Aggies Snag Three NM HS Stars in 2026 Signing Haul

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — New Mexico State University's football program signed three standout high school athletes from across the state during the December early signing period, capping a robust 2026 recruiting class announced on National Signing Day, Feb. 4, 2026. The Aggies' haul includes six true freshmen overall, with the trio representing New Mexico's best prep talent amid a class totaling 36 players: 26 transfers from FBS and FCS programs, four junior college additions, and these high school signees.

Leading the in-state group is Tanner Montano, a wide receiver from La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, and Moses Sparks, an offensive lineman from Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, both standout 2026 prospects. A third New Mexico high school recruit rounded out the early period commitments, bringing local flavor to a class featuring 19 offensive players, 15 defenders and two specialists. Position breakdowns highlight seven offensive linemen like Sparks, four wide receivers including Montano, and depth across the board with two QBs, three RBs and three TEs.

The Aggies' strategy blends proven transfers — such as kicker Ilya Uvaydov from Utah Tech and punter Brody Richter from Minnesota — with these fresh faces, addressing needs after recent seasons. New Mexico recruits like Montano and Sparks, drawn from powerhouse programs in the state's 5A ranks, embody Coach Timm Rosenbach's push to reclaim in-state dominance; historical lists show NM talents like Zaiden Davis and Dalton Bowles as top Aggie pulls since 2000.

As spring practices loom in Las Cruces, these signees position NMSU to compete in Conference USA, with the class's 34-36 total additions signaling ambition for 2026 gridiron battles. Local fans see the trio as cornerstones for a program hungry to light up the Sun Bowl.