NMSU starting QB battle down to a “two-man race”

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KTSM) — One of, if not the biggest, question surrounding the New Mexico State football team for the 2024 season is close to being answered.

With the departure of quarterback Diego Pavia after the 2023 season, the Aggies were left with the task of filling in the gap he left.

NMSU brought in talented transfers like Deuce Hogan (Kentucky) Jake McNamara (UTEP), Santino Marruci (Wake Forest), and Park Awad (Golden West College) to contend for the starting quarterback spot in the fall. NMSU also had returnees Brandon Nunez, Jeff Davison, and Paul Cieremans fighting for the spot.

On Monday, during his first weekly press conference of the 2024 season, NMSU head coach Tony Sanchez said the quarterback battle has come down to a “two-man race” between Hogan and Awad.

“Right now it’s down to two guys. It’s Parker Awad and Deuce Hogan,” Sanchez said. “I think Parker adds a little bit more dual threat capability. Then Deuce is an older guy and he’s been around a little bit as he’s been in some different programs. They both bring some really good things to the table. Great thing is we have two guys that are more than capable of starting. That’s going to be on us to make the best decision for this football team.” And, you know, which guy is going to make this offense the most productive.”

Sanchez said he’s going to let the two continue to battle it out this week and will hold off on making a decision till the end of the week.

NMSU opens up its 2024 season when it takes on FCS program Southeast Missouri State at Aggie Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.