PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico University football returns to Portales this weekend for one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, hosting longtime rival West Texas A&M in the annual Wagon Wheel game. The Lone Star Conference showdown will also highlight ENMU's 2026 Homecoming festivities, with kickoff scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at 3 p.m. at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium.
The Greyhounds (0-6, 0-4 LSC) return home following back-to-back road contests, looking to build on an explosive offensive performance in last weekend's 61-55 loss to Western New Mexico. Eastern produced season highs of 630 total yards and 55 points, finding the end zone eight times in the high-scoring Chile Bowl matchup. Quarterback
Clifton Cooper led the offensive charge, accounting for five touchdowns and 463 yards of total offense. Cooper completed 22 passes for 295 yards and one touchdown while adding 168 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
Eastern's rushing attack has gained momentum in recent weeks, totaling 856 yards over its last two contests. The Greyhounds recorded 521 rushing yards against Sul Ross State before adding 335 against Western New Mexico.
Jose Trevino and
Emeka Megwa have also contributed to the ground game, combining for three rushing touchdowns last weekend. Defensively,
Matthew Quartieri continues to lead the Greyhounds, recording a team-high 12 tackles against the Mustangs.
West Texas A&M (1-5, 1-3 LSC) enters Saturday's contest following a narrow 24-17 loss to nationally ranked UT Permian Basin. The Buffaloes have faced a challenging schedule through the opening six games, with their lone victory coming in a 27-19 road win over Angelo State on September 19. Led by head coach Josh Lynn, WT will look to snap a three-game losing streak when it travels to Portales.
Offensively, the Buffaloes are led by quarterback Knox Porter, who has thrown for 1,487 yards and 10 touchdowns through six games. Wide receiver Trace Clarkson has emerged as Porter's leading target, recording 44 receptions for 491 yards, while J.B. Mitchell III has added 368 receiving yards. On the ground, Tory Simmons leads WT with 313 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Saturday's matchup marks the 38th edition of the Wagon Wheel rivalry, a tradition dating back to 1986. West Texas A&M currently holds the traveling trophy following a 43-14 victory over Eastern New Mexico in Canyon last season. The Buffaloes have claimed the previous two meetings, while the Greyhounds will look to reclaim the Wagon Wheel in front of their home crowd for the first time since their 35-27 victory in 2023.
The rivalry matchup will serve as the centerpiece of ENMU's Homecoming celebration, Saturday's festivities include the annual Homecoming parade beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by tailgating outside Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kickoff between the Greyhounds and Buffaloes is set for 3 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast live on KENW, as well as FloCollege.
Tickets are available here.
