SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Bobcats are back to work, with head coach GJ Kinne leading the team through its first spring practices of 2025 last week.
Coming off a second consecutive 8-5 season and a thrilling 30-28 victory over North Texas in the Servpro First Responder Bowl last January, Texas State is looking to build on their momentum. However, with a roster featuring a significant influx of new players, Kinne and his staff are focusing on fundamentals, development, and competition as they gear up for year three under his leadership.
Speaking after Thursday’s practice, Kinne expressed optimism about the team’s energy and its response to early challenges. “I thought the intensity and competition was really good,” he said. “Day one, the coaches brought the juice and kind of got them going… Today, I challenged them and said, ‘Hey, the players got to get it going today,’ and I thought they responded really well to that.”
The Bobcats are navigating a roster overhaul this spring, with Kinne noting the impact of signing 18 high school recruits in the latest class—a shift from previous years’ heavier reliance on the transfer portal. This has resulted in fewer bodies on the field compared to past springs, presenting logistical challenges like maintaining three practice groups. Helping to address this, Texas State recently held a walk-on tryout, signing four players, with Kinne highlighting that “two or three of those guys have a chance to be part of the team.”
Despite the influx of new faces, key returners like wide receivers Chris Dawn Jr. and Beau Sparks, and running back Lincoln Pare, provide continuity on offense. Kinne praised their leadership, saying, “All those guys have really stepped up their leadership abilities… When your best players are your best leaders and your best kids, you’ve got a chance to do something special.”
The quarterback position remains a focal point, with an open competition underway. Sophomore Brad Jackson is joined by several transfer newcomers: Nate Yarnell – Pittsburg, Holden Geriner – Auburn, and Gevani McCoy – Oregon State/Idaho. Kinne emphasized fairness in the process: “We’ve been rotating those guys evenly… I told every kid in the quarterback room, ‘This is an open competition.’ None of them got any NIL money to come here—this is an opportunity to prove yourself.” While he didn’t name a frontrunner after just two practices, Kinne was impressed with the group’s early bonding and competitiveness.
On offense, new coordinator Landon Keopple—whom Kinne has worked with for years—will tweak the scheme to fit the personnel, though Kinne noted, “90% or 95% of the offense is going to stay the same.” Defensively, the Bobcats are in “learning mode,” replacing numerous starters. Kinne singled out linebacker Ryan Nolan, defensive back Khalil Alexander, and veteran Bobby Crosby as players showing early promise, though he cautioned it’s too soon for a full roster evaluation.
Facility upgrades, including a new weight room and players’ lounge, are also boosting program morale. Kinne tied these improvements to recruiting, saying, “We’re ultimately still a developmental program… Now we have the facilities to develop [high school kids], not just tell them about it.” He anticipates an even larger high school recruiting class next year.
Reflecting on his third year in San Marcos, Kinne expressed gratitude despite the challenges of constant roster turnover. “I love it here… It’s been fun but also challenging.”
With a long road ahead, Kinne’s focus remains on development and evaluation. “We have to really get better, develop these guys in a short period of time, and figure out which guys can play,” he said. After back-to-back bowl wins, the Bobcats aim to take the next step—competing for a Sun Belt title—starting with a strong spring foundation.
The Texas State spring game is still weeks away, but if the program’s recent successes are any indication, Kinne’s blend of optimism, adaptability, and player-led leadership could set the stage for another exciting season in San Marcos.
