Brotherhood fuels New Mexico's championship-caliber defense
“It’s nice having another really smart guy on the field…having an (nuclear) engineer next to you makes my job easy, I think we’re both similar guys… kinda undersized — under-recruited guys from FCS ball that have a chip on their shoulder.”
Defensive tackle Brian Booker said it with authority.
“We’re beating the UNM sack record… we’re going for it.”
The Lobos may have lost last season’s sack leader, Keyshawn James-Newby, to the Philadelphia Eagles, but they haven’t lost an ounce of confidence. If anything, they’ve added to it since welcoming back the Frisco, Texas native — Brett Karhu.
“Our defensive line wants to break the sack record for the university this year,” Karhu said. “That’s our goal.” It's unanimous, and the players aren’t afraid to express it. The 2026 Lobos’ defense wants to go down as one of the best in school history. They’re led by second-year defensive coordinator Spence Nowinsky, whose leadership and energy bleeds through the group.
“Our mantra, we call ourselves the ‘Mutts’ on defense,” Nowinsky said. “It takes all eleven guys to get the job done… everybody (has) to do their responsibility to the best of their abilities.”
With zero hesitation, the players expressed what areas they feel they need to improve and dominate in this season:
Takeaways, sacks… and more takeaways.
“Last year we had a really good defense, but the thing we lacked in was turnovers,” Karhu said. “I think as a team we had like a -12 turnover differential… honestly to have a nine-win season with that is crazy because turnovers (are) key to the game.”
The exact number aside, the message has been consistent throughout fall camp: create more turnovers and trust the defensive talent to do so.
Stepping into the starting role opposite of Karhu is Darren Agu, a 5th-year player born in London, England, who transferred from Vanderbilt to UNM in 2024. Agu started one game last season but saw action in 11, recording 30 tackles and two sacks. Agu was named to the Athletic’s Freaks list for his freakish size at 6-foot-6, 250 pounds.
“Last year kinda shaped us into what we are this year,” Karhu said. “(We’ve) built our trust and confidence… I’m really excited to keep rushing with Darren.”
Brian Booker, a Preseason All-Mountain West selection, dominates at the point of attack. He unselfishly does most of the dirty work — opening up more opportunities for his teammates to make plays. Alongside him is 5th-year senior Xavier Slayton, who made the transition from edge to the interior. Defensive coordinator Spence Nowinsky desires more pressure from his defensive tackles. Slayton should help in that regard.
Lobo Safety Austin Brawley looks over a tablet with a defensive coach on the sideline of the scrimmage on Saturday at University Stadium. Photo: Erik Moulton/The Pit Press
As for the depth, Jalen McIver, AJ Robinson, and Deven Dyer serve as space eaters. McIver brings a healthy amount of energy. Robinson and Dyer have flashed throughout camp. Consider the unit a strength this season — consider them tight-knit:
“We love MMA,” Karhu said of the unit's off-the-field relationship. “We watch a lot of UFC fights together. Somebody will throw it at their house, and we’ll bring some food…it’s a good time.”
Linebackers Jaxton Eck and Mercury Swaim’s relationship off the field translates on the field.
“Over the break we went on a double-date with his fiance and my girlfriend,” Swaim said regarding his relationship with Eck. “We get to spend a lot of time together.”
Swaim, a soon-to-be groomsman at Eck’s wedding next summer, highlighted one similarity both he and Eck shared growing up. “My dad was a high school coach and spent a little bit of time in college,” Swaim said. “So just having our dads be coaches growing up… we definitely know a lot about the game.”
“I think they’re both very mature; they’re both kinda old souls,” Coach Eck said regarding the duo. “Jaxton’s twenty-one; I don’t know, Mercury may be twenty-two, but you’d think they’re forty.”
Eck reiterated how smart both Jaxton and Swaim are — on and off the field. “Mercury’s a nuclear engineer and Jaxton’s been a 4.0 student…I think they have a lot in common that way.”
“It’s nice having another really smart guy on the field…having an (nuclear) engineer next to you makes my job easy,” Jaxton said. “I think we’re both similar guys… kinda undersized — under-recruited guys from FCS ball that have a chip on their shoulder.”
The tandem should be great, but the linebacker unit goes deeper than two.
Boise State transfer Clay Martineau has stood out through fall camp. His versatility has been evident. He’s forced arrogant throws, recorded multiple sacks, and appears to be a key piece on special teams as well. “(It’s) a different scheme (and) different defense,” Martineau said regarding the biggest difference from Boise State. “It took me a while to learn it, but now that I have, I feel like I’ve been able to play more free.”
Nick Wheeler, who transitioned from safety to linebacker, has also flashed throughout camp. His relentless pursuit and coverage ability are what set him apart; he’ll play a pivotal role on special teams.
“This is the most I’ve ever seen a team punch at footballs (during) fall camp so far, safety Austin Brawley said. “(Turnovers) were definitely an area we struggled with last year.”
It’s the point of emphasis on defense if you haven’t put two and two together yet. “Statistically, that’s definitely the number one thing we want to improve on,” Edwards III said.
Veteran Tavian Combs headlines a secondary that runs through the tandem of him and Brawley at safety, though the position runs deep. 5th-year senior Drew Speech, USC transfer Kevin Longstreet, and sophomore CJ McBean have all had their fair share of playing time in specific packages that favor their strengths.
“I would say relentless, physical, and extremely athletic,” Brawley said regarding the secondary. “Everyone can come down and lay the hammer on someone.”
On the boundary, cornerbacks Ormanie Arnold, a Cincinnati transfer, and junior Frankie Edwards III are expected to anchor the outside. After being thin at the position last season, UNM made Arnold a priority in the transfer portal. Eric McClain and Jahmir Torres have flashed throughout fall camp, but if injuries arise, the unit's depth will be tested.
“(We’re) a gritty group,” Edwards III said. “We’re resilient, and we all play as one core.”
Ask anyone on the defense about their goals, and individual accolades rarely come up. The focus remains on winning and chasing something historic.
“I just want to go to the College Football Playoffs with my brothers and have a great season,” Brawley closed.
