Caleb Hawkins Leads No. 23 North Texas to Thrilling New Mexico Bowl Victory

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 college football bowl season, the No. 23 North Texas Mean Green emerged victorious in a shootout against the San Diego State Aztecs, winning the New Mexico Bowl 49-47 on Saturday night. The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, but it was the remarkable individual performance of running back Caleb Hawkins that ultimately steered North Texas to the win. His three-touchdown night, featuring both power running and dynamic receiving, proved to be the difference in a contest that remained in doubt until the final second.

A Star Performance: Caleb Hawkins Takes Over

The narrative of the New Mexico Bowl was written by North Texas running back Caleb Hawkins. The standout player carried the offensive load, amassing 197 rushing yards on 30 punishing carries. He found the end zone twice on the ground with runs of 9 and 3 yards. Demonstrating his versatility, Hawkins also caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Mestemaker. This all-around performance was the engine of the Mean Green offense, consistently moving the chains and putting points on the board when needed most. His ability to wear down the San Diego State defense was a critical factor in North Texas controlling large portions of the game.

Supporting Cast Steps Up

While Hawkins was the headline act, he was far from alone. The North Texas offense displayed impressive balance. Running back Ashton Gray provided a potent complementary threat, rushing for 152 yards on just 16 carries and adding two touchdowns of his own. Through the air, quarterback Drew Mestemaker managed the game effectively, completing 27 of 47 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target, Cameron Dormer, hauled in six catches for 66 yards and two critical scores, including a 31-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that provided crucial breathing room. This multi-faceted attack kept the Aztecs' defense guessing and unable to key solely on Hawkins.

San Diego State's Valiant Fight

The San Diego State Aztecs, finishing their season at 9-4, refused to go quietly. Their offense initially revolved around the dynamic play of backup quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr., who rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns—including a spectacular 72-yard score—before exiting the game with a wrist injury late in the second quarter. His departure significantly altered the Aztecs' offensive identity. Replacement quarterback Kyle Crum, while throwing for 169 yards and a score, was not the same rushing threat. The Mean Green defense capitalized in the third quarter, holding SDSU to just 11 total yards while extending their lead.

Special teams heroics kept hope alive for San Diego State. Nathan Acevedo electrified the crowd with a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown and later added a 65-yard kickoff return, single-handedly keeping the Aztecs within striking distance. A late fourth-quarter surge, culminating in a touchdown with one second remaining, brought the final score to a narrow 49-47 margin, showcasing the team's relentless fight.

Looking Ahead for Both Programs

This victory caps a stellar 12-2 season for North Texas and provides significant momentum as the program looks to the future. An immediate priority will be securing a permanent head coach to lead the team, especially with a high-profile move to face the No. 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers on the horizon. For San Diego State, the bowl game serves as a final chapter in their current conference alignment. The Aztecs will now turn their attention to their inaugural season in the revamped Pac-12, scheduled to begin at home against Portland State. Both teams demonstrated the heart and skill that define postseason college football, providing fans with an unforgettable New Mexico Bowl.