Since moving to the FBS in 2012, the Texas State Bobcats stand alone as the only program in America to go undefeated in multiple bowl games.
That’s right, folks. Texas State, under young, offensive-minded head coach GJ Kinne, is a perfect 3-0 in bowl games, beginning with First Responder Bowl victories over Rice in 2024 and North Texas in 2025, followed by an Armed Forces Bowl win over Rice in the early stages of 2026.
And while Kinne is pure Hollywood — looks the part on and off the field and has undeniably turned this program around — it hasn’t always been pretty.
In fact, most fans would agree the past two seasons have been a bit of a letdown relative to the hype entering both years.
It’s been interesting to observe a pattern with this Texas State team. The Bobcats start hot — historically hot — then hit the brakes hard, only to finish strong. This season, that pattern solidified itself: Texas State beat UTSA in the Alamodome to start 3-1, lost five straight and then won four in a row to close the season.
“It’s been an up and down year, Kinnie said.” We started off really well, had a little lull, and the way we finished speaks to what we have going on over here at Texas State.”
Indeed, the Bobcats have something going on. What it is and what the program’s true potential may be remains unknown, but for this group to rebound after a losing streak and win a bowl game against Rice deserves credit.
“Super proud of everyone involved,” Kinne said. “A lot of credit to Rice. They came out and played hard. It was a close one there for a little bit.”
Granted, Rice is not exactly a glamorous opponent, especially after Kansas State backed out of the Armed Forces Bowl. But it’s still an in-state rival and a quality win nonetheless.
So yes, Texas State has won three straight bowl games. But let’s be honest — bowl games, in the grand scheme of things, are largely irrelevant. Unless you’re a senior playing your final game, they don’t mean a whole lot.
I say that as a die-hard Texas State fan who wants the best for this program and expects conference championships. I like the trajectory. I truly do. Three seasons under Kinne represent a massive leap from where this program once was, and that shouldn’t be discounted. In fact, it’s the first time since the early 80s Texas State has had three consecutive winning seasons.
But I’m coming at this objectively. I’m not getting too high off bowl victories in the midst of what have been, frankly, somewhat underwhelming seasons relative to expectations.
That’s the harsh truth — and probably not what a lot of Texas State fans want to read after a bowl win. I get it. But it needs to be said if this program is going to keep progressing, because I believe it can.
I recently published an article on the upcoming recruiting class, and it’s stacked. I’m beyond hyped for next season, especially with Texas State’s top three offensive players returning.
So far under Kinne, the Bobcats went 8-5 in 2023, 8-5 in 2024 and 7-6 in 2025.
It would be an utter disappointment if Texas State doesn’t surpass eight wins next season. I expect nine — maybe even 10.
It’s time.
The fan base is engaged. It’s hungry. And I know Kinne and his staff are, too.
All right, sickos — I’ll get off my soapbox. I just had to get that off my chest. Now, let’s dive into the bowl game win over Rice.
The final score was 41-10.
Texas State held Rice to just 195 total yards, the Owls’ lowest output of the season — a credit to interim defensive coordinator Matthew Gregg, who took over after McCoil’s dismissal.
Quarterback Brad Jackson, per usual, had a strong outing, completing 17 of 24 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. In the final game of his career, running back Lincoln Pare broke loose for 106 yards and a touchdown. Pare rushed for over 1,000 yards this year.
The score at the half was just 10-7 in favor of Texas State, a bit of a closer game than maybe some would have thought. But then Beau Sparks showed out.
“Just like every game, Beau Sparks created a spark and got us going,” Kinne said.
Beau Sparks led the receivers with 87 yards, while Chris Dawn Jr. chipped in enough to push him past 1,000 receiving yards on the season. Congratulations to Dawn — a commendable feat, especially after battling injuries early in the year.
With Dawn eclipsing 1,000 yards, he and Sparks became the first duo in Texas State history to each surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. Even better? Both receivers return next year — along with Jackson at quarterback.
“We are one of two teams in the country to have a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers,” Kinne said. “I think we did pretty well on offense this year.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Jaden Rios added an interception to cap off a dominant performance.
It was a feel-good win to close an up-and-down season, sending fans home with something to look forward to. And it’s commendable that after losing five straight games, the Bobcats found themselves again — winning four straight by 17 points or more.
Now that the season has concluded, the offseason begins — and with it, the transfer portal. Players will decide whether they want to remain at Texas State or transfer and enter the portal.
“We know we can’t keep everybody,” Kinne said. “I promise you this: If they do decide to leave here, they will regret it because of the type of people we have in this building. Not everyone has it the way we do. Not every head coach is like me. The guys that appreciate it are the guys who will stay — and that’s all we need.”
Those were strong words from Kinne just before the transfer portal opened, sending a direct message to his players.
A crowd of 28,243 attended the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, with Texas State fans filling the stadium in maroon and gold.
“That was a big crowd, but it’s kind of one of those things you take for granted now,” Kinne said. “We know we’re going to show up. We’re not like some other teams where you look up in the stands and nobody is there for these bowl games. We pack it out. They’re excited, and hopefully we continue to win these bowl games.”
Those were more fighting words from Kinne as he concluded his postgame press conference after the win over Rice. With that said, he also noted the program is still not where it needs to be. Texas State still needs additional resources and support to become a true powerhouse.
Kinne said the upcoming month will be the most important since he arrived at Texas State, making it worth watching which players the Bobcats retain and add through the transfer portal. It was quite the season for Texas State — the good, the bad and the ugly — and it was a joy for me to cover all of it.
