As the cowbells rang, the Aggies and Bulldogs made history by meeting for the very first time on the football field. New Mexico State University kicked off its 2025-2026 season with a 19-3 win against Bryant University.
“Anytime you’re coming out of camp and you start the season, I mean, that’s everybody’s goal to go one and [zero],” said the team’s head coach, Tony Sanchez.
Minutes after kickoff, New Mexico State’s wide receiver PJ Johnson III launched the game off, landing the Aggies a touchdown lead. The Bryant Bulldogs didn’t let that go unanswered, responding with kicker Bryce Soli nailing in a 43-yard field goal, bringing the score to 6-3.
The Aggie’s lead was only enhanced by placekicker Ryan Hawk as he put up three more points on the board, continuing their first-quarter lead into the second. The Bulldogs weren’t so lucky, seemingly losing their bark as the halftime score sat in the Aggie’s favor at 9-3.
Early on, it was apparent the Aggie’s power was in the legs. Punter Max Dean continuously sailed his kicks clear across the field, clearly standing out amongst other moments in the game.
“Max Dean, he had around 46 yards a punt, he did a great job tonight. Our placekicker was outstanding too, with the field goals… [Defensively], that was kind of like the deal of the night,” Sanchez said. “They were outstanding.”
After the game’s entire third quarter then sat in radio silence, Hawk reignited the team by racking up another field goal. Locking the fourth quarter to a 12-3 lead.
New Mexico State running back Kadarius Calloway’s fourth quarter touchdown finalized the game, securing in the season debut win. The Aggie’s success marks their second time achieving season-opening wins in consecutive years for the first time in 18 years.
Despite winning the game, there were multiple noticeable flaws in NMSU’s strategies and executions tonight. With personal fouls throughout the game being a common sight, and an earlier drive extension for Bryant because of a late hit on a quarterback made it clear that New Mexico State still has some work to do.
“We have a lot of stuff we’re going to have to correct tomorrow. I thought we were a little uncharacteristically undisciplined,” Sanchez said. “We negated a big kick return with a penalty, that was a big deal, so we need to clean that up on special [teams].”
Regardless, Aggie pride pulled through despite the multiple lulls in the game. The band was thunderous, fans were loud and proud, even setting a new student section attendance record of 2,635 attendants,
creating the perfect storm to welcome in the season.
Quarterback Logan Fife explained how he felt coming off his first New Mexico State game.
“[I] felt like I was just right at home. I feel right being here,” said Fife. “…The walk after the win was amazing to get in contact with some of the fans, that was fun.”
The Aggies will return to the field on Sept. 6 to face off against the University of Tulsa’s Golden Hurricane. Fans can catch the game on ESPN+ at 7 p.m.
