Texas Longhorns Prepare for Season Opener Against Texas State Bobcats

The Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 5, are set to face the Texas State Bobcats in their season opener on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has highlighted the Bobcats as a team to watch, despite their lack of previous rankings in the Associated Press poll or the College Football Playoff.

Texas State, which finished the 2025 season with a 7-6 record, is entering its fourth year under head coach GJ Kinne. The team is led by sophomore quarterback Brad Jackson, who passed for 3,224 yards last season. The Bobcats are considered strong contenders in their conference, with the third-best preseason odds according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

Kinne has expressed confidence in his team's high-scoring offense, which ranked ninth nationally last season. However, Texas boasts a formidable defense, featuring preseason All-American edge-rusher Colin Simmons, and is favored by 29.5 points in the matchup. Sarkisian is emphasizing the importance of staying focused on this game before the Longhorns' upcoming clash with Ohio State.