Holbrook consulted a draft advisory board, which projected him as a sixth-round selection, and decided he would rather continue trying to help lead the Aggies to their first bowl game in 48 years.

"I feel like I have some unfinished business in Las Cruces and with the Aggies," Holbrook said. "This will be a great opportunity for me to come back and help the team reach its goal of making a bowl, and I plan to do everything I can to make that happen."

Coach Hal Mumme has said he didn't expect Holbrook to leave. Just the same, he welcomed the decision.

"I understand his want to explore the NFL and the draft, but we are glad he will be an Aggie one more year," Mumme said. "He is a great leader and will be a big part of our success next season."

Holbrook, from Hurst, Texas, started 12 of 13 games last season, passing for 3,866 yards, 26 touchdowns. He averaged 322.2 yards passing per game and completed 70 percent of his attempts.

Last season, he also set New Mexico State career records for total offense (8,412 yards), passing yards (8,485), attempts (1,110), completions (778), passing TDs (60) and completion percentage (70.1).