The first season of Tony Sanchez guiding New Mexico State as the team’s head coach led to a 3-9 overall record in 2024. Two of those victories came in Conference USA play. It was a step back following the 10-win season and CUSA Championship appearance the Aggies had in 2023.
There are a few changes heading into 2025, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The offense was one-dimensional behind a strong running attack last year but should improve behind first-year offensive coordinator David Yost and a handful of transfers. Yost recently held the same position at FIU.
It was anticipated the Aggies would bring back all-conference running back Seth McGowan, however, McGowan entered the transfer portal in the spring window and landed at Kentucky. He had the potential to be the best offensive player in the league.
New Mexico State Football’s Conference USA Title Betting Odds
New Mexico State’s odds to win CUSA are +5000, via BetMGM.
New Mexico State Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
New Mexico State’s win total Over/Under is 4.5, with Under 4.5 at +110 and Over 4.5 at -130.
New Mexico State Football’s 2025 Schedule
8/30 vs. Bryant
9/6 vs. Tulsa
9/13 at Louisiana Tech
9/27 at New Mexico
10/2 vs. Sam Houston
10/14 at Liberty
10/22 vs. Missouri State
11/1 at Western Kentucky
11/8 vs. Kennesaw State
11/15 at Tennessee
11/22 at UTEP
11/29 vs. MTSU
Bold indicates CUSA contests
Key New Mexico State Football Returners
2024 All-CUSA 2nd Team
LB Tyler Martinez
New Mexico State Football Should Have More Offensive Consistency
I anticipate we can expect a more balanced offense than what we saw from the run-heavy Aggies last season. That all starts with new quarterback Logan Fife, who transferred in from Montana before spending the previous four seasons at Fresno State. Last year, Fife started eight games and finished as the team’s leading passer with 1,885 yards and 14 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
The Aggies’ rushing attack was solid behind McGowan and Mike Washington. Both earned second-team all-conference honors but both are gone. Cal transfer Kadarius Calloway joined NMSU in the spring portal and could be the guy at the top of the depth chart come fall. He rushed for 124 yards and one TD last season and had 623 yards and five scores for Old Dominion in 2023. Fifth-year senior Tim Gans should also get a fair amount of totes.
The two most productive wideouts from last season will be back in TJ Pride and PJ Johnson III. Pride hauled in 34 receptions for 374 yards and two scores while Johnson had 19 receptions for 346 yards and two TDs. NMSU also brought in Tyler King from Wyoming, who is an elite playmaker.
Between Fife and the talent around him, there is potential for this NMSU offense to put up points. It starts up front, though, and there are some question marks surrounding this offensive line. Right guard BJ Tolo is the lone returning starting O-lineman so it’ll be intriguing to see how this group fares.
Like the offensive line, it’ll be a new look defensive line, which was hit hard by the portal. Defensive end Gabe Peterson spent last season at Utah State but was with the Aggies in 2022 and 2023 where he earned All-CUSA honors. How NMSU develops in the trenches could make or break the season.
The strength of the team is arguably at the linebacker position where the Aggies return starters Martinez and Sone Aupiu. Martinez led the team with 94 tackles last year while Aupiu, the Mike backer, finished with 55 tackles, five pass breakups, and an interception. Aupiu has started all 27 games the last two seasons.
Cornerback Dakerric Hobbs should be the leader of the secondary and is the only returning starter of the bunch. He tallied 36 tackles and six PBUs last season.
New Mexico State Football Season Prediction
It’s hard to envision NMSU competing for a CUSA title or reaching a bowl, but I think there are at least five winnable games on their schedule. I expect the Aggies will find a way to win them behind the gritty, competitive guys Sanchez has been able to bring in — and retain — on this roster.
