The New Mexico State Aggies kicked off fall camp on July 29, 2026, marking the start of a crucial stretch that could define the program’s trajectory after two consecutive losing seasons.
Third‑year head coach Tony Sanchez is entering his third season with a clear mandate: push the Aggies to six victories and finally secure a bowl berth after finishing 3‑9 in 2024 and 4‑8 in 2025.
The first test will come on August 29, when the Aggies travel to face Florida State, a matchup that will gauge the team’s progress against a traditional powerhouse.
At the heart of the conversation is the quarterback competition between Trey Hedden and Adam Damante. Hedden, who earned All‑Southern Conference Freshman honors in 2024 and started all 12 games for Furman in 2025 with 2,967 yards and 17 touchdowns, is viewed as the frontrunner, while Damante is also in the mix.
Position Battles to Watch
The offensive line will be anchored by Mark Chapman, who is solidified at center, while a group that includes Mateo Rodriguez, James Williams, Tyler Keinath, Luke Moise, Caleb Pyfrom and Hayden Harlan will battle for the guard spots.
At tackle, Ma'Kyi Lee is working to reclaim the starting left‑tackle position after an ACL injury, and Armond Owens, a transfer from Grambling State, is considered the leading candidate for the right‑tackle role.
The secondary returns several starters, including Bernock Iya, Nick Session and Josiah Charles, but the cornerback spot is up for grabs. Lorenzo Smith brings familiarity, while transfers Javon Gillespie, De'Marcus Peters, Amaurey Brooks and Izzy Clark‑White are all competing for the starting cornerback role.
At safety, Tayden Barnes, the 2024 All‑Conference USA Freshman, is eager to retake his starting spot and help stabilize the defense.
Despite the optimism, only four of 20 voters in the Conference USA Bowl Confidence Index currently predict a bowl appearance for the Aggies, and they sit eighth in ESPN’s Football Power Index among C‑USA teams, underscoring the challenge ahead.