Iowa Transfers Highlight New Mexico State's Aggressive Portal Strategy
New Mexico State football has leaned heavily on the transfer portal to rebuild its roster for the 2026 season, and two former Iowa Hawkeyes are among the newcomers hoping to make an impact. The Aggies, coming off a disjointed campaign, signed a mix of FBS starters, high-ceiling FCS transfers, and former power-conference players who never got a real shot.
Running back TJ Washington Jr., who spent time at Iowa, is one of several transfers looking to carve out a role in Las Cruces. The Aggies also landed former Stanford wide receiver Myles Libman and a host of offensive linemen to address glaring weaknesses.
Why New Mexico State Went All In on the Transfer Portal
Roster management in college football is a year-round challenge, and New Mexico State had to be aggressive after losing key contributors to power conference programs. The Aggies' starting quarterback last season was Montana transfer Logan Fife, and another transfer, former Furman player Trey Hedden, could win the job this year. Their leading rusher (Kadarius Calloway) and sacks leader (Ezra Christensen) were also transfers.
This cycle, NM State focused on positions of need rather than just replacing departures. The result is a roster built largely through the portal, with an emphasis on proven FBS talent and FCS standouts.
Running Backs and Pass Catchers: A Boost for a Struggling Offense
The highlight of the Aggies' portal haul is James Jones, who earned over 1,000 all-purpose yards at Delaware State last season and rushed for 9.8 yards per carry. He is exactly what NM State needed to bolster its poor rushing attack, and the Aggies did well to fend off power conference teams for his services.
Tight end Josiah Thomas could start after earning All-Southern Conference second-team and All-Freshman team honors at Western Carolina in 2025. The rest of the newcomers are seeking opportunities after being backups at their previous schools, including Washington Jr. (Iowa) and Libman (Stanford).
Tight ends Carson Su'esu'e (Oklahoma State) and Rayfield Lotten (Sam Houston) both weigh 240 pounds and stand at 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-6, respectively. Wide receiver Lyndon Ravare got playing time at Kennesaw State, catching 20 passes for 230 yards and one touchdown last season.
The Aggies may not have been overly aggressive at wide receiver because TK King and Brodie Malone-Bradford return. But the position looks encouraging.
Offensive Line: The Biggest Area of Focus
New Mexico State made offers to more offensive linemen than any other position, and for good reason. Only one starter, guard Mateo Rodriguez, returns, and the Aggies' blocking was underwhelming last season.
Five offensive linemen arrived from the portal. Tackle Armond Owens (Grambling State) and interior linemen Luke Moise (Wofford) and Mark Chapman (Columbia) were starters. Guard Tyler Keinath did not start at Boise State last season but did in 2024. The Aggies also snagged a starter from UTEP in guard James Williams.
Williams' past FBS experience suggests he is a shoo-in to start. Keinath also has FBS starting experience, and Chapman was arguably the Ivy League's best center.
Defensive Line and Linebackers: Limited but Promising Additions
NM State brought in three defensive linemen, though UTSA transfer Vic Shaw was dismissed in June following a March arrest on three misdemeanor charges, including negligent use of a firearm while intoxicated.
Kaian Roberts-Day made only nine tackles for UTSA last season but is familiar with Aggies defensive line coach Siddiq Haynes, who was hired from the Roadrunners. Jeremiah Sandiford made six starts for Tennessee Tech last season, tallying 19 total tackles and the highest Pro Football Focus run-defense grade among OVC-Big South Football Association defensive linemen at 83.8.
No linebackers were added from the portal, which may not be an issue with Sone Aupiu and Tory Gethers returning. But the defensive line lost Ezra Christensen, Jamall Thompson Jr., Cole Schnettgoecke, and Ta'Avili Tuitama. Returners like Gabe Peterson, Brad Vislisel, and Henry Davis III provide a solid foundation, but Roberts-Day and Sandiford need to play well.
Defensive Backs: The Most Pop on Defense
Tayden Barnes (Cincinnati) returning is huge. He led the Aggies in both interceptions and pass breakups in 2024 and earned All-Conference USA Freshman and All-CUSA honorable mention selections. Barnes should be one of NM State's best defensive players.
Most of the other additions are FCS players, but several are intriguing. Cornerback Javon Gillespie started for East Texas A&M and was credited with 10 passes defended and two interceptions. Fellow cornerback Izzy Clark-White was an All-Coastal Athletic Association honorable mention after tying for fourth among CAA players in pass breakups with Monmouth.
Safety RJ Chapman earned an 88.2 PFF coverage grade with Merrimack last season. De'Marcus Peters was a first-team All-Lone Star Conference player at Division II Texas A&M-Kingsville in 2025.
This is where the Aggies added the most pop on defense. Combined with three returning starters, NM State should have at least a decent secondary.
What This Means for Iowa Fans
For Iowa fans, the transfer of TJ Washington Jr. to New Mexico State is a reminder of how the portal reshapes rosters across the country. While the Hawkeyes have their own depth at running back, Washington's move to a program that values transfers could give him a fresh start.
The Aggies' aggressive approach also highlights the growing trend of FBS programs using the portal to compete with power conference schools. New Mexico State's strategy may not guarantee wins, but it shows a commitment to staying competitive in the modern college football landscape.
“We had to be aggressive to fill holes and bring in talent,” an NM State source said. “The portal is a tool, and we used it to our advantage.”
For Iowa, the lesson is clear: the transfer portal is a two-way street. Players leave, but they also arrive. The key is managing the flow to build a roster that can win now and in the future.