2026 American Preseason Previews: UTSA Roadrunners

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2025 record: 7-6 (4-4 American)

2025 postseason: defeated FIU in First Responder Bowl, 57-20

UTSA football established a winning culture the instant head coach Jeff Traylor arrived in 2020. Traylor has now spent six years at the helm, and every season resulted in a positive record. This tenure has featured plenty of firsts in UTSA history — their first Conference USA championships in 2021 and 2022, as well as their first bowl wins in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

But one milestone still missing from the Traylor era is the program’s first American Conference Championship appearance. UTSA possesses several advantages which make this a realistic goal in 2026. The Roadrunners have coaching staff and quarterback stability that many programs in the American lack. They are also nearly indestructible at home, faring 25-1 in conference games at the Alamodome under Traylor — notably handling a College Football Playoff-bound Tulane squad in the venue last October.

After consecutive 7-6 finishes, how can the Roadrunners be that College Football Playoff-bound team? The formula is clear. It starts with better results in non-conference play and figuring out the recurring woes on the road.

Staff

Jeff Traylor prepares for year seven on campus. He owns the American’s longest active coaching tenure, entering his fourth year in the league. In his previous three years in the American, Traylor’s pinnacle of success occurred in 2023, where he fell one November win short of qualifying for the conference championship.

Traylor’s staff features strong continuity. Defensive coordinator/safeties Jess Loepp enters his seventh year on staff and fifth as coordinator. Run game coordinator/offensive line coach Kurt Traylor (Jeff’s younger brother), assistant head coach/cornerbacks coach Nick Graham, special teams coordinator/nickels coach Zach Brown, and pass game specialist/quarterbacks coach Dr. Pavit Patel are also preparing for year seven as members of Traylor’s inaugural staff.

Tight ends coach Hunter Rittimann predates them all. The 31-year old prepares for his ninth season at UTSA, earning his first opportunity at offensive play-calling in the Roadrunners’ 57-20 bowl win over FIU. Despite Rittimann’s bowl game success, the Roadrunners hired offensive coordinator Rick Bowie as their chief play-caller for 2026. Bowie guided WKU’s air raid-based offense in 2025, leading the Hilltoppers to the No. 1 scoring offense in the CUSA (29.5 points per game). He will replace former offensive coordinator Justin Burke, who accepted a position as tight ends coach on Will Stein’s staff at Kentucky in January.

Other new staff members include wide receivers coach DeNarius McGhee (arriving from Utah State) and outside linebackers coach Colyn Givens. Givens is in his second stint with the program after a one-year pit stop at SMU as an assistant defensive line coach. He replaces Jermial Ashley, a fifth-year staffer who moves from coaching the outside linebackers to the defensive line.

Offense

• Key arrivals: RB Brandon High Jr., WR TJ West, WR James Madison II, TE Miles Campbell, TE Brandon Young Jr., OT Ibrahim Kebe, OT MJ Senegal
• Key departures: RB Robert Henry Jr., WR Devin McCuin, WR Willie McCoy, TE Houston Thomas, TE Patrick Overmyer, TE Dan Dishman, G Trevor Timmons, OT Kamar Missouri
• Key incumbents: QB Owen McCown, RB Will Henderson III, RB A’Marion Peterson, WR David Amador II, WR AJ Wilson, WR DJ Allen, WR Jamel Hardy, C Ben Rios, G Darrell Jones, OT Deandre Marshall

UTSA fielded one of the more formidable offenses in the American last year, ranking among the nation’s top 30 in both yards and points per game. The Roadrunners retain six starters from this unit, and they’re the only team in the American that will start the same quarterback for a third-consecutive year.

Owen McCown is chasing icon status in San Antonio. He engineered all three bowl victories in program history and has committed to writing a legacy at UTSA rather than accept offers elsewhere. He fired for 3,424 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on a 63.0 completion rate in 2024, before posting 2,995 yards, 30 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on improved 67.6 accuracy in 2025. The extent of McCown’s potential was on full display last October when he finished 31-of-33 with 370 yards and four touchdowns on a playoff-caliber Tulane defense.

One area where McCown can take another step is his rushing ability. The veteran quarterback dealt with nagging injuries last fall, and it showed as his rushing total dipped from 340 yards to 24 from 2024 to 2025, but he enters the upcoming campaign with a cleaner slate of health.

The run game will primarily be anchored by Will Henderson III, who showed signs of a breakout late in the season. As a redshirt freshman, Henderson generated 866 rushing yards on a 6.9 average, posting 185 and 146 in consecutive November games on increased reps. Despite impressive numbers, he spent most of the season as a second fiddle to Robert Henry Jr., but there shouldn’t be much adjustment to an RB1 role. Taking on RB2 duties is likely Brandon High Jr., a boomerang transfer who accrued 495 rushing yards and eight touchdowns with the Roadrunners in 2024 before spending one season at Cal. A’Marion Peterson also returns to the backfield after ranking third on the team in rushing a year ago, giving UTSA one of the most experienced running back rooms in the American.

UTSA also carries over substantial experience in its receiver group. Devin McCuin is off to Ohio State after leading the Roadrunners in receptions in consecutive years, but starters David Amador II and AJ Wilson are back in the fold. Wilson thrived as a deep threat in 2025 with 528 yards on 31 receptions, while Amador performed best as a possession receiver, capitalizing in short-yardage situations to the tune of 443 yards on 45 catches. DJ Allen and Jamel Hardy are among other receivers who could also absorb McCuin’s production, as are transfers TJ West (Texas Tech) and James Madison II (Missouri).

Tight end has been an integral component of UTSA’s offense in the Traylor era, and this is the position with the most question marks. Houston Thomas and Patrick Overmyer both transferred and Dan Dishman graduated, wiping out virtually all tight end production from a year ago. UTSA tested the transfer market and acquired former 4-star recruit Miles Campbell — a former Tennessee commit who navigated through the FCS ranks — and North Texas transfer Brandon Young Jr.

The offensive line remains 60 percent intact after the return of center Ben Rios, right guard Darrell Jones, and right tackle Deandre Marshall — three players that blocked for a rushing attack which ranked 27th nationally with 5.01 yards per carry. Additionally, the Roadrunners return tackle Jaylen Garth who started nine games in 2024 and four in 2025 before missing the majority of last year due to injury. Leading candidates for the opening at guard are Devron Williams Jr. and Davion Hurth, while other tackles that could see playing time include Jonah Miller or transfers Ibrahim Kebe (Ohio) and MJ Senegal (Colorado State).

Defense

• Key arrivals: DE Jeremiah Bailey, DE Trey Fite, OLB Elijah Baldwin, OLB Dylan Spencer, OLB Archie Chambers, CB Asaad Chapman, FS Nate Robinson Jr., FS Joel Rogers, SS Xavier Walton
• Key departures: DE Kenny Ozowalu, DE Jon Jones, DT Chidera Otutu, ILB Shad Banks Jr., OLB Kendrick Blackshire, OLB Vic Shaw, OLB Nnanna Anyanwu, CB KK Meier, CB Davin Martin, FS Tyan Milton, SS Jimmy Wyrick, SS Jermarius Lewis
• Key incumbents: DE Tai Leonard, DT Jameian Buxton, ILB Brandon Tucker Jr., ILB Owen Pewee, ILB James Walley Jr., OLB Camron Cooper, OLB Bryce Grays, CB Ahamad Chapman, CB Jakevian Rodgers

UTSA defensive coordinator Jess Loepp remains in San Antonio for his seventh year, yet coaching stability isn’t preventing the Roadrunners from undergoing major turnover on that side of the ball. Last fall, they had zero returning primary starters. This year, they have two — linebacker Owen Pewee and defensive end Tai Leonard.

Leonard started nine games on the defensive line and racked up 16 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Jameian “Big Baby” Buxton, a 6’2”, 325-pound defensive tackle, also offers experience on the line after starting four games and registering 14 tackles. Defensive end Johnny Bowens III returns for his third year on campus and could see an expanded role, but most of the other key contributors up front are from the transfer portal.

Jeremiah Bailey was an all-conference defensive end in the FCS at Eastern Kentucky where he recorded six sacks in 38 games. Other defensive end additions include fifth-year senior Trey Fite (Louisiana) and redshirt freshman Eddy Smith (Texas Tech), who arrive with varying levels of experience. One transfer to watch on the interior is Jusiah Sampleton, who starred at Colorado State-Pueblo in the Division II ranks.

Pewee is back to lead a somewhat experienced linebacking corps. Pewee previously played the money backer position (a hybrid linebacker/safety role) but is expected to shift to one of the inside linebacker spots in Loepp’s 3-4 defense. Also manning an inside linebacker spot is Brandon Tucker Jr., who ranked fifth on the team in tackles (39) in 2025 and first among returning Roadrunners. Tucker will be tasked with replacing First Team All-American Conference selection Shad Banks Jr. — UTSA’s do-everything linebacker who led the team in tackles, interceptions, and fumble recoveries a year ago.

James Walley Jr. and Bryce Grays also return to the linebacker room with meaningful game experience. Walley is the team’s returning leader in tackles for loss (5.5) and ended the year strong with arguably his best performance in the First Responder Bowl. Grays, who accumulated 22 tackles last fall, potentially slides into Pewee’s money backer role.

Also returning to the room is 2025 Week 1 starting outside linebacker Camron Cooper, who suffered a season-ending left knee injury in the first half of the opener at Texas A&M. With Cooper’s readiness still in question, UTSA emphasized outside linebacker in the transfer portal this offseason. Elijah Baldwin (UTEP), Dylan Spencer (Texas Tech), and Archie Chambers (Copiah-Lincoln Community College) all move to the Alamo City to elevate the pass rush and run defense. The 6’7”, 230-pound Baldwin has the most experience among the three, totaling 3.5 sacks last year at UTEP.

Although UTSA is bringing in a slew of outside linebackers, the secondary is the position group with the most transfer influence after losing all four starters (three to the portal). Cornerback Jakevian Rodgers (two starts in 2025) offers the most returning production after notching 23 tackles and four pass breakups. Fellow corner Ahamad Chapman also showcased his ballhawking skills toward the end of the year, picking off a pass, forcing a fumble, and recovering a fumble all in five games of action. His twin brother Asaad Chapman also joins the corner room after checking in as the No. 3 JUCO recruit in the country per 247Sports.

The new safeties are former small-school superstars. Marist transfer Nate Robinson Jr. was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award which is given to the top defensive player in the FCS, while Angelo State transfer Xavier Walton Jr. earned All-American honors at the Division II level.

Much more success has been witnessed on the offensive side of the ball throughout the Traylor era. UTSA has ranked top 40 in scoring offense every year since 2021, yet it hasn’t cracked the top 60 in scoring defense. However, the biggest problem wasn’t exactly getting burned in coverage or not fitting the run. It’s discipline. UTSA accumulated the third-most penalty yardage per game in the country in 2024 and seventh-most in 2025. Cleaning up those yellow flags could be the difference between another 7-6 season and a conference championship run.

Special Teams

• Key arrivals: LS William Hodges
• Key departures: KR/PR Elliott Brow
• Key incumbents: K Michael Petro, P Caile Hogan, KR Mekhi Anderson, KR Will Henderson III, PR David Amador II

UTSA returns most of its key special teams contributors. Michael Petro is back after hitting an efficient 17-of-20 field goals as a redshirt freshman, although he never attempted a kick longer than 45 yards. Caile Hogan returns after ranking second among American punters with a 45.7 average.

Mekhi Anderson held primary kick return duties and recorded 130 yards on six attempts, and he’s another Roadrunner remaining on the 2026 roster. Additionally, David Amador II fielded the majority of punts in 2025 and continues to don the blue and orange.

With the starting kicker and punter and both primary return specialists staying seated in San Antonio, there aren’t many notable losses. While the core personnel is all back, the Roadrunners must improve their return game as well as their own coverage efforts. They ranked 122nd in kickoff return average and 100th in punt return average, but defending returns was arguably more concerning — finishing 101st and 117th in opponent kick return and punt return average, respectively. UTSA surrendered three total special teams touchdowns last season, and improvement must be witnessed in this facet of the game.

Schedule and outlook

* denotes non-conference game

UTSA must address the same issues that plagued it in years prior. One, the Roadrunners must start stronger in non-conference play. They own a 4-9 record against FBS non-conference opponents since 2022, and all four victories were close calls in games they were considerable favorites. Two, UTSA must solve its road struggles. The powers of the Alamodome are well-documented, as UTSA dominated the likes of 11-3 Tulane and 9-4 East Carolina in the venue last season. But the head-scratching road losses continue to pile up, and the Roadrunners are 2-10 on the road since 2024 (wins over 2-10 Colorado State and 1-11 Charlotte last season).

That being said, the Week 2 Texas State game can set the tone for the season. The Battle of I-35 Rivalry continues to blossom as one of college football’s newest rivalries, and it’s a golden opportunity for UTSA to (1) get revenge on a rival after two-straight losses, (2) fix the recurring non-conference struggles, and (3) learn how to win on the road.

The other non-conference road matchup at Texas could be an uphill battle, but UTSA hopes to spur an upset through its vast quarterback experience and explosive offensive play. Rounding out the out-of-conference slate is the second leg of the home-and-home series with Colorado State. This time, the Rams travel to the Alamodome under new head coach Jim Mora Jr.

UTSA opens American play at Rice, but a significant matchup awaits one week later. South Florida, which dismantled the Roadrunners 55-23 last season, pays a visit to San Antonio for a nationally-televised Thursday night matchup — a golden opportunity to quickly gain ground in the conference standings. That USF game kicks off the Roadrunners’ most challenging stretch of conference play, with Navy and Tulane waiting on the schedule the following weeks.

After a Halloween bye, four opponents remain on the schedule and three missed bowl games last year. UTSA visits Florida Atlantic and UAB in November while hosting a heavily-refurbished North Texas team and Tulsa. If UTSA’s experience and continuity prevail, the Roadrunners can add the American Conference Championship Game to its schedule in early December.

Owen McCown returns and keeps improving over time. Will Henderson III has proven to be explosive. The wide receiving corps and offensive line retain several starters and key contributors from 2025. The offensive foundation is in place, and the unit is structured for another successful season. The question is whether the defense, special teams, and discipline can improve enough to elevate UTSA from a solid bowl team to a championship contender.

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