New Mexico State Aggies

The New Mexico State Aggies represent Las Cruces in Conference USA after decades spent largely as an independent, a stretch that tested the program's resilience. Playing at Aggie Memorial Stadium beneath the Organ Mountains, the Aggies have leaned on toughness and regional pride to compete against bigger budgeted rivals. Recent seasons have brought renewed relevance, including a return to conference championship contention.

NMSU football dates back to 1893, giving it one of the oldest programs in the Southwest. The Aggies won Border Conference titles in 1938 and 1960 and later claimed Missouri Valley Conference championships in 1976 and 1978. After a long and often difficult run as an FBS independent, New Mexico State joined Conference USA in 2023 and immediately reached the league's championship game.