OPINION: New Mexico is ready for its Heisman moment

The symbolism of this moment is hard to ignore. New Mexico’s spirit is reflected in the stories unfolding across the country this fall, and one story in particular captures our state’s character: the rise of Diego Pavia.

Pavia, an Albuquerque native who once played for New Mexico State University and the New Mexico Military Institute, has become a national storyline as a potential Heisman Trophy contender during his season at Vanderbilt. During Pavia’s last season at NMMI, he led the Broncos to the NJCAA Division 1 national championship; and subsequently took NMSU to two bowl games. His path is uniquely New Mexican — gritty, unconventional, grounded in determination and brimming with potential that many outside this state never saw coming.

His journey is more than a sports headline. It is a metaphor for New Mexico’s trajectory.

For generations, New Mexicans have known that we have the talent to compete with anyone. Our scientists lead global research. Our entrepreneurs push innovation in energy, aerospace and technology. Our educators and workers build strong communities every day. Yet, like Pavia early in his career, our state has often been underestimated — overlooked by those who don’t recognize the strength that lives in our rural towns, tribal communities and working families.

But being overlooked has never deterred us. It has made us resilient.

Pavia’s rise required bold decisions — transferring, adapting, believing in his abilities and embracing change. New Mexico is making similar moves.

In recent years we’ve begun tackling long-standing challenges with renewed purpose:

• Expanding early childhood education to set our kids up for success.
• Modernizing workforce pathways to align with emerging industries.
• Improving infrastructure and broadband, especially in rural communities.
• Diversifying revenue streams while building long-term fiscal stability.

These changes take courage. But they also position us for future competitiveness.

Pavia didn’t reach this moment through flash or convenience. He reached it through perseverance — hours of training, discipline and a belief in steady improvement. New Mexico’s progress is the same. Our teachers, health care workers, first responders, small businesses and parents demonstrate daily the work ethic that defines this state. Our progress is not accidental; it’s earned.

The national spotlight following Pavia reminds the country — and us — that New Mexico produces excellence. Our diversity, scientific institutions, natural resources and rising bilingual generation give us unique advantages. Our greatest challenge has never been capacity; it has been believing fully in our own potential.

As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I see firsthand the decisions ahead: how we invest, how we prepare for the future, and how we turn record revenues into lasting opportunities. We are in a rare season of possibility, with the ability to build a foundation of good jobs, safe communities, strong schools and stable housing across New Mexico.

We have the tools. We have the people. And as Diego Pavia’s story shows, we have the talent to compete on any stage.

New Mexico is ready for its Heisman moment — ready to work, ready to grow and ready to believe in what we can achieve.