EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The historic rivalry between the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and New Mexico State University (NMSU), known as the Battle of I-10, is facing an uncertain future as UTEP prepares to move to the Mountain West Conference next season.
This transition means the two teams will not face each other next year, as UTEP’s non-conference schedule is already full.
Fans gathered at the Sun Bowl for what could be the final matchup, at least for the foreseeable future.
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“If this is our last one with the Aggies, let it be a beat down and let’s start a new one next season,” one fan said.
Another added, “Always a great rivalry, it doesn’t matter who’s on top or not.”
UTEP announced last year that it had accepted a formal invitation to join the Mountain West, a move that takes effect next season.
Despite the change, UTEP has expressed interest in continuing the rivalry, as long as NMSU agrees.
In a statement from July, a UTEP representative said, “We are interested in continuing to play NMSU in football from 2027 onwards.”
UTEP Head Coach Scotty Walden remains hopeful about the future of the series.
“I guess it is what it is, I guess we’re not playing these guys anymore. I’m not taking no for an answer, we want to find a way to keep this game on the schedule,” Walden said.
As fans reminisce about past games, the rivalry spirit remains strong.
“We’ve been coming to these games since the early ’70s and I’ve always looked forward to it, so it’ll be a sad day when they’re not playing it again,” a long-time attendee shared.
Despite the uncertainty, the passion for the Battle of I-10 endures.
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