Texas State football’s offense takes up a lot of air in discussions, and it’s easy to see why.

Head coach GJ Kinne has led the Bobcats’ unit to spectacular results, as they’ve led the Sun Belt in points (36.6) and yards per game (467.7) for the past two years. But on the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Dexter McCoil has quietly led the unit to dramatic improvement in his first year on the job. After allowing 32.8 points per game in 2023, which ranked 12th in the conference, Texas State ranked fourth last year, allowing 24.5 points.

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Part of that growth was the emergence of a pass rush that tied Marshall for the second-most sacks in the conference. The Bobcats retained the program’s leader of that group, Kalil Alexander, whose mindset and daily habits are exactly what McCoil said he wants his defense to emulate.

“I always say if we got 11 Kalils on the field, man, we’re going to have a great defense,” McCoil said earlier this month.

Despite some roster turnover, Texas State still has strengths its defense will lean on, as well as a few questions that have arisen. Here’s a full overview.

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Texas State’s revamped pass rush

Alexander finished his last campaign with 6½ sacks and 26 quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. Trailing just behind him, however, was Jo’Laison Landry. As a redshirt freshman, he recorded five sacks and 13 hurries while backing up Steven Parker, who has exhausted his eligibility. He and Alexander arrived on campus at the same time and have formed a tight bond over the past two years.

“I’ve been here with him (Landry) since he got to Texas State, so to watch him and see him grow every day, it’s been a beautiful thing,” Alexander said.

Texas State defensive end Jo'Laison Landry warms up during practice at UFCU Stadium on Saturday, August.. 2, 2025 in San Marcos Texas.

Texas State defensive end Jo’Laison Landry warms up during practice at UFCU Stadium on Saturday, August.. 2, 2025 in San Marcos Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

However, the Bobcats lost 19 of their 43 total sacks in the offseason as Dominique Ratcliff, Terry Webb, Ben Bell, Deven Wright and Tavian Coleman departed via the transfer portal. Even if Landry takes a developmental leap, how does Texas State replace so much production?

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First, the portal. TaDerius Collins, Kenard Snyder and DonTerry Russell have arrived as upperclassmen transfers, providing much-needed depth. Kinne said the veterans have been standing out in camp. 

“When you have those edge guys that can do what we ask them to do, it puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback, and not only in the passing situations, but even in rundowns,” Kinne said.

There are also internal options. Blake Isbell and Jermy Jackson Jr. are two other underclassmen Kinne mentioned as potential contributors.

MORE: Texas State football punter David Nunez nearly quit. Now, he’s a Bobcat for life

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Potential in the secondary

Jordan Polk is fighting to make the New England Patriots’ roster while Joshua Eaton transferred to Michigan State, leaving gaping holes in Texas State’s cornerback room. In their place, East Texas A&M transfer Jaden Rios and Oregon’s Khamari Terrell project to make an immediate impact along with returner Trez Moore. Though the room is still developing chemistry, Rios said he believes the talent is there.

“We all have the long, fast build. I think every corner is 6-foot,” Rios said.

Texas State defensive back Jaden Rios takes the field during practice at UFCU Stadium on Saturday, August.. 2, 2025 in San Marcos Texas.

Texas State defensive back Jaden Rios takes the field during practice at UFCU Stadium on Saturday, August.. 2, 2025 in San Marcos Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

At the “star” or nickel cornerback position, Will Mitchell II and Amarion Atwood are competing for the starting role, with Kinne praising both of their physical traits. There’s also Jayden Lawton, a wild card who was heavily recruited by the likes of Florida, Auburn and Arkansas but joined the Bobcats late into camp. He has potential, but Lawton’s pathway to playing time is murky, Kinne said.

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Safety Ryan Nolan is one of the few returning starters on the defense. Aside from him, Kinne said Bobby Crosby and Darius Jackson have separated themselves from the other safeties.

What will the run defense look like?

On paper, the biggest question at the moment is how the defense will hold up against the run. 

Texas State interior defensive linemen Ratcliff, Coleman and Webb were above-average run defenders in 2024, according to PFF, with Ratcliff boasting a 90.2 grade. They’ve all departed, and their replacements have a lot to live up to. Although players will rotate throughout a drive, defensive lineman Kamren Washington is poised for a breakout. Kyren Bourda and Jordan Sanders are others who could contribute on the line. 

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Neal and Mannie Nunnery were the Bobcats’ best linebackers against the run, according to PFF. Linebackers coach Bradley Dale Peveto mentioned Boudoin and Payne Saturday as standouts at the position, but PFF gave Payne a 62.3 run defense grade in 2024. Peveto said Boudoin tackles well despite being a converted defensive back, though he’ll need to prove it in live action. 

He and the defense should get plenty of practice in-season. Texas State will face at least three teams that ranked in the top 30 last season in total rushing yards: Arizona State, South Alabama and Marshall. However, Marshall’s former head coach Charles Huff is now at Southern Miss, having brought a couple members of his roster with him including quarterback Braylon Braxton.