Texas State University’s football program is entering its second year in the Pac‑12 with a clear ambition: to finish the 2026‑27 season with an 8‑4 overall record and a 4‑3 conference slate. The optimism stems from a three‑year turnaround under head coach GJ Kinne, who has compiled a 23‑16 record since taking the helm in 2022 and led the team to three bowl victories.
A New Era Under GJ Kinne
Kinne’s tenure has been marked by steady progress, highlighted by a 7‑6 finish in 2025 despite a five‑game losing streak that kept the Bobcats from the Sun Belt title. The program’s growth has raised expectations, and the coaching staff now focuses on consolidating gains while addressing the defensive lapses that surfaced in the previous season.
The 2026‑27 schedule features seven home games and three late‑night contests, a factor that the coaching staff believes will energize the fan base and provide a competitive edge. Key matchups include a season‑opening clash with the University of Texas, a rivalry game against UTSA, and a showdown with North Texas, each projected to test the team’s mettle early in the campaign.
Key Matchups and Rivalries
Projected results suggest a 45‑20 loss to the Longhorns in Week 1, but the Bobcats are favored to upset UTSA 42‑35 in the I‑35 rivalry and to defeat North Texas 45‑27 in Week 3. Additional wins are expected against Incarnate Word, San Diego State, Utah State, Oregon State, Washington State, and Fresno State, while losses are anticipated against Colorado State, Boise State, and Fresno State in later weeks.
The roster includes several notable players who will shape these outcomes. Quarterback Arch Manning, wide receiver Cam Coleman, and veteran signal‑caller Owen McCown are expected to drive the offense, while defensive standouts such as Will Henderson III, Clint Killough, and JaMarcus Shepherd aim to anchor a unit that struggled in 2025.
Defensive Overhaul and Offensive Firepower
A primary focus this offseason has been shoring up a defense that yielded too many points in the previous campaign. New schemes and heightened intensity in practice have already shown promise, with players like Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson stepping into larger roles. Meanwhile, the offense retains its high‑scoring potential, leveraging the experience of Sean Lewis, Jay Norvell, and Jim Mora, who have all contributed to the team’s strategic depth.
The Bobcats will also face late‑night Pac‑12 opponents such as Boise State and Washington State, tests that could prove pivotal in determining postseason positioning. Home games in Texas venues like Fort Worth and San Antonio are expected to draw large crowds, adding a home‑field advantage that the coaching staff hopes to exploit.
Overall, the blend of a revitalized defense, a potent offense, and a schedule that balances home comforts with challenging road trips positions Texas State to meet its projected 8‑4 record. The team’s progress under GJ Kinne reflects a broader upward trajectory that could see the Bobcats become a regular contender in the Pac‑12.