The 2025 HLC season ends with something that had started to feel overdue. After four straight trips to the championship game, the New Mexico Lobos finally closed the loop, defeating the Austin Tourists 274–235 in the two-week final and claiming their second league title.

After back-to-back championship losses, the Lobos entered the postseason with the league’s best record, the highest point total, and the understanding that anything short of a title would feel like another missed opportunity. They didn’t leave much doubt.

Championship Recap: New Mexico vs. Austin

New Mexico: 274
Austin: 235

The championship was a rematch of last year’s title game, but the outcome flipped. New Mexico carried a halftime lead into the second week and extended it with steady production across the lineup. Drake Maye, Bijan Robinson, and Puka Nacua formed the backbone of an offense that had been the league’s most reliable all season.

Austin made a push, as they tend to do. Derrick Henry delivered another dominant postseason performance, finishing with the highest point total of any player in the league (58.2), and the Tourists stayed competitive well into the second week. But unlike last year’s dramatic comeback, the gap never fully closed. New Mexico controlled the matchup late and finished it on their terms.

For the Tourists, the loss ends a bid to become the league’s first repeat champion. Still, a second straight championship appearance and another double-digit win season cement Austin’s place as one of the HLC’s most consistent teams. For New Mexico, the win caps a season defined by control, consistency, and a fourth straight trip to the title game that finally ends with another trophy.

MVP: Drake Maye, New Mexico Lobos (48.18 points)

Maye didn’t join the Lobos until October 1, but when Jaylen Hurts rested, he found himself at the helm for New Mexico’s championship run—and he didn’t disappoint. Over the two-week title matchup, Maye was nearly flawless, completing 33 of 39 passes for six touchdowns and zero interceptions. In a moment that demanded steadiness, he delivered exactly that.

Third Place Game

Rockport: 253
i2^3∑π: 211

In the third-place matchup, the Rockport Leatherheads rebounded from their semifinal loss and secured a podium finish with a win over i2^3∑π. After finishing the regular season at .500, Rockport’s playoff run ended with a third-place trophy and a reminder that late momentum still matters in this league.

For the Robots, fourth place caps a successful season and their first appearance in the winner’s bracket. They pushed Austin to the wire in the semifinals and proved they belong in the league’s upper tier heading into next year.

Consolation Ladder Wrap-Up

Michiana 255 – Tortilla Flats 219
San Antonio 157 – Jaybirds 151

Down in the consolation ladder, Michiana once again did what they spent most of the season doing: scoring points. The Muskellunge closed the year with a 255–219 win over Tortilla Flats, a fitting finish for a team that consistently put up big numbers even when the standings didn’t reflect it.

The Tacos and Jaybirds rounded out the bracket, with San Antonio edging out a close 157–151 win. It wasn’t the season they hoped for, but it was a solid note to end on.

Season in Review

New Mexico dominated the regular season, returned to the championship game once again, and this time finished the job. Austin proved last year wasn’t a fluke. Rockport stayed competitive deep into December. And the Robots announced themselves as a new playoff fixture.

Four seasons in, the league’s history is starting to take shape. The Lobos are no longer just the team that always gets there. This year, they’re the team that won—and the only franchise in the HLC with multiple championships.

But the calendar flips fast in this league. A new draft resets the board, rosters turn over, and last season’s standings stop meaning much once Week 1 arrives. Before long, it’ll be time to see what the 2026 season brings. Whoever comes out on top next year, it’s sure to be another season worth watching.