​After speaking to the Corps of Cadets, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a pregame appearance Saturday at Kyle Field before the Aggies played Kentucky. (Zach Del Bello/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M fans cheered Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth when he appeared on the field before Saturday’s football game between Kentucky and the Aggies at Kyle Field.Hegseth appeared alongside Gov. Greg Abbott and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, with each one being introduced individually.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, ag secretary Brooke Rollins and war secretary Pete Hegseth introduced at Kyle Field about 15 minutes before Texas A&M kicks off with Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/5yspsJ7Hgd- Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) September 19, 2026The 46-year-old Hegseth spoke to Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets earlier in the day Saturday.”I do not see an academic institution trying to apologize for American strength; I see backbone and resolve, and the uncompromising future of the United States and the United States armed forces,” Hegseth said to the students, according to a release from the Department of War. “I see a real, grounded, strong institution, which is exactly what our nation needs.” The trip comes days after U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, introduced articles of impeachment against Hegseth for the war in Iran, among other things.Hegseth’s appearance at Kyle Field also comes one week after U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz sat down with Rece Davis on ESPN’s “College GameDay” in Austin. The Longhorn fans in attendance heartily booed Cruz, who was wearing burnt orange to discuss the Protect College Sports Act. SubscribeThere’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth draws cheers in appearance at Texas A&M football game.