UNM Women Launch Inaugural Flag Football Program
The University of New Mexico women's flag football team begins training for their 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Softball
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The University of New Mexico women's flag football team has begun practicing for its inaugural season. The 16-player roster is training under head coach Ramar Watson as part of a pilot program with the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association.
Why it matters
The team aims to prove there is sufficient interest in the sport to justify formal school sanctioning and future NCAA inclusion. Success in this pilot phase is seen as a crucial step for expanding varsity opportunities for female athletes in Albuquerque.
The roster currently features 16 players who have been recruited over a four-month period. Several athletes on the team bring up to 2 years of varsity flag football experience from their high school careers.
The players
Ramar Watson
Ramar Watson is the head coach tasked with leading the university's inaugural women's flag football team.
Jazmyn Morrison
Jazmyn Morrison is a student-athlete for the program who plays linebacker, wide receiver, defensive back, and center.
National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association
The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association is the governing body overseeing the pilot season for the new program.
The details
Coach Ramar Watson assembled the squad by drawing from players with previous high school experience and athletes transitioning from other sports. Versatile player Jazmyn Morrison is set to anchor the team across multiple positions, including linebacker, wide receiver, defensive back, and center.
Timeline
Coach Ramar Watson began assembling the team roster in 2026.
The UNM women's flag football team begins its season in February 2027.
Season Trajectory
This pilot season serves as a critical litmus test for the long-term viability of women's flag football at the collegiate level. The program is banking on competitive success against regional opponents to build momentum toward permanent status.
The team is scheduled to face a challenging regional slate including Arizona State, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Arizona. Additionally, the players will travel to compete against California-based squads such as USC, UCLA, and San Diego State.
The takeaway
Interested students and fans should monitor the program's initial games in early 2027 to gauge the level of local engagement. Success during this trial period is the primary metric the university will use to determine the future of the sport on campus.
Further reading
For more on local sports developments, visit the Softball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOB.
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