The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-3) visit the New Mexico State Aggies (1-3) on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, and the game airs on CBS Sports Network (CBSSN). DraftKings lists the spread at NMSU -2.5 with a total of 53.5; moneylines are Western Kentucky +110 · New Mexico State -130. Below is our Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Western Kentucky at New Mexico State |
| Records | Western Kentucky 1-3 · New Mexico State 1-3 |
| Spread | NMSU -2.5 |
| Moneyline | Western Kentucky +110 · New Mexico State -130 |
| Total | 53.5 |
| Venue | Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM |
| Date/Time | Thursday, October 1, 2026 · 8:00 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) |
| Head Coaches | Western Kentucky: HC Tyson Helton, OC Joe Bernardi / Bodie Reeder · New Mexico State: HC Tony Sanchez, OC David Yost |
Western Kentucky Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are 1-3 overall. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 49-14 at Nevada; Sep 12 — L 70-20 at Georgia; Sep 19 — L 38-0 at Indiana; Sep 26 — W 52-7 vs Mercyhurst. Most recently, Western Kentucky beat Mercyhurst 52-7 at home. Through 4 games, Western Kentucky is averaging 21.5 points scored and 41.0 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Tyson Helton (head coach since 2019). Offensive coordinators: Joe Bernardi / Bodie Reeder. Defensive coordinator: Davis Merritt.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Rodney Tisdale Jr. (QB) — 49/77, 543 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Ajay Allen (RB) — 50 carries, 185 yards, 2 TD
- Receiving leader: Jonathan Stafford Jr. (WR) — 20 receptions, 158 yards
- Sacks leader: Mackavelli Malotumau (DT) — 1 sack
- Tackles leader: Jaylen Lewis (DB) — 31 total tackles
Strengths: Momentum from a 52-7 win over Mercyhurst. Questions: A defense giving up 41.0 points per game.
New Mexico State Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The New Mexico State Aggies are 1-3 overall. Results to date: Aug 29 — L 34-17 at Florida State; Sep 5 — W 51-14 vs Mercyhurst; Sep 12 — L 29-19 at Hawai'i; Sep 26 — L 42-18 vs New Mexico. Most recently, New Mexico State lost to New Mexico 42-18 at home. Through 4 games, New Mexico State is averaging 26.2 points scored and 29.8 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Tony Sanchez (head coach since 2024). Offensive coordinator: David Yost. Defensive coordinator: Joe Morris.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Trey Hedden (QB) — 63/116, 887 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT
- Rushing leader: James Jones (RB) — 57 carries, 355 yards, 2 TD
- Receiving leader: TK King (WR) — 18 receptions, 265 yards, 2 TD
- Sacks leader: Gabe Peterson (DE) — 1.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Nick Session (S) — 28 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Trey Hedden (63/116, 887 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT). Questions: A defense allowing 29.8 points per game; ball security at quarterback (5 interceptions for Trey Hedden); the response to a 42-18 loss to New Mexico.
How to Watch Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State
- Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM
- TV / Streaming: CBS Sports Network (CBSSN)
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN on September 28, 2026. Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.