The Aggies opened their 2026 campaign with a surprising victory over Florida State in Tampa, Florida, a game that set the tone for a season many analysts are already tracking.
Quarterback Trey Hedden was the offensive catalyst, throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns. His performance not only topped the team’s opening‑game numbers since 2017 but also tied his personal career high, marking the twelfth time he has thrown multiple scores in a collegiate contest.
Defensive standout Gabe Peterson earned CUSA Defensive Player of the Week after posting seven tackles, one of which was a half‑sack in the red zone, underscoring the unit’s ability to pressure the Seminoles when it mattered most.
On the line, Ma'Kyi Lee received CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after posting the highest Pro Football Focus grade among Aggie linemen at 76.9, a metric that reflects both pass‑protection efficiency and run‑blocking effectiveness.
Freshman Carson Su'esu'e was recognized as CUSA Freshman of the Week despite a modest seven‑yard reception, a testament to the coaching staff’s confidence in his potential and his contribution in key moments.
Awards Reflect Early Momentum
The four weekly honors not only spotlight individual excellence but also signal a program gaining traction after a strong start, with the coaching staff praising the collective effort and fans rallying around the early successes.
Historical context adds weight to the achievements: Hedden’s 272 passing yards represent the most by an NM State quarterback in a season opener since 2017, while his two touchdowns tie his career best and mark the twelfth instance of multiple‑touchdown games in his college career.
With the early accolades in hand, the Aggies look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the next matchup, aiming to translate weekly recognition into sustained performance on the field.