If Luke Wysong has any desire to eat at Blake’s Lotaburger in 2025, he’ll have three options instead of the nearly three dozen in Albuquerque.
If the former New Mexico wide receiver and Albuquerque-area native wants to feel more at home, he could also walk into the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility to see a few familiar faces.
Former New Mexico head coach Danny Gonzales, now a defensive assistant for the Wildcats, and offensive lineman Shancco Matautia came to Arizona last season. Wysong, a Rio Rancho, New Mexico native, signed with UNM in 2021 to play for Gonzales.
Wysong is the latest ex-Lobo to join the Wildcats under head coach Brent Brennan, which will be the first time the receiver has ever lived outside of New Mexico.
“That’ll be really fun for me,” Wysong said. “I’ve lived here my whole life and I don’t really know that much other than life here, so it’ll be interesting to live outside of Albuquerque.”
New Mexico wide receiver Luke Wysong runs during a game against San Diego State on Nov 8, 2024, in San Diego.
The 5-10, 184-pound Wysong joins Arizona after four seasons at New Mexico. Wysong finished his New Mexico career with 134 catches for 1,465 yards and three touchdowns. He was a Second-Team All-Mountain West selection in 2024. In 745 offensive snaps at New Mexico this past season, Wysong lined up as a slot receiver for 384 of them, according to Pro Football Focus.
As a junior this season, Wysong hauled in a career-high 69 catches for 840 yards and a touchdown. In Arizona’s season-opening win over the Lobos in August, Wysong had eight catches for 129 yards and a touchdown.
After losing likely first-round NFL Draft pick Tetairoa McMillan and senior receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig, Arizona is returning redshirt sophomore Chris Hunter, who ascended in the second half of the season and had 35 catches for 323 yards and three touchdowns. The New Orleans native is Arizona’s top returning receiver. Arizona is also returning starting slot receiver Jeremiah Patterson, who had 26 catches for 196 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Wysong, Kris Hutson (Washington State) and Tre Spivey (Kansas State) are the newest additions at receiver in the transfer portal for 2025.
Wysong joined “Spears & Ali” on ESPN Tucson to discuss joining Arizona, learning from quarterback Noah Fifita and becoming a part of the offense. Here’s part of that conversation:
What led you to Arizona?
A: “I think them seeing me play against them was something they really valued and liked watching. Plus, the other tape that I put together this season was huge. Just was able to hear the stuff they told me and learn about, Coach Brennan coaching receiver and playing receiver. Same thing with Coach (Bobby) Wade, I got to learn and talk to him about his time in the NFL and as a Wildcat. That’s something I really value, having coaches that put kids in the (NFL) that play wide receiver and coaches who played at a really high level and have those high-level, nerdy conversations.”
What do you remember about your performance against the Wildcats in August?
A: “I knew that was going to be one of our bigger games. I’ve always been someone who loved the bright lights, big stadium, the big stage and the pressure. I was really just going out there to have a good time and just be me and everything just ended up clicking that night, so it was a really fun night for me.”
Arizona defensive back Emmanuel Karnley (23) puts the pressure on New Mexico wide receiver Luke Wysong (15), getting him out of bounds before the catch in the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium, Aug. 31.
Have you gotten to know quarterback Noah Fifita?
A: “Noah was a guy that was on my visit and I got to talk to him. It was huge. My parents got to talk to him, as well. Just hearing about how he works and how everyone talks about him being a pro every single day, that’s something I really value and something I want to model myself around. ... He’s really skilled and can throw a great ball, make his reads and make great decisions. He’s also a role model and a leader of the team, which is something I want to model myself around.”
What are your impressions of first-year offensive coordinator Seth Doege?
A: “I haven’t really gotten to talk to him that much, because it’s been a busy holiday and recruiting process for them so far. But when I was there on my visit in Tucson, I went over his offense with Coach Wade and that was important. ... I really like his offense. I’m eager to get involved in the offense.”
What are you studying in school, and what do you like to do outside of football?
A: “I just graduated with a degree in communications and business, so I’m looking to get my master’s (degree) during my time at Arizona. Outside of football, I like to do a whole bunch of things. I’m an outdoorsy person and love to play golf with my friends, go snowboarding, ride mountain bikes and I just love to be outside and hanging out with my friends. I’ve also learned to love cooking and I love to make my own food.”
