Habtom Samuel leaves UNM to pursue professional track career
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 8, 2026, 3:07 AM
Last updated Jul 8, 2026
Track & FieldHabtom Samuel, a five-time NCAA champion from the University of New Mexico, announced he is turning professional, opting out of his final collegiate year. The decision comes after he claimed NCAA titles in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters last month. Samuel, who has been under an NIL deal with HOKA for the past two years, plans to complete his degree while preparing for his pro career. He consulted with coaches and other professionals, highlighting the timing and his high market value as factors in his decision.
- •Samuel will continue working on his degree while pursuing a pro career.
- •He is expected to attract significant interest from sports brands after his college success.
- •Samuel's decision follows consultation with coaches and former athletes.
- •He won NCAA championships in the 5K and 10K last month.
- •Samuel has previously run against professionals with notable success.
- 3:07 AMYahoo Sports — Habtom Samuel, a 5-time NCAA champion, leaving UNM to start pro career
"Habtom Samuel has run his last race as a Lobo. New Mexico’s star junior distance runner and five-time NCAA champion is opting out of his final year of eligibility to turn professional, he announced Tuesday via social media. After winning NCAA championships in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters last month, Samuel told reporters at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships he would “definitely” ...
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