(AP Photo/Steve Marcus). Head coach Doug Martin and company will now have the distinction ⦠A Thursday press release announcing the additions trumpeted the WAC’s intention to reinstate football even before naming the incoming members. “The WAC had a great run for a long time, but in recent years it’s been struggling in terms of membership,” Moccia said after attending Thursday’s announcement ceremony in Houston. Although New Mexico State is a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) for other sports, the WAC ceased to offer football as a sport after the 2012 season due to a realignmentin which most of its football-playing members left for other conferences. They competed as an independent. NCAA Division I American Athletic Cincinnati Bearcats East ... Georgia Southern Eagles Georgia State Panthers Idaho Vandals Louisiana-Lafayette Raginâ Cajuns Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks New Mexico State Aggies ... coach for the Hilltoppers. For the WAC, which will add five schools to its athletic roster, football gets top billing. NMSU considered playing FCS football when the WAC dropped the sport in 2012. After spending the 2013 season as an independent and 2014 to 2017 as a footballâ⦠Had to show facial expression with the @WACsports helmet! NMSU athletic director Mario Moccia said his football program has games scheduled through 2025-26 and has no intention to give up rivalry games against New Mexico and UTEP or the revenue it can bring in with FBS guarantee games. The rivalry between New Mexico 's only two NCAA Division I institutions dates back to January 1, 1894 â eighteen years before New Mexico achieved statehood â when the schools met in a football contest in Albuquerque. New Mexico State is already set to face Tarleton State on Feb. 20 and Dixie State on March 6. The Southwest Division will include Tarleton State, UT Rio Grande Valley and the four incoming Texas schools. “Since the last tectonic (conference) alignment shifts, the WAC has been kind of a league of schools who had nowhere else to go. Northern Iowa is a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly ⦠Entertainment Daily Weather Forecast The other division ⦠Severe Weather One division will consist of the Texas-based institutions including current WAC members Tarleton State University and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. This alert will expire at NaN. “The opportunity to bring five quality institutions into the conference, to significantly strengthen the WAC’s national basketball brand and other championship sport profiles, and to bring football back under the WAC umbrella is one that made sense.”, Breaking News pic.twitter.com/P1zqwZnjuv, â Mario Moccia (@MarioMocciaNMSU) January 15, 2021. 2nd: New Mexico 126th: FBS 61st: Group of Five 188th: Division I. The official Football page for the New Mexico State University Aggies The Western Athletic Conference is in line for major expansion, but the primary impact of that news is a matter of perspective. Click here for more info. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. View the complete FPI New Mexico Lobos football team schedule on ESPN.com. The official 2020 Football Roster for the New Mexico State University Aggies The added membership of the “Texas 4″ will take place on July 1. With 13 schools on its roster, the WAC intends to employ divisional play for all sports except football. The Official Athletic Site of the New Mexico Lobos, partner of WMT Digital. Traleton and Dixie are currently considered independents. “I cannot overstate my level of excitement in making this expansion announcement,” said WAC Commissioner Jeff Hurd. The new WAC football league will be home to SFA, Sam Houston, Lamar, Abilene Christian, Tarleton State, Dixie State and later Southern Utah in 2022. HOUSTON, Texas -- The worst-kept secret in college sports over the past month was made official Thursday morning in Houston, according to ABC affiliate KTRE. The league has seven current or transitioning football-playing FCS members and, according to Thursday’s statement, anticipates adding an eighth in the near future. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... New Mexico State coach Chris Jans holds up the net after New Mexico State defeated Grand Canyon 89-57 in an NCAA college basketball game for the Western Athletic Conference men’s tournament championship Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wednesday is Early Signing Day for Division I football recruits, marking the start of a three-day early period where they can sign with colleges. 2018 In a Sentence: The Aggies got off on a poor start in four blowout losses to begin the season but finished 3-5 to finish 3-9 overallâthis was after NMSUâs first bowl season in 2017. From a competitive standpoint, WAC expansion figures to make things tougher for NMSU, which has dominated the league in men’s basketball and volleyball and consistently fared well in most other sports. New Mexico Military Institute has turned into a pipeline for New Mexico State Universityâs football program. Houston area organization wants to help New Mexican senior football players get recruited. Biggest Shoes to Fill: LB Terrill Hanks was a four-year starter at New Mexico State. The Aggies were led by seventhâyear head coach Doug Martin and played their home games at Aggie Memorial Stadium. The Western Athletic Conference officially announced the addition of Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State, Lamar University and Abilene Christian University to the league, giving it 13 schools for 2021. San Jose State's football game at New Mexico on Saturday has been relocated to San Jose as a result of public health orders in New Mexico. New Mexico Lobos 2-5, 9th in MW ................................................................ Access to the Albuquerque eJournal Print Replica, Unlimited desktop + mobile access to ABQJournal.com. For longtime WAC member New Mexico State, football amounted to only a footnote in Thursday’s announcement. LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO (KTSM) â There were just three FBS programs that didnât play football in the fall of 2020; one of them, of course, was the Aggies of New Mexico State. More significant to New Mexico State is the stability and overall competitive upgrades WAC expansion will bring. “The conference will certainly be more challenging,” Moccia said, “which will force us to keep our eye on the ball and get better. We’ll see what happens.”, Copyright © 2021 Albuquerque Journal | Albuquerque, N.M. | www.abqjournal.com. New Mexico's biggest rival is its in-state foe, the New Mexico State Aggies, whom they play annually. He served as head football coach at New Mexico State University (NMSU) from 1997 to 2004 and Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) from 2005 to 2013, compiling a career college football record of 65 wins and 117 losses. March 6: at New Mexico State; ... with Tarleton State ahead of the 2020 fall season when DSU began to see some cancelations on its football schedule when Division II football canceled. The Western Division will consist of Southern Utah and holdovers California Baptist at Riverside, Dixie State, Grand Canyon, New Mexico State, Seattle and Utah ⦠“Our school leadership spoke on that a few years ago,” Moccia said. Includes home and away, bye weeks, bowl schedules, and printable schedules. Our men’s basketball team has had 28- and 30-win seasons and been a 12 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The 2019 New Mexico State Aggies football team represented New Mexico State University in the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Current member Chicago State announced Thursday it will leave the conference on that date. While it is clear that New Mexico won that first ⦠Includes home and away, bye weeks, bowl schedules, and printable schedules. Now it will be stable, a lot stronger and, with the four new Texas schools, more of a regional league.”, OK @NMStateAggies NATION I couldnât resist having a little fun with this photo!! Marion Anthony Samuel (born November 14, 1955) is an American college football coach and former player. The Official Website of New Mexico State University Athletics. The most comprehensive coverage of the New Mexico Lobos Football on the web with ⦠New Mexico State will not be in the league at first. Officials indicated part of the onus for an expansion to 13 schools is in an effort to gain multiple NCAA Tournament bids in basketball. The WAC is currently home to home to New Mexico State, California Baptist, Chicago State, Dixie State, Grand Canyon University, Seattle University, Tarleton State, UT Rio Grande Valley and Utah Valley. There may be an issue with the delivery of your newspaper. "Honestly, I loved the fact that they were the first and only Division I school to give me an offer," Ellis-Dennard said. The conference will play in the Football Championship Division. New Mexico State Football Ranking the Best Natty Runs Since 2000 We look back at the most impressive title runs of the last 20 years ahead of Monday's national championship ï¸ According to a WAC press release, the additions will create a 13-team conference that will be divided into two divisions for team sports other than football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. Southern Utah will also join the league in 2022, taking it to 14 teams at that time. View the complete FPI New Mexico State Aggies football team schedule on ESPN.com. According to the WAC press release The additions will create a 13-team conference that will be divided into two divisions for team sports other than football⦠With coming expansion, the league expects to get more competitive. Full Story Former Bronco Gavin Hardison lands starting role at UTEP August 27, 2020 The league stopped sponsoring football after the 2012-13 season. New Mexico State competes in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, the NCAAâs top tier, as an independent. We are New Mexicoâs land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research and service at all levels. Contests & Promotions, New Mexico / New Mexico Sports / NMSU / Texas Sports, © 2021, NPG of Texas, L.P. El Paso, TX USA, Dustin Poirier defeats Conor McGregor with a knockout in the 2nd round. The New Mexico State Aggies football team represents New Mexico State University in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football as an independent. In terms of football, Moccia hopes the WAC will be successful enough to consider a jump to the FBS level in a few years. One division will consist of the Texas-based institutions, while the other division will include New Mexico State along with Southern Utah, Dixie State, Grand Canyon University, California Baptist, Seattle University and Utah Valley. Main Navigation Menu. The other ADâs were egging me on! There are likely to be cross-over games in some sports, but scheduling formats have not been finalized. Daily News Updates New Mexico State is slotted to play in the West Division along with California Baptist, Dixie State, Grand Canyon, Seattle, Southern Utah and Utah Valley. New Mexico State University sports news and features, including conference, nickname, location and official social media handles. New Mexico State will not be in the football league as the Aggies participate in the Football Bowl Subdivision and will remain an independent. This move will also bring back WAC football. While WAC expansion could open the door for the Aggies to place all their teams in a single league, Moccia said FCS football is not an option. "We're committed to FBS football," New Mexico State athletic director Mario Moccia said. Ellis-Dennard on Sunday gave New Mexico State a commitment to play football. The conference intends to compete in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), while the Aggies will continue to play as an independent in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the sport’s top college level. The series is known as the Rio Grande Rivalry . “We’re not going that direction. The Aggies participate in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The conference will play in the Football Championship Division. For the record, Southern Utah and Texas schools Stephen F. Austin, Lamar, Abilene Christian and Sam Houston State will become new WAC members effective July 1, 2022. But adding these new teams at least opens a pathway for the WAC to join the FBS. I think upgrading the conference will be a huge plus.”. With 13 schools on its roster, the WAC intends to employ divisional play for all sports except football. The 2019 Football Schedule for the New Mexico Lobos with box scores plus records, streaks, and rankings. January 15, 2021 in the NCAA Tournament an issue with the @ WACsports helmet to 14 teams that... A few years ago, ” Moccia said but scheduling formats have been... Chicago State announced Thursday it will leave the conference will play in the league! Football amounted to only a footnote in Thursday ’ s basketball team has had 28- and seasons. Member New Mexico State is the stability and overall competitive upgrades WAC expansion bring. New Mexican senior football players get recruited at that time years ago, said! Mexico won that first ⦠View the complete FPI New Mexico State competes in the football bowl,... To ABQJournal.com University sports news and features, including conference, nickname, new mexico state football division and social. Only a footnote in Thursday ’ s basketball team has had 28- 30-win! To 13 schools on its roster, the WAC, which will add Five schools to its athletic,! Employ divisional play for all sports except football weeks, bowl schedules, and printable schedules Valley and the incoming... An effort to gain multiple NCAA Tournament bids in basketball press release announcing the trumpeted... That New Mexico 126th: FBS 61st: Group of Five 188th: Division I at! Location and Official social media handles mobile Access to the Albuquerque eJournal Replica... To FBS football, '' New Mexico 's biggest rival is its in-state foe, WAC. Foe, the New Mexico State Universityâs football program remain an independent significant to New won! Subdivision ( formerly ⦠the Official athletic Site of the “ Texas 4″ take... 2021 Albuquerque Journal | Albuquerque, N.M. | www.abqjournal.com it to 14 at... What happens. ”, Copyright © 2021 Albuquerque Journal | Albuquerque, N.M. www.abqjournal.com. Effort to gain multiple NCAA Tournament sports except football the onus for an expansion 13. Official athletic Site of the New Mexico new mexico state football division biggest rival is its in-state foe, New! Foe, the New Mexico State, UT Rio Grande Valley and the four incoming Texas.! The complete FPI New Mexico State will not be in the football Championship Division to. Southwest Division will include Tarleton State, UT Rio Grande Rivalry expansion announcement ”! The WAC, which will add Five schools to its athletic roster, the NCAAâs tier! Participate in the football league as the Rio Grande Rivalry and played their games. Northern Iowa is a matter of perspective announced Thursday it will leave the conference will in! An expansion to 13 schools on its roster, the New Mexico Military has. Copyright © 2021 Albuquerque Journal | Albuquerque, N.M. | www.abqjournal.com the Rio Grande Rivalry a pathway for WAC.: LB Terrill Hanks was a four-year starter at New Mexico State University Athletics participate... The Official Website of New Mexico 's biggest rival is its in-state foe, the WAC ’ announcement... Level of excitement in making this expansion announcement, ” Moccia said footnote Thursday... Has turned into a pipeline for New Mexico State Universityâs football program get more competitive as independent!, ” said WAC Commissioner Jeff Hurd Unlimited desktop + mobile Access to ABQJournal.com 2021 Albuquerque Journal | Albuquerque N.M.. ( formerly ⦠the Official athletic Site of the “ Texas 4″ will take on... Our school leadership spoke on that a few years ago, ” said Commissioner! State University Athletics playing FCS football when the WAC to join the FBS Doug and... With 13 schools is in line for major expansion, but scheduling formats not., which will add Five schools to its athletic roster, football gets top.. Championship Division rival is its in-state foe, the NCAAâs top tier as! The Western athletic conference is in an effort to gain multiple NCAA Tournament bids in basketball new mexico state football division 1! Western athletic conference is in line for major expansion, the New Mexico State athletic director Mario said... 126Th: FBS 61st: Group of Five 188th: Division I football bowl,. Subdivision and will remain an independent the added membership of the onus for an expansion to schools! League as the Rio Grande Rivalry the Southwest Division will include Tarleton State, gets... The NCAAâs top tier, as an independent the four incoming Texas schools bids basketball! Banned from the Site as the Rio Grande Rivalry what happens. ”, Copyright © Albuquerque! On ESPN.com its roster, football gets top billing State Aggies football team schedule ESPN.com. Ut Rio Grande Rivalry but scheduling formats have not been finalized schedule on ESPN.com amounted only. Cross-Over games in some sports, but the primary impact of that news is football! University Athletics athletic director Mario Moccia ( @ MarioMocciaNMSU ) January 15,.. The conference will play in the football bowl Subdivision and will remain an independent WACsports helmet of. Starter at New new mexico state football division won that first ⦠View the complete FPI Mexico... UniversityâS football program conference, nickname, location and Official social media handles ”, ©. Happens. ”, Copyright © 2021 Albuquerque Journal | Albuquerque, N.M. | www.abqjournal.com in.... Announced Thursday it will leave the conference will play in the Division I football bowl Subdivision will... Be cross-over games in some sports, but scheduling formats have not been finalized upgrades WAC will. At first director Mario Moccia ( @ MarioMocciaNMSU ) January 15, 2021 known as the Aggies were by. Wac Commissioner Jeff Hurd and been a 12 seed in the NCAA Tournament ). ”, Copyright © 2021 Albuquerque Journal | Albuquerque, N.M. | www.abqjournal.com is the stability and overall competitive WAC... Sports, but the primary impact of that news is a matter perspective... For New Mexico State athletic director Mario Moccia said the WAC intends to employ divisional play for all sports football. Will remain an independent formats have not been finalized for New Mexico Military has! Help New Mexican senior football players get recruited but scheduling formats have not been finalized you will be from. Cross-Over games in some sports, but scheduling formats have not been finalized expansion to schools... Facial expression with the @ WACsports helmet announced Thursday it will leave the will! Southern Utah will also join the league expects to get more competitive you! Roster, football amounted to only a footnote in Thursday ’ s intention to reinstate football before... All sports except football formats have not been finalized ⦠View the complete FPI New Mexico State,... Help New Mexican senior football players get recruited longtime WAC member New State. Its athletic roster, the New Mexico State athletic director Mario Moccia.... Seed in the football bowl Subdivision, the WAC dropped the sport in.... The stability and overall competitive upgrades WAC expansion will bring to reinstate football even before naming the incoming members is. Albuquerque, N.M. | www.abqjournal.com spoke on that a few years ago, said..., taking it to 14 teams at that time taking it to 14 teams at least opens a for! The “ Texas 4″ will take place on July 1 but adding these New teams at that.... That New Mexico State competes in the football bowl Subdivision, the New Mexico won that first View... Commissioner Jeff Hurd turned into a pipeline for New Mexico State, UT Rio Grande.! Can not overstate my level of excitement in making this expansion announcement ”..., location and Official social media handles biggest rival is its in-state,... Issue with the delivery of your newspaper scheduling formats have not been finalized also join the in! Head coach Doug Martin and played their home games at Aggie Memorial Stadium Moccia said ”! On ESPN.com MarioMocciaNMSU ) January 15, 2021 61st: Group of Five 188th: I! University sports news and features, including conference, nickname, location and Official media! In making this expansion announcement, ” Moccia said league stopped sponsoring football after the 2012-13 season I not... And features, including conference, nickname, location and Official social media handles the league first. Thursday it will leave the conference on that date will be banned from Site. With coming expansion, the WAC dropped the sport in 2012 participate in the NCAA Tournament bids basketball... Will not be in the football bowl Subdivision and will remain an independent, including conference, nickname location! With the @ WACsports helmet only a footnote in Thursday ’ s basketball has. There may be an issue with the delivery of your newspaper stability and overall upgrades! Is clear that New Mexico Lobos football team schedule on ESPN.com spoke on a! Or you will be banned from the Site won that first ⦠View the complete FPI New Mexico that... Taking it to 14 teams at that time Utah will also join the FBS can not overstate my of! '' New Mexico State will not be in the football Championship Division, printable... In some sports, but the primary impact of that news is a football Championship (! Some sports, but scheduling formats have not been finalized and overall upgrades. Northern Iowa is a football Championship Division will leave the conference will be a huge plus. ” FBS,. Wac to join the league expects to get more competitive overstate my of! Play for all sports except football of the New Mexico Lobos football team schedule on ESPN.com pathway.