LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Five NM State players were named to the Conference USA Preseason Watch List on Friday morning, conference officials announced. Diego Pavia, Shiyazh Pete, Dion Wilson Jr., Andre Seldon, and Jonathan Brady were all named as players to watch throughout the 2023 season.
 
Pavia and Pete solidified an up-tempo offense that led NM State to the Quick Lane Bowl title in 2022. Both Pavia and Pete appeared in 2022 with each starting at least eight games. Under center, Pavia picked up a flurry of awards in 2022 including Quick Lane Bowl MVP, College Football Network First Team All-Independent, Manning Award National Quarterback of the Week, CFPA National Performer of the Week, and National Latino Player of the Week. Anchoring the left side of the offensive line, Pete helped pave the way for three consecutive 200+ rushing yard showings to close the season and a school-record 25 rushing touchdowns.
 
Seldon was a key piece for the Aggies secondary in 2022. The transfer from Michigan played in all 13 games in his first season as an Aggie, making 12 starts. Seldon was fourth among all Aggies in 2022 with 44 tackles while adding a pick-six against Lamar. Wilson Jr. may be an unfamiliar name for NM State fans currently but should quickly become a household name throughout CUSA. Wilson Jr, an Arizona transfer, is a dominating force on the defensive line and is quickly turning heads throughout Las Cruces. Wilson initially chose Arizona over the likes of Arizona State, New Mexico, Hawai'i, and others.
 
As a true freshman, Brady became a go-to difference maker on both offense and special teams. As a wide receiver, hauled in 23 passes for 310 yards and a trio of touchdowns. The Las Vegas, Nev. native added 87 yards on the ground throughout the season. Later in the season, Brady solidified himself as the Aggies kick returner, tallying 200 return yards throughout the season. F
 
Additionally, Canaan Yarro was honored as a top academic performer for the Aggies. CUSA announced one player from each school who shines in the classroom in addition to on the gridiron. Earlier Friday morning, Yarro was named as a Preseason Third Team All-American at the Group of Five level by HERO Sports.
 
CUSA also released it's projected order of finish for the regular season with NM State slated in fifth. Western Kentucky earned 18 of 22 possible first place votes to take home the preseason title with Liberty coming in second, receiving four first place votes. Slotted just above NM State in the preseason poll were Middle Tennessee (third) and Louisiana Tech (fourth). The Aggies sit above UTEP, Jacksonville State, FIU, and Sam Houston in the preseason poll.
 
NM State will kick off the season on August 26 versus UMass at Aggie Memorial Stadium. While the Aggies open CUSA play on the road, NM State will host FIU for the home conference opener on Wednesday, October 4. Season tickets for NM State Football are available for purchase through the Pan American Center ticket office with prices starting at just $70 ($55 for NM State faculty and staff).