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New Mexico State vs Hawaii matchup
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
New Mexico State visits Hawaii on Sept. 12, 2026, seeking a second straight win.
Hawaii is 0-2 and needs quarterback Micah Alejado to return to last season's form.
Background
Hawaii opened 0-2 overall and 0-1 in Mountain West play, and its offense has been far worse than expected given Micah Alejado finished second in the Mountain West in passing yards last season. New Mexico State sits at 1-1 after losing at Florida State 34-17 in Week 0 and beating Mercyhurst 51-14, a better start than its 4-8 finish last season. The Sept. 12 game at Clarence T.C. Ching Complex is a nonconference matchup, and the Aggies are trying to make it two wins in a row.
How it unfolded
- Aug 29, 2026New Mexico State lost at Florida State 34-17 in Week 0.
- Sep 5, 2026New Mexico State defeated Mercyhurst 51-14 to reach 1-1.
- Sep 7, 2026Hawaii Athletics announced the Rainbow Warriors would host New Mexico State in a nonconference game; New Mexico State Athletics said the Aggies hit the road seeking a second straight win.
- Sep 12, 2026Game scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 p.m. HT at Clarence T.C. Ching Complex (15,014) in Honolulu, listed as an 11:59 p.m. ET start.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Covers lists New Mexico State +7.5 as its top pick to win the matchup.
- Analysts
- Sportsbook Wire predicts Hawaii 28, New Mexico State 23, with New Mexico State +7 as its best bet.
- Caution
- Sportsbook Wire writes that Chang and Hawaii fans are waiting for the real Micah Alejado to stand up, or at least the version from last year to return.