| Quick Answer Florida State beat New Mexico State 34-17 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, in the season opener for both teams at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. FSU led 17-7 at half-time and pulled away in the second half behind running back Ousmane Kromah’s 115-yard performance. |
If you are looking for the NM State vs Florida State final score, the Florida State Seminoles defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 34-17 in their 2026 college football season opener.
NM State vs Florida State Final Score Breakdown
Florida State started their 2026 campaign impressively, with a decent, but not dominant 34-17 win over New Mexico State on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. FSU moved to 1-0, while the Aggies went to 0-1.
While the score may suggest otherwise, the game was actually closer than the final score indicates. New Mexico State clawed back consistently and Florida State had to fight for every point.You can check the complete game statistics and official box score on ESPN Sports.
How the Game Unfolded
First Half: FSU Builds a Cushion
Florida State claimed the majority of the first quarters in the game, leading by 17-7 at halftime. Quarterback Ashton Daniels got his arm and legs going, completing 17 of 27 passes and rushing for a touchdown, finishing with 202 yards through the air. Samuel Singleton Jr. took advantage of his expanded role, producing 42 rushing yards, 54 receiving yards, two touchdowns and 46 yards on a kick return.
New Mexico State didn’t roll over right away, as their new starter Trey Hedden, who transferred to the Aggies from FCS Furman, showed glimpses of promise in his debut with a long pass to set up the team’s first points of the game.
Second Half: New Mexico State Refuses to Quit
Florida State responded with another touchdown and extended the lead to two scores in the third quarter, but New Mexico State came up with another answer. Hedden converted third-and-two from the Aggies’ 32-yard line by finding star wide receiver TK King and a quick slant up the sideline, and King took it 34 yards to the end zone, cutting the deficit to one score and providing hope for the Aggies.
His team trailed 10-7 after the first period, 13-10 at halftime and 16-13 going into the final quarter, but Hedden threw a career-high 272 yards with two touchdowns in his first start for New Mexico State.
Florida State finally put the game away with 3:59 left on the clock, when Ousmane Kromah capped off a 115-yard rushing performance with the game-sealing touchdown.
Key Highlights and Standout Performers
- Ousmane Kromah (FSU RB): 115 rushing yards and the game-clinching touchdown late in the fourth quarter
- Ashton Daniels (FSU QB): 202 passing yards, one rushing touchdown, and steady leadership in his first game of the season
- Samuel Singleton Jr. (FSU RB): A do-it-all display with rushing, receiving, and return yards, plus two touchdowns
- Trey Hedden (NMSU QB): 272 passing yards and two touchdowns in an impressive debut start
- TK King (NMSU WR): A clutch 34-yard touchdown catch that kept the Aggies within a score for much of the fourth quarter
What This Result Means
For Florida State, it was an easy albeit ugly way to open the season. Their offense got off to a solid start, though the defense surrendered far more third down conversions than head coach Mike Norvell would prefer, a trend that could prove costly later in the season.
For New Mexico State, it was a disappointing loss, but not without its bright sides. After all, their rookie quarterback threw for 272 yards against a Power Four defense, on the road, in his first ever start. Their skill position players held their own despite the lopsided score, and TK King proved to be a worthy successor to Nick Nash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the game between NM State and Florida State?
Florida State won 34-17 over New Mexico State on 29 August 2026, in the season opener for both teams.
Where was the NM State vs Florida State game played?
The game was played at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, home of the Florida State Seminoles.
Who was the standout player in the game?
Running back Ousmane Kromah stood out for Florida State with 115 rushing yards and the game-sealing touchdown, while New Mexico State quarterback Trey Hedden impressed with 272 passing yards in his first start.
What was the score at half-time?
Florida State led 17-7 at half-time before extending the lead further in the second half.
Did New Mexico State score any touchdowns?
Yes. New Mexico State scored two touchdowns, including a 34-yard touchdown catch by TK King in the fourth quarter.
Related Questions
- What is New Mexico State’s record after this game?
- Who is Florida State’s starting quarterback in 2026?
- How did Florida State perform on defence against the run?
- Where does New Mexico State play its home games?
- What is Florida State’s next game after New Mexico State?
