Photo courtesy of NMSU Athletics.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – New Mexico State University opened its 2026 season on the road Saturday, Aug. 29, traveling to face Florida State University. The Aggies were labeled last season as one of the “worst rushing teams in the country,” A Sea of Red founder, Jon Manson said.

NMSU set the tone early after winning the coin toss, creating a promising opening drive that lasted for over six minutes and produced four first downs before the drive ended with an interception in the end zone.

Trailing 10-0 in the second quarter, NMSU quarterback Trey Hedden led the Aggie offense down the field to respond. After overcoming the early turnover, Hedden found his rhythm under pressure, connecting with New Mexico’s TK King and Brodie Malone-Bradford on back-to-back third down conversions. He orchestrated an  eight-play drive by launching a 33-yard touchdown pass to Malone-Bradford, cutting the lead to 10-7. Defensive safety Nick Session kept momentum alive by recording his first interception as an Aggie. Heading into halftime, Florida State added a late touchdown to lead 17-7.

Featuring a notable quarterback matchup between Trey Hedden and Florida State’s Ashton Daniels. Both share roots as QB Universe alumni, a selective and elite quarterback program which enhances talent; although Daniels maintained a higher completion rate on fewer passes this game, Hedden carried a heavier workload, gaining 272 yards on 42 completions.

A major turning point came after halftime, where NMSU’s defense delivered a persistent performance to keep Florida State on high alert that this game was far from over. The Aggies engineered a 12-play, 68-yard drive that set up Aggie Ilya Uvaydov for a 38-yard field goal, bringing NMSU back within seven points at 17-10. Throughout the night, NMSU pushed downfield conversions including a push on 3rd-and-23 to keep momentum alive and keep driving toward the end zone.

NMSU defensive end Gabe Peterson and linebacker Sone Aupiu led a physical defensive effort to bring FSU receivers to the ground, with Aupiu tallying a team high eight tackles. A key fourth quarter goal line stand was put under official review to determine if the runner’s left arm was down short of the goal line, but the call was ultimately upheld in favor of Florida State.

Still not letting the momentum slip, the Aggies kept fighting, down 27-10 in the fourth quarter. Hedden stood tall, escaping Florida State’s defense and connecting with King for a 34-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 27-17. NMSU continued to push the tempo until the final whistle before falling 34-17. Hedden finished his Aggie debut, completing 26 of 42 passes for 272 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Malone-Bradford racked up a career high of 96 receiving yards. The Aggies will return home to Las Cruces next week to host Mercyhurst University in their season home opener at Aggie Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5.