Final Score: UTSA 31, Texas State 26
Location: Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, TX
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Attendance: 22,019
Conferences: UTSA (American Conference) vs. Texas State (Pac-12 Conference)
Game Recap: Alfredo Vazquez
Version en Espanol AQUI
UTSA 31, Texas State 26 — Week 2, 2026 Season
With Central Texas heat baking San Marcos, Texas State had everything lined up to make history: one more win would have given the Bobcats their third straight victory in the Battle for I-35. UTSA had other plans. With just 14 seconds on the clock, the Roadrunners completed a dramatic comeback to take the game 31-26, snapping a two-game losing streak to their road rival and picking up the 100th win in program history along the way.
The setup: brutal heat and a rivalry on the line
The thermometer was a silent character in this game. Playing in typical Central Texas heat in mid-September wore down both offenses at stretches, but it didn’t stop an offensive show from start to finish. Texas State came in chasing something it hadn’t done in a while: stringing together three straight wins over UTSA in the Battle for I-35. The Bobcats played without one of their key weapons, Beau Sparks, who was out with an injury — a real blow to Texas State’s passing attack.
A true quarterback duel, with running backs stealing the show
This game had a genuine quarterback duel. UTSA’s Owen McCown finished 28-of-42 for 214 yards and a touchdown, while Texas State’s Brad Jackson was a dual threat all afternoon: 17-of-30 passing for 192 yards and a touchdown through the air, plus 39 rushing yards and a rushing score (though his 2 interceptions proved costly for the Bobcats).
But if one thing defined this game, it was the running backs. Texas State struck gold with Torrance Burgess Jr., who piled up 149 rushing yards, and Davian Jackson, who added 99 yards and a 16-yard touchdown run. For UTSA, Will Henderson III contributed 80 yards on 14 carries, and Brandon High Jr. was the hero of the day.
The play that decided it all
Texas State had gone up 23-17 entering the fourth quarter, and everything pointed toward the Bobcats’ third straight win in the rivalry. But UTSA answered with a drive for the ages: starting from its own 18-yard line (or 23, depending on the source) with 4:31 remaining, the Roadrunners strung together a 14-play, 82-yard drive, converting two crucial fourth downs. McCown connected with David Amador II on one of those do-or-die plays and added a scramble of his own on another fourth-down conversion. The drive ended when Brandon High Jr. broke free off right tackle and raced 25 yards for the game-winning touchdown with just 14 seconds left on the clock.
Through the air, AJ Wilson Jr. was UTSA’s top target with 9 catches for 83 yards, while Mekhi Anderson added 5 receptions, also for 83 yards, and a touchdown. For Texas State, Chris Dawn led the way with 7 catches for 54 yards and a score.
The numbers behind the story
UTSA:
Owen McCown (quarterback) — 28-of-42, 214 yards, 1 TD.
Will Henderson III — 80 yards (14 carries).
Brandon High Jr. — 47 yards and 1 rushing TD, including the decisive 25-yard score.
AJ Wilson Jr. — 9 receptions, 83 yards.
Mekhi Anderson — 5 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD.
Texas State:
Brad Jackson (quarterback) — 17-of-30, 192 yards, 1 passing TD; 39 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 2 INT.
Torrance Burgess Jr. — 149 rushing yards.
Davian Jackson — 99 yards and 1 TD.
Chris Dawn — 7 receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD.
Looking ahead
This win gives UTSA its first victory in the Battle for I-35 since 2023, arriving right as the program celebrates the 100th win in its history. Both teams now turn their attention to conference play.
FAQs
What was the final score of the UTSA vs. Texas State game on September 12, 2026? UTSA defeated Texas State 31-26 at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas, in front of 22,019 fans.
What was the biggest play of the game? Brandon High Jr.’s 25-yard touchdown run with 14 seconds remaining.
Why didn’t Beau Sparks play? The Texas State receiver was out with an injury, according to pregame reports.
What conferences do both teams play in? UTSA competes in the American Conference and Texas State in the Pac-12 Conference.
