ALBUQUERQUE, NM – After a year as the head football coach at UNM and one game shy of bowl eligibility at the end of the season, Bronco Mendenhall is saying goodbye to the Lobo Nation.

“I think it’s really interesting because with him as head coach, it’s made UNM a go-to place for a lot of players, but I understand the point of career advancement, right? “Early in his career, he was the head coach at BYU and was trying to get back where he could have a better chance at winning a national title,” said Wes Bell, a UNM student.

UNM Vice President and Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo made the announcement Friday morning.

Mendenhall signed a six-year deal with Utah State, shocking many Lobo fans after UNM had one of its best football seasons in years.

“I expected at least a couple more, I assumed he would at least take us bowling before he left,” Bell said.

“It’s pretty devastating because, to be honest, we’ve had a difficult start to the season. I feel like we really stood out and showed our strengths against some teams,” said Antonio Valencia, another UNM student.

After his departure, a handful of players already entered the transfer portal. Especially quarterback Devon Dampier, wide receiver Luke Wysong and running back Eli Sanders.

“Unfortunately I have a feeling that will be the case, especially soon. Our quarterback, that’s pretty unfortunate, but I think whoever comes in will be smart enough to build a new team,” Valencia said.

“Without Devon Dampier and Eli Sanders in the backfield it will be difficult to recover. I think it will be really interesting to see who the new head coach puts in the backfield. “Nobody expected the Lobos to be one game away from bowling,” Bell said.

Despite all the changes, students hope the university brings someone to the university who can build on what Bronco started.

“Unfortunately he was only here for a short time, but I think he did a great job with the team. He really built morale. It was a good season. It wasn’t the best, but there’s always Lobos next year,” said Jose Saenz, a UNM student.

“I know there is a lot of hope for the future and we will get back to it. “As time goes on, more coaches come in, more work with the football team, los Lobos, our football team will make it to the top,” said Ethan Gregory, another UNM student.