UT Rio Grande Valley at UTSA

The decisive matchup is UTRGV’s defensive front and coverage unit against UTSA players with established 2025 production. Will Henderson III gives the Roadrunners a back who posted 866 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and another two scores as a receiver last season. AJ Wilson supplied 523 receiving yards and four touchdowns. With McCown still on the roster, UTSA has the pieces to stress a defense horizontally and vertically. UTRGV’s best answer is to win early downs, keep Henderson from creating manageable situations and make the quarterback work through tight throwing windows rather than easy, rhythm-building completions.

UTSA can take command by letting its experienced production shape the game: establish Henderson, use Wilson to punish crowded boxes and keep the quarterback out of obvious passing situations. That approach would also keep UTRGV from gaining confidence through short fields or repeated possessions. For UTRGV, control starts with patience and disruption—avoid giving UTSA extra chances, force long drives and create enough pressure to keep the passing game from settling into rhythm. The visitors do not need to match UTSA’s résumé snap for snap; they need to make the Roadrunners execute cleanly for four quarters. If UTSA stays balanced and protects the ball, its familiar playmakers can dictate the terms. If UTRGV compresses the game and turns possessions into a grind, the opener becomes much less comfortable.