The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University is a rivalry unmatched by few and it dates back to the early days. The first competition began with football on January 1, 1894, which was the Lobos' first competition against another four-year institution. The first basketball game was played on December 22, 1904. The rivalry between the two schools began before the territory of New Mexico became a state in 1912.
The Rio Grande Rivalry is a series between The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University that encompasses sports for both programs. The Rio Grande Rivalry is a new series starting in the 2007-08 academic year. Head to head competition in every sport will be used on an annual basis. The series is not only for the current student-athletes competing in the sports but also to build school spirit and pride in the alumni and fans of New Mexico who cheer for the Lobos or the Aggies.
The new rivalry series is a points-based system and is awarded to the school with the most points in all competitions. The specific scoring system is listed below for individual and teams sports.
At the conclusion of annual competitions between the two institutions, the winner of the "Rivalry Series" will receive a rotating trophy bearing the inscription of the annual winners. The winning institution will retain possession of the trophy for a period of one (1) year, until the award presentation the following year.
| Sport | Total Points | Points per win |
| Football | 3 | 3 |
| Men's Basketball | 3 | 1.5 |
| Women's Basketball | 3 | 1.5 |
| Volleyball | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Baseball | 3 | .75 |
| Softball | 3 | .75 |
| Men's Tennis | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Women's Tennis | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Women's Swimming | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Women's Track and Field | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Men's Golf | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Women's Golf | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Total Points | 25.5 |
TIE-BREAKER:
ALL SPORTS WILL BE PLACED IN A RANDOM DRAWING. THE DRAWING WILL OCCUR UNTIL A SPORT IS DRAWN THAT A SCHOOL WON ALL OF THE POSSIBLE POINTS IN THAT PARTICULAR ATHLETICS YEAR.
