New Mexico State Aggies

Trey Hedden has been efficient and productive through two games, completing 26 of 42 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns against Florida State, then adding 253 yards and two more scores on 11 of 20 passing versus Mercyhurst. The Aggies converted 10 of 16 third downs in the opener, showing the passing attack can sustain drives when given time. However, the run game remains a major concern. New Mexico State managed just 47 yards on 23 carries against Florida State, and while James Jones broke out with 137 yards and a 48-yard touchdown run against Mercyhurst, that came against an FCS opponent. The offensive line, rebuilt with transfer portal additions, still has to prove it can open consistent lanes against FBS competition. Until the ground game shows it can work against a comparable defense, the offense will lean heavily on Hedden and the vertical threats like TK King and AJ Williams III.

New Mexico State built its 2025 reputation on forcing 24 turnovers, tied for 14th nationally, and that playmaking ability was on full display in the Mercyhurst win when Nick Sessions returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. The secondary, featuring Tayden Barnes and Sessions, plus the linebacker duo of Tory Gethers and Sone Aupiu, gives the Aggies a proven ability to create short fields. Yet in the opener against Florida State, the defense forced no turnovers, and the Aggies allowed 34 points. The unit has shown it can be disruptive against lesser competition, but it has yet to prove it can generate takeaways against a quality FBS offense. That inconsistency will be a key factor in whether New Mexico State can stay competitive in closer games later in the season.

The Aggies have capable returners in TK King and Dijon Stanley, both of whom can flip field position, and that was a point of emphasis in the preseason outlook. In the Mercyhurst game, Ilya Uvaydov connected on a 39-yard field goal, providing some stability at placekicker after the position was listed as a competition entering the season. Minnesota transfer Brody Richter has handled punting duties, and while the sample size is small, the return game has not been a liability. Against Florida State, the Aggies did not have any explosive returns, but the potential remains. If the offense continues to struggle with consistency, hidden yardage from the return game and reliable kicking could be the difference in tight conference matchups.

New Mexico State has already traveled over 1,300 miles for the Florida State game, and the upcoming trip to Hawaii adds another 3,200 miles one-way, pushing the season total past 4,500 miles before the end of September. The Aggies have a young roster with many new transfers, and long road trips can expose a lack of depth, especially on the offensive line and in the secondary. The team showed resilience in the opener, staying competitive against a heavily favored Florida State team despite the travel, but the Hawaii game is a different challenge: a late-night kickoff, a hostile environment, and a Hawaii team that is 0-2 but has a power rating higher than New Mexico State's. How the Aggies handle the travel and maintain focus will be a telling indicator of their maturity and their ability to compete in the CUSA schedule that follows.

The preseason outlook noted that a path to six wins was there if the offense found balance and the defense limited explosive plays. After two games, the Aggies are 1-1, with a competitive loss to Florida State and a dominant win over Mercyhurst. The schedule includes winnable conference games, but the Aggies have not yet beaten an FBS opponent, and their power rating remains low. The defense has shown it can force turnovers, but it also allowed Florida State to score on all six red-zone trips. The offense has a clear identity through the air, but the run game is still unproven against FBS defenses. If the Aggies can build on the Mercyhurst performance, get consistent production from James Jones and TJ Washington Jr., and avoid injuries on the offensive line, they have a realistic shot at reaching bowl eligibility. But any slip in those areas, especially on the road, could quickly derail that goal.