SAN MARCOS– The Texas State Bobcats (5–6) kept their bowl aspirations intact Saturday night, dispatching the ULM Warhawks (3-8) at UFCU Stadium in a game that carried unmistakable must-win urgency. Texas State has to run the table to reach bowl eligibility, and with this victory, the path remains alive.
Riding a wave of late-season momentum, the Bobcats have now secured back-to-back wins entering the regular-season finale. It has been a commendable effort to salvage what has, at times, been an uneven and underwhelming season. Despite the season’s ups and downs, Texas State head coach G.J. Kinne offered emphatic praise for his team in the aftermath of the victory.
“This is my favorite team I’ve ever coached,” Kinne said. “I’d just love a couple more weeks with those guys. It would mean a lot.” Kinnie noted the leadership as why.
Freshman quarterback Brad Jackson continues his steady ascent, showcasing his dual-threat prowess by finding the end zone multiple times (4) both through the air and on the ground. Jackson now leads all Sun Belt quarterbacks with 12 rushing touchdowns, underscoring his growing importance to the program. The offseason will undoubtedly bring questions about roster retention, and Jackson’s name will top that list. Expect Texas State to make a substantial commitment to keep its most valuable playmaker in San Marcos.
“He’s gonna be back, knock on wood, he loves this place,” Kinne said. “He is going to go down as the best player that’s ever played here, and it probably won’t be close.”
Wide receiver Beau Sparks has further cemented his status as Texas State royalty. With more than 1,000 receiving yards on the season, Sparks joins an exclusive club—becoming only the second player in program history to reach that milestone, following Cameron Luke’s standout campaigns in 2007 and 2008. The Jackson-to-Sparks connection has emerged as one of the conference’s most formidable duos and a cornerstone of the Bobcats’ offensive identity.
“Honestly, it’s a blessing. I just want to give all the glory to God,” Beau Sparks said. “I’m super grateful to be on this team.”
When asked whether reaching the 1,000-yard mark constituted a personal milestone, Sparks brushed off the notion with the poise of a veteran. He admitted it did not, explaining that he is “never fully satisfied,” always pushing for more and intent on doing whatever it takes to lead his team to victory. It was a humble response—especially from a player who had just accomplished a feat achieved by only one other receiver in Texas State football history.
Sparks’ competitive edge, however, is matched by his loyalty. When questioned about his plans for next season, he nodded confidently and said that returning to Texas State is “the plan.”
If that holds true, and with Brad Jackson and Beau Sparks anchoring a revamped offense, the Bobcats could enter next season as one of the conference’s most intriguing threats. The Pac-12, soon to welcome Texas State into its fold, would be wise to take notice.
Running back Greg Burrell continues to provide a steady force in the backfield, averaging more than 6 yards per carry. His explosive 42-yard burst, coming with Texas State backed up near its own goal line, energized the stadium and shifted momentum in the Bobcats’ favor. Likewise, Burrell’s name will be atop the list of must-retain players this offseason.
Defensively, Texas State has demonstrated marked improvement over the past two weeks. Adjustments in coverage schemes and a renewed commitment to enforcing pressure have paid dividends, as the unit has consistently reached opposing quarterbacks and produced timely sacks. The increased blitzing has added a much-needed edge to a defense finding its rhythm late in the year.
And just like that, the season has come down to its final week. Texas State will host the South Alabama Jaguars (4–7) next Saturday at 2 p.m., a matchup carrying significant weight for both programs. The Jaguars enter on a two-game winning streak following their victories over Southern Miss and ULM, setting the stage for a season-defining—battle in San Marcos. For the Bobcats, the stakes are unmistakable: win, and they secure bowl eligibility; lose, and the campaign comes to an abrupt end. The table is set for a dramatic finale.
The game falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and Coach Kinne—fully aware of both the magnitude of the moment and the unusual timing—offered a lighthearted message to the student body: don’t go home just yet, save the turkey for Sunday. He went a step further, noting that classes will still be in session the following Monday and Tuesday, and added that he had already spoken with Texas State President Kelly Damphousse about the schedule.
“I already talked to Kelly. We’re giving them some tests Monday and Tuesday. Everyone’s got to be in town next week. Don’t go home.”
All joking aside, this upcoming matchup against the Jaguars stands as the most significant home game Texas State has had in quite some time. A victory would not guarantee the Bobcats a bowl berth, but it would make them officially bowl eligible—an opportunity that carries immense weight for a program seeking to redefine its trajectory.
Not every team that reaches bowl eligibility ultimately receives an invitation, however. Texas State learned that lesson the hard way in 2014, when the Bobcats qualified but were left out of the postseason field. While there are considerably more bowl games now than there were 11 years ago, nothing is guaranteed.
The NCAA weighs factors beyond win–loss records—attendance, television viewership, marketability, and overall revenue potential all play critical roles in determining who earns a spot. In that regard, Texas State is positioned far more favorably than in years past. In their two most recent appearances in the First Responder Bowl, Bobcat fans traveled in impressive numbers, outdrawing both Rice and North Texas and showcasing the program’s rising support.
Which bowl Texas State might land in—should the opportunity arise—remains an open question. But none of it will matter unless the Bobcats first handle their business against South Alabama.
