The Florida State Seminoles are set to open the 2026 college football season on August 29, facing the New Mexico State Aggies in a matchup that promises early excitement for fans across the country.
The Aggies will receive a $1.4 million guarantee for the contest, a financial boost that underscores the growing willingness of programs to schedule high‑profile non‑conference games.
A new era for the Aggies
For the third straight year the Aggies will start a new quarterback, and this time the job belongs to Trey Hedden, a transfer from Furman University who has already begun to shape the team’s offensive outlook.
Hedden arrives after a two‑year stint at Furman where he completed 287 of 420 passes for 2,967 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, earning a spot on the All‑Southern Conference Freshman Team in 2024.
Coach Tony Sanchez has named Hedden the starter, with redshirt junior Adam Damante slated to serve as the backup, providing depth and experience should the starter need rest.
The game will be played in Tallahassee, Florida, putting the Seminoles’ home crowd against an Aggies squad eager to prove that their new signal‑caller can lead the team to a turnaround after a 4‑8 season.
Both schools see the contest as more than a paycheck; it is an opportunity for New Mexico State to test its revamped offense against a traditional powerhouse, while Florida State uses the game to fine‑tune its own preparations for the upcoming ACC schedule.