One of the state’s most intriguing prospects has his first football offer.
Cleveland wide receiver Evan Nañez was offered by New Mexico last weekend, he announced Friday via social media.
“Blessed to receive my first Division I football offer!” he posted via X. “Thank you (UNM head coach Jason Eck) and (wide receiver coach Carson Walch) for believing in me.”
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound incoming junior caught 51 passes for 996 yards and 16 touchdowns last season with the Storm, emerging as one of the state’s top receiver prospects. He rushed for an additional 199 yards and four touchdowns as Cleveland won a state title and placed 10 athletes — Nañez included — on the Journal’s All-Metro team.
Nañez is also among New Mexico’s most prized basketball prospects, holding offers from New Mexico State, Southern Utah and Northern New Mexico. His father, Michael Nañez, walked on to the NMSU basketball team in the 1998-99 season.
Evan Nañez played basketball with and took classes at ABC Prep Academy last season, but will “probably” attend Cleveland in an attempt to play basketball with the Storm this season, a decision he’s been mulling over the last few weeks.
“We just thought it was a better decision for me … It’s a lot of driving (back and forth) for me,” he said.
Blessed to receive my first division 1 football offer! Thank you @Coach_Eck @Carson_Walch for believing in me. @Beau_Davidson @Coach_Ridenour @Coach_RGarza @coach_crow @PrepRedzoneNM @nmpreps @247Sports @UNMLoboFB @tony_mccoy3 @_teamgoi pic.twitter.com/ILePx0eBIm
— Evan Nanez (@EvanNanez5245) June 12, 2026
Nañez was offered at UNM’s football prospect camp last weekend, one he called an “amazing” experience. He previously visited the Lobos at their spring game in April before receiving an official offer after speaking to Eck, general manager Beau Davidson and other members of the coaching staff.
“They had, like, a few rough years and I know they’ve turned it around a bit with coach Eck,” Nañez said of UNM. “I know (the players) work hard, they’re bought in with stuff and they just listen to coaches and everything.”
Nañez said he has not made a decision on if he will pursue football or basketball at the next level.
“I’m just playing all my cards right now, to be honest” he said. “I’m just both the sports that I love, and then I know God will take me wherever he wants to take me.”
Defensive lineman Gunner Edwards has committed to UNM, he announced Wednesday via social media.
The 6-5, 240-pound incoming senior made 26 total tackles (one for a loss) last season at Frenship (Texas) High School. He holds additional offers from New Mexico State and North Texas.
Edwards visited UNM last weekend before announcing his commitment. He joins Central Catholic (California) High School tight end Colin Benninger as a recruit who committed following a visit over the weekend.
First and foremost, all glory to God! None of this would be possible without Him, and I’m beyond grateful for every opportunity He’s placed in front of me.
This OV was special. From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. The facilities are incredible, and what… pic.twitter.com/NqXG3TuXBG
— Gunner Edwards (@GunnerEdwards56) June 17, 2026
“This (official visit) was special,” Edwards posted via X with a commitment graphic attached. “From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. The facilities are incredible, and what they’re building here is something special.
“The coaching staff made a huge impression on me. Their belief in me, the culture they’ve built, and even making the time to call and speak with my family individually. Something special is happening here, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider.
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