The 2026 campaign marks a pivotal moment for the Texas State Bobcats as they prepare for their first season in the Pac‑12, and the offensive line is at the center of that transition.
Veteran center Brock Riker has already transferred out, leaving a void that the coaching staff is addressing by leaning on returning linemen Sully Burns and Justin DeLeon, both of whom are slated to play major roles.
Burns, who started the previous season at right tackle, is being shifted to left tackle to fill the gap left by Dorion Strawn, while DeLeon has earned the starting center spot after demonstrating superior pass‑protection metrics in 2025.
The Bobcats also said goodbye to three seasoned starters — Nash Jones, Alex Harkey and Chase Todd — who accounted for a sizable portion of the line’s production last year, forcing the team to reload with a mix of transfers and fresh talent.
Among the newcomers, Rasheed Jackson and Jaylen Early bring a blend of size and experience, with Early competing for a guard position and Jackson vying for another interior spot, while William Boone is in the mix for the right‑tackle role.
Prospects such as Cameron Schultz and Bamidele Badusi have generated early buzz, with Schultz being touted for a right‑guard slot and Badusi drawing attention as a potential right‑tackle candidate.
The roster also includes JUCO transfers Amari Smith and Jayden Luckett, alongside true freshmen Teagen Lindsey, Terrance Brown and Eric Perkins, who will need rapid development to meet the demands of Division I play.
Spring Camp Insights
During a recent practice, DeLeon sat out, prompting Etueni Ropati to take the center snaps, a move that highlights the staff’s willingness to experiment with line combinations as they fine‑tune the unit.
Coaches have emphasized that the line’s chemistry and depth will be decisive factors in how quickly the Bobcats can adapt to the higher competition level of the Pac‑12, making the upcoming spring and summer drills critical for building continuity.