Since entering the Pac-12, Texas State has witnessed a noticeable uplift in its recruiting footprint, with eight of the program's top ten prospects committing after the conference switch in July 2025.
Head coach GJ Kinne has built his approach around developing elite prep players from across Texas, emphasizing that the state's high schools produce the talent the program needs to compete at a higher level.
A Culture‑First Search for a New Backfield Coach
The recent departure of running backs coach Barrick Nealy, who cited family commitments as the reason for his exit, has opened a vacancy that Kinne is filling with an eye toward cultural alignment rather than niche expertise.
Kinne has stressed the importance of hiring someone who not only possesses strong football acumen but also shares the program's values and maintains solid connections within the state's high school coaching network.
The coaching staff's hit rate, bolstered by trusted evaluations, has helped Texas State secure a seventh‑place national recruiting class ranking within the Pac-12, despite eight of the 20 signed recruits remaining unrated by 247Sports.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Kinne expects several of those unrated linemen to earn starting positions, a testament to the staff's confidence in their developmental pipeline.
The narrative extends beyond the locker room, as recruits hail from towns such as Gilmer, Tatum and San Marcos, underscoring the program's deep roots in diverse Texas communities.