The Texas Longhorns enter their third week of the 2026 season with high expectations, facing a determined UTSA Roadrunners squad that has traveled from San Antonio to Austin for a much‑anticipated matchup on September 19.
Coached by a staff eager to rebuild after a challenging previous campaign, Texas brings a potent offense anchored by a revamped receiving corps and a defense that has shown flashes of playmaking ability.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Owen McCown, who has amassed 6,861 yards and 59 touchdowns over the past two seasons, will be the focal point of the Roadrunners’ aerial attack, while running back Will Henderson III, who posted 866 yards and six scores last year, adds a dynamic rushing threat.
Wide receiver AJ Wilson, the team’s second‑leading pass catcher with 31 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns, will look to stretch the field, and linebacker Brandon Tucker, who contributed 39 tackles, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble, anchors a defense that aims to pressure the Longhorns’ backfield.
Defensive lineman Jeremiah Bailey, a career tackle leader with 105 stops, 14 tackles for loss and six sacks, earned second‑team All‑United Athletic Conference honors in 2025 and will be a key presence on the interior line.
The game marks a rare cross‑state journey for the Roadrunners, who will experience the unique atmosphere of Darrell K Royal‑Texas Memorial Stadium, a venue that has historically favored the Longhorns but may see a shift if the Roadrunners’ balanced attack clicks.
Texas’ coaching staff has emphasized discipline and execution, hoping to translate early‑season momentum into a decisive victory that could set the tone for the remainder of the schedule.
Fans on both sides are eager to see how the new talent blends with seasoned veterans, and the matchup promises to be a test of strategy, depth and resilience as the 2026 college football season unfolds.