New Mexico State struggled at quarterback last season. One man may be its solution.
Montana transfer quarterback Logan Fife was one of the Aggies' marquee acquisitions this offseason. The Tracy, Calif. native brings plenty of experience as he enters his fifth collegiate season in 2025 and threw for 1,890 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions for the Grizzlies last season.
He started eight games for Montana in 2024, including a 41-27 FCS first-round playoff win over Tennessee State. Fife also has FBS experience with three seasons at Fresno State from 2021-23.
Fife, a senior and NM State's presumptive starter, has practiced with first-string players throughout spring football. If you hear from him, that's why he came to Las Cruces.
"I want to be the guy. I want to be the starter," Fife said. "I've worked a lot in five years, and felt like I've worked to be the starter."
Fife felt he impressed at Montana with performances like a five-touchdown game against Eastern Washington that earned him Big Sky Conference and FCS National Player of the Week honors. However, he says coaching decisions made "outside" of his control led to his transfer.
"I wouldn't say it was a mutual thing, but they didn't bother to keep me around and I was happy to go look for another opportunity," Fife said. "I'm happy that I'm here."
Quarterback was one of several positions NM State coach Tony Sanchez said he wanted to improve after a 42-35 season-ending loss to UTEP. Once he started pursuing Fife, the two took a liking to one another.
Both are from California's Bay Area, with Sanchez graduating from high school in Livermore, and Sanchez's personality and coaching experience endeared him to Fife. He also formed strong relationships with offensive analyst Taylor Mazzone, tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Nelson Fishback and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach David Yost, driving his NM State commitment.
Last Ride, Let’s Get To Work! #AggieUp x #RideForTheBrandpic.twitter.com/VBkacPe1GO
— Logan Fife (@fife_logan) December 16, 2024
Being a catalyst for the Aggies' offensive improvement also appealed to him, as they look to improve off their Conference USA second-worst 143.2 passing yards per game last season.
"The quarterback room is always something that can improve, and I'm here to help do that," Fife said. "I think the opportunity to be the guy and play my part in that was something that really excited me."
Fife says his confidence and experience make him NM State's ideal quarterback. He also believes his strong mental fortitude and ability to extend plays bring something new to the Aggies.
"I've been able to throw the ball really well, extend plays and do things on the fly, but I've learned a lot mentally about this game," Fife said. "I've learned about defenses. I learned a lot of stuff on offense. I've had multiple different coordinators that have had a really good resume. I've learned a lot of good football, I've seen a lot of good football, and I think with my confidence and experience, I can help bring that to this offense."
Fife has spent much time in coaches' offices asking questions and learning the playbook, something he feels he didn't do enough of at Montana. He appreciates Sanchez and Yost's openness in their answers as he continues to take in NM State's offense and settle into the program.
His quick learning and how he applies what he's learned to practices have impressed coaches.
"You can't put a premium on his experience," Sanchez said. "His communication with the (offensive line), communication with the receivers and the way he comes in and studies film and carries himself, it's good."
Off the field, Fife has made friends with fellow quarterback Jake McNamara and tight end Trevor Stephens, who all play golf together alongside kicker Abraham Montaño (who's applied for a waiver to play one more season with the Aggies). He's also found spaces around Las Cruces to walk his dog, a red lab named Buck, when he has free time.
Fife has also leaned on his parents and fiancée, Lauren, for support, saying they've kept him calm throughout his transition to NM State.
"They keep my head on straight," Fife said. "It's a lot to be a Division I football player, and a lot of these guys know that there's a lot that comes with it. There are pressures, and there's the ups and the downs, and they've helped me stay even-keeled the whole time. They keep me focused on the right things."
Fife wants to be NM State's leading man, and he'll likely be given that opportunity. On and off the field, Fife looks to fit what the Aggies want.
"He carries himself the way a quarterback carries himself," Yost said. "He speaks to guys like he's leading, but he also understands what's going on. He's able to take the stuff he's picked up, everywhere he's been, and add that to what I'm asking to do in my way of how I coach a guy.
"Day in and day out, you see him running the offense at a higher rate... He's done a really good job of being a mature senior."
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Logan Fife is ready to be NMSU's solution at quarterback
