A Record-Breaking Start
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley opened its 2026 football campaign in spectacular fashion, routing UT Permian Basin 44-0 before a packed house of 13,698 spectators. From the opening drive, the Vaqueros asserted control, marching 72 yards in five plays and capping the series with a Kyran Lee touchdown reception.
Coach Travis Bush’s squad never looked back, compiling 675 total yards while holding the Falcons to just 165 yards of offense. The defense forced three interceptions and never allowed a point, a performance that placed the unit among the top defenses in the FCS for the 2025 season.
Key Players Emerge
Junior quarterback Aidan Jakobsohn completed 10 of 16 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown, adding 42 rushing yards that underscored his dual-threat ability. Fifth‑year veteran Garret Rangel, who took over early in the second quarter, threw for 211 yards, went 12‑for‑15 and finished with a rushing score that sealed the shutout.
The receiving corps shone as well. Kyran Lee led the way with a career‑high 141 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Corey Holmes contributed 119 yards. Graduate student Tavian Cord added 76 yards and a touchdown, and running backs Brennan Carroll and Malachi Lane each found the end zone, with Carroll pacing the ground game with 84 rushing yards.
UT Permian Basin’s quarterback Nate TenBarge struggled under pressure, throwing two interceptions and finishing with 151 passing yards. The Vaqueros’ defense capitalized on every mistake, culminating in a late interception by Tyler Thomas that capped the 44‑0 final.
The victory not only marked the first win of the season but also set a benchmark for the program’s early‑season aspirations. With a defense that limited opponents to under 200 yards and an offense that topped 600 yards, the Vaqueros have positioned themselves as a formidable contender in the FCS landscape.