SAN MARCOS-The Texas State football team is coming off one of its best seasons, finishing 8-5 and securing the first bowl game victory in university history
Expectations are high for another promising season following last year’s success. It marks the second year under the new coaching staff led by G. J. Kinne, who has revamped both the offense and defense, setting the stage for a season brimming with potential.
The 2024 season kicks off for Texas State on August 31 at home against Lamar. This will be only the second meeting between the two teams, with Texas State emerging victorious in their previous encounter. Given their home-field advantage and superior record last season, Texas State enters as the clear favorite.
Next, on September 7, the UTSA Roadrunners visit, a rivalry game scheduled for a 3 p.m. airing on ESPNU. Texas State has struggled historically in this matchup, losing all five previous meetings against UTSA. UTSA’s strong 9-4 record last season adds intrigue to this clash, though Texas State’s home advantage likely makes them slight favorites.
Arizona State comes to town on September 12 in a matchup airing on ESPN at 6 p.m. This first-time encounter between the schools features Texas State, likely the favored team with home-field advantage, against Arizona State, which posted a 3-9 record in the Pac-12 last year.
The Cats have a chance to start the season undefeated, with the UTSA game likely presenting the biggest challenge in the initial three matchups. Playing at home could prove advantageous in what is expected to be a closely contested game.
The Bobcats face the Sam Houston Bearkats at NRG Stadium in Houston on September 28. The series between the teams is tied at four wins apiece. Sam Houston, finishing 3-9 last season, positions Texas State as the favorite in this neutral-site matchup.
Following the Sam Houston game, conference play kicks off for the Bobcats on October 3 at Troy.
Texas State welcomes 2023 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Jordan McCloud. McCloud, a transfer from James Madison, made a significant impact last year with his elite performance. McCloud threw for 3,657 yards and 35 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions, leading JMU to an impressive 11-2 season. His addition is a major boost for the Cats.
Another notable addition is talented safety Tory Spears, who missed part of last year due to an ACL injury. Spears has recovered and is eager to make his mark in his final season at Texas State.
The Bobcats are losing four running backs to the transfer portal, but Ismail Mahdi, the team’s top rusher last season, is staying. Additionally, the team has brought in three new running backs via the transfer portal, including senior Deion Hankins and junior Torrance Burgess from UTEP. This move reunites them with Barrick Nealy, who joins as the new running backs coach after serving in the same role at UTEP.
Texas State has added six new players to its defensive line, including four transfers. Among them is junior DT Tunmise Adeleye, a five-star recruit coming out of high school. Adeleye previously started at Texas A&M in 2022. Last season, he contributed to Michigan State’s defense.
Kinne has reunited with senior defensive end Steven Parker, who earned the title of 2023 Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year while at Incarnate Word. Parker began his career at Kansas before spending the past two seasons with the Cardinals, including the 2022 season under Kinne’s coaching.
Texas State has added six defensive backs to its roster, including three transfers: senior Justin Harris from Cincinnati, and juniors Donte Thompson from Arkansas State and Trez Moore from UTEP. Thompson previously played one season in the Sun Belt under Kinne’s coaching. He was recognized as an All-Southland Conference First Team selection at Incarnate Word in 2022 while under Kinne’s tutelage.
The Cats lost wide receiver Ashytn Hawkins to the transfer portal. Hawkins put up impressive numbers for the Cats in 2023, totaling 874 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Texas State football team is poised for an exciting 2024 season following a successful 8-5 campaign and historic bowl game victory. Under the leadership of Coach G.J. Kinne, entering his second year with a revamped roster, the Bobcats are primed to build on their achievements.
Key additions like Sun Belt Player of the Year Jordan McCloud and talented safety Tory Spears bolster an already competitive squad. With an optimistic outlook and strategic reinforcements across offense and defense, Texas State aims to navigate challenging matchups against familiar rivals like UTSA and new adversaries like Arizona State.
As they gear up for conference play after facing non-conference tests, the Bobcats’ season promises to be one of resilience, determination, and potential for further milestones.
