The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley entered the 2026 preseason with a remarkable distinction: twelve of its players were named to Phil Steele's all-Southland Conference teams, a tally that placed the Vaqueros second only to Stephen F. Austin's fourteen honorees.
A Deep Bench of Talent
What sets UTRGV apart is not just the volume of selections but the quality of positions represented. The offensive line earned three spots, the most of any team in the league, and the unit allowed just 1.50 sacks per game last season, the second-best mark in the Southland.
Quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger, a finalist for the prestigious Walter Payton Award, will benefit from that protective front. The award, presented by WalterPaytonAward.com, recognizes the nation's top collegiate quarterback, and Marburger's eligibility hinges on the continuity of the line that helped the offense top the conference in points per game and passing efficiency.
The recognition extends beyond the trenches. Wide receiver Tavian Cord, linebacker Jaiden Haygood, defensive backs TJ Neal and Alijah Prosser, and special‑teams standouts Nathaniel Wallace‑Dilling, Brysen Gardner, and Connor Cortez all earned preseason nods. Haygood, a Freshman All‑American, led the team with 102 tackles and a sack, while Gardner's perfect 48‑for‑48 PAT record and four‑field‑goal outburst in a single game highlighted his reliability.
The preseason accolades also spotlight other standout performers. Nick Hughes and Wes Thompson anchored the line, while Abram Nicklas added depth. Defensive back Alijah Prosser ranked sixteenth in the conference for interceptions, and Spencer Rich led the Southland with three fumble recoveries, placing him third nationally in the FCS.
Beyond individual stats, the Vaqueros' overall offensive output was among the most potent in the league, leading the Southland in five categories, including a 39.6 points‑per‑game average. The combination of a high‑powered attack and a disciplined defense positions UTRGV as a serious contender as the season unfolds.