Iowa Transfer Running Back Finds New Home as NMSU Builds Competitive Roster

New Mexico State head football coach Tony Sanchez says the Aggies are finally in the revenue sharing game this season, a shift that brought a former Iowa running back to Las Cruces. The development highlights how the changing financial landscape of college football is reshaping rosters across the country, including for Iowa athletes.

Speaking at Conference USA Media Days in Arlington, Texas, Sanchez explained that increased investment in player revenue sharing has allowed his program to retain talent and recruit more competitively. This marks a significant turnaround for a program that was dead last in revenue sharing among Conference USA schools just last year, according to athletic director Joe Fields.

How Revenue Sharing Changes the Game for Programs Like NMSU

Sanchez described the difference as night and day. A year ago, the Aggies struggled to keep their own players from leaving for other programs. Now, they are keeping nine returning starters and adding key transfers, including running back TJ Washington Jr., who came to NMSU from the University of Iowa.

If you don't have any chips, it's hard to get in the game, Sanchez said Tuesday. A year ago, the conversations were hard because we just did not have the ability to keep those guys home. This year, we're keeping guys. It gave us the ability to go compete and recruit.

Iowa Running Back TJ Washington Jr. Joins Aggies

Washington, who previously played for the Iowa Hawkeyes, is one of several transfers expected to help revive a rushing attack that ranked dead last among FBS programs last season, averaging just 77.25 yards per game. He joins fellow running back James Jones from Delaware State to bolster the Aggies backfield.

The addition of Washington gives Iowa fans a familiar name to watch in the Mountain Time Zone. His move reflects a broader trend where players seek opportunities for playing time and financial stability as revenue sharing expands.

NMSU Lands Transfer Quarterback as Starter Favorite

Sanchez also highlighted the addition of Furman transfer quarterback Trey Hedden, who will enter fall camp as the favorite to start. Hedden brings experience and leadership to a program looking to improve on last year's 4-8 record.

He's exactly what you're looking for, Sanchez said. He's got some other guys in the room that will push him, so he's gotta continue to work. I think he's done a really good job in developing and we're excited about him.

Returning Starters Give Aggies Stability

NMSU returns nine starters this season, including three on offense and six on defense. That figure places the Aggies in the upper half of all 138 FBS programs. Sanchez said all nine had opportunities to leave, but the increased revenue sharing helped keep them home.

The lack of being involved in competitive revenue sharing has really hindered us the last couple of years, Sanchez added. You're going to lose some top-end guys, but when you're losing guys for little amounts to teams you have to play or teams you have to compete against, there's a problem.

Coach Calls for Congressional Action on College Athletics

Despite the progress, Sanchez expressed concern about the broader direction of college sports. He called for congressional intervention to create stability, including a salary cap, to prevent what he described as a runaway train.

I do think there's some important legislation that needs to be looked at, at a higher level than I'm in charge of, Sanchez said. But I think there's gotta be a cap at some point, there's gotta be some stability at some point. It's kind of a runaway train right now.

Sanchez, who played wide receiver at NMSU from 1994 to 1995, said he is glad he experienced a more traditional student-athlete model. He acknowledged that players should benefit from their work but stressed that the current system needs guardrails.

There's no doubt that the players should benefit from all the hard work and what they do in building this game, he said. But I think when you talk to athletic directors and presidents and coaches throughout the country, everyone's feeling the same. Everyone's feeling the pain.

What This Means for Iowa Fans

For Iowa sports fans, Washington's move to NMSU is a reminder that the transfer portal and revenue sharing are reshaping college football at every level. While the Hawkeyes remain a Big Ten powerhouse, smaller programs like NMSU are now able to compete for talent in ways they could not before.

The Aggies open their season this fall with renewed optimism, thanks in part to a former Iowa running back who is ready to make his mark in the desert.