receiver Shawn Miller (concussion) have been ruled out for Saturday’s game, per the report. Eck said Jaxton’s return for UNM’s game against UNLV (Nov. 14) would be the “absolute best-case scenario.” Receiver Abraham Williams is also questionable to make his season debut against SJSU. The 6-1, 192-pound converted cornerback has not appeared in a game after suffering a lower body injury during practice. A second availability report will be released in the hours before Saturday’s game. All Mountain West teams are required to submit availability reports with designations, but without injury specifics, prior to each league contest. Full team injury reports New Mexico QB James Laubstein — Out (Full Season) LB Nick Wheeler — Out (Full Season) WR Troy Omeire — Out (Full Season) OL Elvin Harris — Out (Full Season) QB Jack Layne — Out (Full Season) DE Cody Thumlert — Out (Full Season) LB Jaxton Eck — Out (Full Game) WR Shawn Miller — Out (Full Game) WR Abraham Williams — Questionable DE Darren Agu — Questionable S Tavian Combs — Questionable San Jose State WR Jase Nix — Out (Full Game) WR Cooper Hoch — Questionable DL Ian Shewell — Questionable OL Tyler Chen — Questionable TE Kamaehu Kopa-Kaawalauole — Questionable Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider. More Lobo football coverage * 'Gotta keep my composure a little bit better': Why Eck was upset after UNM's pick six against NDSU Lobos' second-year head coach said he didn't want to get called for a taunting penalty * Brawley earns pair of national honors after pick-6 against NDSU Fifth-year safety is first Lobo to be named a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist in over 20 years * Everything you need to know about New Mexico's game at San Jose State Lobos have not won in San Jose since 1969, one of the program's stranger streaks * Wright: A not-so-fearless prediction Is the 2026 version the best Lobo defense of all time? There's competition * Reider: 3 final takeaways from New Mexico's win over North Dakota State LB Swaim has made sure this defense hasn't missed a beat while UNM's fans met the moment * Dues paid: Lobo football's most devoted fans are enjoying the ride Louis Trujillo and the North End Zone Howlers are celebrating UNM football's success after years of unwavering support * Lobos beat NDSU, remain undefeated in Mountain West play Safety Austin Brawley's 56-yard pick-six lifts UNM to major conference win * Viral soccer fan ‘Freddy’ to attend New Mexico's game against North Dakota State German X user gained huge online following while traveling during 2026 World Cup * Football-loving Olen, Lobos put final touches on preseason prep; Rytis Petraitis still injured UNM hosts Arizona St. in key preseason test while forward Petraitis remains sidelined with an ankle sprain * Three things to watch for in New Mexico and North Dakota State's blockbuster matchup QB Toa Fa'avae needs a bounceback game as Lobos continue adjusting to life without LB Jaxton Eck