The Lobos are heading back to Southern California to find their next signal-caller, and they've landed a big one. Three-star quarterback Bradley Cassier announced his commitment to New Mexico on Friday, giving the program a promising young arm for the future.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Cassier is a junior at Santa Monica Preparatory who chose the Lobos over a crowded field of suitors. He turned down offers from Arizona State, UNLV, Washington State, Colorado State, and Boston College to join head coach Jason Eck's squad. The offer from UNM came in early March, and after an official visit in April, the decision was sealed.
Cassier is the second three-star prospect to commit to New Mexico's 2027 recruiting class, following safety Tayven Collins, who pledged in January. But Cassier's addition is a major win for a program looking to build momentum through the air.
On the field, Cassier delivered a standout junior season. He completed 178 of 278 passes—a sharp 64%—for 2,842 yards and 30 touchdowns against just four interceptions. While he describes himself as a pass-first quarterback, he also showed mobility, rushing for 391 yards and four touchdowns. His efforts helped lead Santa Monica to a 10-2 record and a playoff berth in the Camino Real League.
One of his most impressive performances came in October, when he torched Franklin High School for 537 passing yards and six touchdowns in a 55-21 win. According to 24/7 Sports, Cassier ranks as the 69th-best quarterback in California and the 108th overall prospect in the state—a testament to his rising stock.
Cassier's connection to the Lobos runs deeper than most. He first met UNM's coaching staff as a freshman, when they were recruiting current Lobo safety Joshua Barnes to Idaho. Impressed by their success with the Vandals, Cassier kept an eye on them. When head coach Jason Eck and offensive coordinator Luke Schleusner moved to New Mexico, the interest became mutual.
"We really jelled," Cassier said. "They're obviously a winning staff and they build a great culture, so I just wanted to be a part of that."
Throughout the recruiting process, Cassier praised UNM for its honesty and transparency. "There hasn't been a time where I'm like, 'Oh, well that doesn't really line up with what he said,'" he added. "And I feel like you can just kind of get that vibe when you talk to them in-person. Especially with coach Eck—I feel like everyone says right away that he's a great guy, and you can kind of tell right away."
Cassier wasn't the only addition to the Lobos' roster on Friday. Cornerback Bryson Fleming also committed after visiting during spring practice. A 6-foot, 195-pound junior from North Forney High School in Texas, Fleming recorded 45 total tackles last season and chose UNM over offers from Pittsburgh and San Diego State.
With Cassier and Fleming in the fold, the Lobos are building a foundation that could pay off in a big way. For fans looking to rep the future of the program, now's the time to gear up in Lobos blue.