Despite losing them to the Power 4, NMSU embraces its NFL players as recruiting tool
10 former Aggies earned NFL opportunities in 2026. None finished at NMSU, but it's using them as recruiting tools and proof of its development record.
Four former New Mexico State players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The caveat is that none of them were drafted from the Aggies. Eli Stowers, Mike Washington Jr.
, Keyshaun Elliott and Seth McGowan all transferred away before their collegiate careers ended. Even the former NM State players who signed undrafted free agent deals like Diego Pavia and Shiyazh Pete finished elsewhere. MORE AGGIES SPORTS: Which former NMSU players were taken in the 2026 NFL Draft?
MORE AGGIES SPORTS: NMSU football icon Diego Pavia signs an undrafted free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens That hasn't stopped the Aggies from honoring them. Not only did they publicly congratulate the four draftees on social media, but they, and others who have gone on to Power Four teams or the NFL, have become recruiting tools. NM State even called itself a "pipeline to the pros" in that social media post.
"We're not shy about it," said Aggies general manager, assistant head coach and running backs coach David Cobb. "We pride ourselves on being able to develop and recruit better than anybody in the country, and I believe we do that, and I'm not shy to say that. I think we have one of the best staffs that evaluates talent, but also develops that talent.
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