In its 14 years of being in the Sun Belt, Texas State football hasn’t won the conference a single time. But since hiring GJ Kinne in 2023, the idea of conquering the conference has morphed from a far-off dream into a potential reality. However, this season will be the Bobcats’ final chance to do so.
The timeline was significantly accelerated after the Bobcats accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 in 2026. Not only that, Texas State underwent a significant roster overhaul this offseason and lost offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich to Texas Tech. Questions arose whether Kinne would be able to sustain the program’s success with so many new variables.
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MORE: Texas State defense shuts down Nicholls offense, gets first turnover
Four games into 2025, Texas State has answered every question posed thus far. But after Saturday night’s 35-3 win over Nicholls State, Kinne kept repeating one thing to the media over and over.
“The main thing is, we’ve got to get better,” he said.
The toughest stretch is yet to come.
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Texas State head coach GJ Kinne walks the sideline during the game against Nicholls State at Texas State University on Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025 in San Marcos, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
The Sun Belt is vulnerable this year
Texas State’s conference schedule, which initially appeared formidable, has shown some cracks due to unfortunate injuries to some players around the Sun Belt.
Louisiana has been a conference threat for a long time, winning all of its meetings with Texas State. But Ragin Cajuns quarterback Walker Howard is reportedly out for the season after suffering a torn oblique in the season opener. Louisiana is 1-3 and lost 34-31 Saturday to Eastern Michigan, which Texas State defeated handily 52-27 in Week 1.
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While Texas State beat Arkansas State 41-9 in 2024, running back Ja’Quez Cross gave the Bobcats’ defense fits, running for 117 yards on 19 carries. But he tore his ACL in practice earlier this month and is out for the season. The Bobcats will face both programs in the coming weeks and are currently the only team in the Sun Belt West division with a record above .500.
That being the case, Texas State is dealing with its own health issues. Wide receiver Chris Dawn Jr. and right guard Tellek Lockette didn’t play against Nicholls State. Starting defensive end Jo’Laison Landry is out for the year and running back Torrance Burgess suffered an injury to his left lower leg during the game. When asked about Burgess’ status, Kinne said more will be known after an MRI, but that it looked grim.
Texas State is far from a finished product. Kinne understands this. He said the Bobcats were sloppy at times, dominating stretches but not for all four quarters.
“We’ve got to get healthy, then we’ve got to clean up,” Kinne said. “I think that’s 1A, 1B. I think this bye week is going to be really good for us. Those guys are tough. They played UTSA and tried to get through Arizona State, but they just weren’t able to go this week.”
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Texas State defensive end Kalil Alexander (2) holds up The Paddle after winning the Battle for the Paddle against Nicholls State at Texas State University on Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025 in San Marcos, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
A rising standard for Texas State
Before 2023, Texas State finished with a record better than .500 just once, in 2014. From 2015-22, the Bobcats never won more than four games.
In the past, starting the season 3-1 might’ve been cause for celebration. In their FCS days, beating Nicholls State and winning the Paddle Trophy would’ve been monumental considering the teams’ competitive history.
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But memories aren’t what Texas State is chasing now. Expectations have risen. Quarterback Brad Jackson led the offense to five touchdowns Saturday, but he pointed out the one drive he didn’t score as an area for improvement.
“Coming out of halftime, we weren’t able to score on the first drive,” Jackson said. “That’s something we’ve got to constantly strive for. You’ve just got to be constantly focused.”
Can Texas State win the Sun Belt? Of course it can. But looking ahead at other teams’ situations can distract from the present. So far, the Bobcats have done a good job focusing on themselves and their own standard week by week. As long as Texas State continues to improve, the results will take care of themselves.
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“We’ve got to continue to get better … we’ve got to continue to get better,” Kinne said.