CLEVELAND – Ahead of the 2025 season, it was announced that 10 Aggies make up 11 spots on Phil Steele's 2025 Preseason Conference USA Team, the nationally-recognized publication released. Steele has become known as one of the best football analysts in the country and is best known for his preseason magazine which is referred to as the "college football bible" by experts in the industry.
 
After earning a dozen selections last season, NM State once again received double digit distinctions on this year's list. Linebacker Tyler Martinez and defensive end Gabe Peterson headline the Aggie honorees as the program's lone first team selections.
 
Meanwhile, the magazine's second team included returners Cole Schnettgoecke and Dakerric Hobbs along with newcomer Tyler King. Linebacker Sone Aupiu is one of two Aggies (Hobbs) to land on the preseason team for the second straight season as he was named to the third team defense this year. Lastly, Dijon Stanley, TJ Pride, BJ Tolo and Brad Vislisel were recognized via fourth team selections.
 
NM State is slated to begin its 2025 campaign inside Aggie Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30, when it plays host to Bryant. Kickoff versus the Bulldogs is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.
 
The complete list of Aggie honorees can be found below.
 
First Team
Defense
Gabe Peterson, DE
Tyler Martinez, LB
 
Second Team
Offense
Tyler King, WR
 
Defense
Cole Schnettgoecke, DT
Dakerric Hobbs, DB
 
Third Team
Defense
Sone Aupiu, LB
 
Fourth Team
Offense
Dijon Stanley, RB
TJ Pride, WR
BJ Tolo, OL
 
Defense
Brad Vislisel, DE
 
Special Teams
TJ Pride, KR/PR
 
For complete coverage of the NM State football program, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Football), Twitter (@NMStateFootball) and Instagram (@NMStateFB).