Saturday, September 5, 2026. Kickoff 9 p.m. ET (7 p.m. MT) on ESPN+.
New Mexico State’s home opener brings Mercyhurst, an FCS program from Erie, Pennsylvania, in the first meeting between the schools. The Lakers moved up from Division II in 2024 and are on a two week New Mexico swing; they play at New Mexico next Saturday.
| Kickoff | 9 p.m. ET · 8 p.m. CT · 7 p.m. MT · 6 p.m. PT |
| TV | None. Streaming only. |
| Streaming | ESPN+ (in the ESPN app) |
| Venue | Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, New Mexico |
| Line | New Mexico State favored. Many books do not post FBS vs. FCS lines until game day. |
Prediction and Odds
New Mexico State opened at Florida State last week, so the Aggies have a game under their belt while Mercyhurst played Youngstown State in Week Zero. NMSU has the speed and depth advantage; Mercyhurst went 5-7 in the NEC last year and is under a first year head coach. The Aggies paid a $360,000 guarantee for this one and should get what they paid for.
Our pick: New Mexico State 35, Mercyhurst 14.
Why This One Matters
NMSU has Hawaii next week and the Rio Grande Rivalry against New Mexico on September 26, so this is the get right game after Tallahassee.
How to Watch Without Cable
ESPN+ only. See our streaming guide.
The Bottom Line
Mercyhurst at New Mexico State kicks off at 9 p.m. ET Saturday, September 5 on ESPN+. New Mexico State is our pick. Result on our live scoreboard.