Head Coach Tyson Helton announced Monday that redshirt freshman quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. will be the first quarterback on the field Saturday against New Mexico State following Tisdale’s overtime win in his first career start last week against Louisiana Tech. 

Tisdale passed for 227 yards and a touchdown, adding on 73 yards on the ground, with just one interception. His performance earned him Conference USA Freshman of the Week honors. 

“Plan on this week, letting Rodney be the first one to run out there,” Helton said.

Three pass completions and a five-yard rush from Tisdale were crucial in the Hilltoppers’ overtime touchdown drive. A pass to redshirt junior wide receiver Moussa Barry from Tisdale gave WKU the game-winning two-point conversion.

Helton said he was hesitant to use the word “starter” so early in the week, saying he’ll evaluate the week of practice. 

“Excited to see what Rodney can do again,” Helton said. “I know for a fact I’m going to let Rodney go out there first and we’ll evaluate where the game is as we go.”