Eastern New Mexico University will open its 2025 football season against New Mexico Highlands on Thursday night at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium. The Greyhounds are looking to improve after a challenging previous season that saw them win three games, the lowest total in head coach Kelley Lee’s tenure. Injuries last year led to more freshmen seeing playing time than in any of Lee’s prior five seasons, giving younger players valuable experience heading into this year.
Key returning players who gained significant playing time in 2024 include Dathan Yeary, Matthew Quartieri, DJ Moore, Dylan Quartieri, Chad Ragle, Matthew Pinion, Gerry Gomez, Nathan Jim, and J.J. Silver. These athletes are expected to play important roles for the team this season.
The coaching staff has seen several changes during the offseason. Six new coaches have joined Kelley Lee’s program. Defensive coordinator Austin Bortle was brought in after the team struggled defensively last year. He has spent the past eight months working to improve ENMU’s defense. Returning staff members Garrett Casteel, Kaden Merrell, and Ron Craten have all previously been involved with ENMU as either players or coaches. Other additions include Garrett Owens from Harding's national championship staff and Garrison Walker as a graduate assistant who played at Auburn and New Mexico.
On offense, most positions feature familiar faces except for running backs and fullbacks where there have been notable changes. Nicholas Harper and Robert Nora return after not appearing in 2024 but having contributed in different roles previously. Transfers Xavier Johnson from UTEP and Gary Maddox from Kilgore join the backfield. Defensively, new student-athletes like Je'Quari Godfrey (formerly at USC) and Malachi Hannah (from Oregon) are expected to bolster the secondary and defensive line.
Eastern New Mexico enters the game on a five-game winning streak over New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), including a decisive 63-37 victory last year when they amassed over 600 yards of total offense. The Greyhounds lead the series against NMHU 35-13; NMHU’s last win came in 2013.
Head coach Kelley Lee holds a perfect record against NMHU so far: “Kelley Lee is looking to stay perfect against NMHU as he holds a 2-0 record against the in-state rival.”
Fans attending Thursday's game will see several changes aimed at improving their experience. Tailgating will be more accessible with extended hours for alcohol consumption up until kickoff at 6 p.m., new menu items have been added through collaboration with local food trucks, and attendees over age 21 can purchase alcoholic beverages during the game. Organizers encourage fans to buy tickets ahead of time for quicker entry lines at the gate.
