New Mexico State Aggies

New Mexico State entered 2026 with a clear mandate to fix an offense that ranked 113th nationally in yards per game and tied for last in the FBS at 2.6 yards per carry in 2025. The Aggies brought in FCS transfer quarterback Trey Hedden, added multiple experienced offensive linemen through the portal, and imported running backs James Jones and TJ Washington Jr. to join returning starter Dijon Stanley. However, the season opener at Florida State exposed how far this unit still has to go. The Aggies managed just 3.1 yards per play and 2.1 yards per rush, with Hedden completing only 44% of his passes for 4.8 yards per attempt. The offensive line allowed four sacks, continuing a troubling trend from a year ago when the team gave up nearly three sacks per game. The run game remains the biggest vulnerability, and until the Aggies can establish any semblance of balance, opposing defenses will continue to tee off on the passing game.

While the final score against Florida State was lopsided, the New Mexico State defense showed flashes of the turnover-forcing ability that made them a top-14 unit nationally in 2025. The Aggies forced two turnovers in the opener, including a fumble recovery and an interception, and held Florida State to 5.2 yards per play. Linebackers Tory Gethers and Sone Aupiu, who combined for 156 tackles last season, were active in run support, and the secondary featuring Tayden Barnes and Nick Session limited explosive plays for much of the game. The defense ultimately wore down against a superior opponent, but the ability to create extra possessions remains a hallmark of this team. If the offense can sustain drives and keep the defense off the field, this unit has the potential to keep New Mexico State competitive in Conference USA play.

The Aggies' return game, highlighted by TK King and Dijon Stanley, has the potential to flip field position and provide a spark for an offense that desperately needs it. King averaged over 20 yards per kick return in 2025, and Stanley has shown similar explosiveness. Punter Brody Richter, a Minnesota transfer, gives the Aggies a reliable leg to pin opponents deep. The kicking competition remains unsettled, but if the return game can consistently give the offense short fields, it could be the difference in close conference games. Against Florida State, the special teams unit held its own, and that trend needs to continue for New Mexico State to stay competitive.

The season-opening loss at Florida State was expected, but the Aggies' schedule softens considerably as they enter Conference USA play. With a favorable slate that includes winnable home games and a roster bolstered by transfers, a path to six wins remains viable if the offense can find consistency. The key will be whether quarterback Trey Hedden can develop chemistry with receivers TK King and AJ Williams III, and whether the run game can improve from its abysmal 2025 levels. The defense, which forced 24 turnovers last season, has already shown it can create takeaways. If the Aggies can protect the ball and avoid the one-dimensional offensive approach that plagued them a year ago, they have the pieces to compete for a bowl berth in Tony Sanchez's third season.