San Antonio football fans love a good homecoming story. Honestly, who doesn't? But the journey for Richard Torres to become the Incarnate Word starting quarterback wasn't some scripted Hollywood return. It was a grind. After a high-profile stint at Nebraska, Torres found himself back in his backyard, wearing the cardinal and black, and finally getting the keys to one of the most explosive offenses in the FCS.
It’s been a long road for the Southside High School legend.
People around San Antonio still talk about his junior year in high school—1,149 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was a three-star recruit with a cannon for an arm. Then came the knee injury during his senior year. It was a brutal blow that could have derailed everything. Instead, he signed with Nebraska, heading north to Lincoln with a lot of hype and even more to prove. But sometimes the fit just isn't right. After a redshirt year in 2022 where he didn't see the field, Torres entered the transfer portal. He wanted to play. He wanted to be the guy.
Coming Home to UIW
When Torres landed at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in 2023, he wasn't immediately the starter. He had to wait. Behind guys like Zach Calzada, he watched and learned. But the talent was always there, simmering.
You saw flashes of it in 2023. Remember the McNeese game? Calzada goes down, and Torres steps in. He didn't just play; he exploded. He threw for 161 yards and three touchdowns in just the second half, leading a 28-point unanswered comeback. That performance earned him the FCS National Freshman of the Week. He followed it up with a 307-yard masterclass against Lamar.
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The 2024 season was quieter. He only threw 10 passes all year as Calzada stayed healthy and dominant. But 2025? That was the year the door swung wide open.
Winning the QB1 Job
Fall camp in 2025 was a battle. Head coach Clint Killough didn't just hand Torres the job. He had to beat out Weber State transfer Richie Munoz and the young, dual-threat EJ Colson. It wasn't just about who had the biggest arm—though at 6'4" and 225 pounds, Torres certainly fits the physical prototype. It was about leadership and "operational" efficiency.
Killough noted during the competition that Torres had a leg up because he’d already "made the mistakes" in the system. He knew the playbook inside and out. On August 14, 2025, the news finally broke: Richard Torres was named the starting quarterback for the UIW season opener against Nicholls.
Breaking Down the 2025 Season
The 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster. UIW entered the season ranked No. 4 in the FCS, and the pressure was on Torres to maintain the program's reputation as a "Quarterback U" of sorts—following in the footsteps of Cam Ward and Lindsey Scott Jr.
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The numbers tell a story of a player finding his rhythm in a high-octane system:
- Games Played: 6 starts before rotation and situational play shifted.
- Passing Yards: 806.
- Completion Percentage: 64.8%.
- Touchdowns/Interceptions: 3 TDs to 5 INTs.
Numbers don't always capture the whole picture, though. Torres showed a lot of poise, especially in a gritty 17-7 win over Lamar where he managed the game perfectly under pressure. But the transition wasn't flawless. A "disastrous" Week 0 debut and a tough outing against UTSA (a 48-20 loss) showed that the jump to a full-time starter is steep.
By mid-season, the Cardinals utilized a bit of a rotation with EJ Colson, who brought a different dynamic to the rushing attack. Despite that, Torres remained a focal point of the leadership group. He finished the season strong, helping lead UIW to a 31-10 win over Houston Christian in the finale, where the team put up 445 total yards.
Why Richard Torres Matters for UIW's Future
Torres represents a shift for UIW. For years, the program relied on "one-and-done" transfer superstars who came in for a season and left for the NFL or bigger Power 5 programs. Torres is different. He’s a local kid. He’s been in the program for years. He’s invested.
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His presence on the roster gives the Cardinals stability. While his 2025 stats might not jump off the page like Cam Ward’s once did, his ability to execute the offense and his deep connection with the San Antonio community have made him a vital part of the program's culture.
What to Expect Next
As we look toward the 2026 season, the quarterback room at UIW is going to be fascinating. Torres will be a Redshirt Senior—the veteran leader. He’s got the arm talent that pro scouts look for, but he needs to cut down on the interceptions to really make a push for the next level.
If you're following UIW football, watch for these specific developments with Torres:
- Red Zone Efficiency: The Cardinals moved the ball well in 2025 but sometimes stalled inside the 20. Torres needs to be more decisive in tight windows.
- Chemistry with Jalen Walthall: These two have shown sparks of a great connection. If they can sync up on the deep ball consistently, the Southland Conference is in trouble.
- Decision Making: Most of his 2025 interceptions came from trying to force plays that weren't there. A "take what the defense gives you" approach could see his completion percentage climb toward 70%.
The story of the Incarnate Word starting quarterback is still being written. For Richard Torres, the goal isn't just to be a starter; it's to lead his hometown team back to the FCS playoffs. He’s got the size, the experience, and the "ice-in-the-veins" moments to do it.
To keep up with Torres and the Cardinals, you should keep an eye on the official UIW Athletics site for spring ball updates and depth chart shifts. If you're local, get out to Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium. There's something special about watching a kid from Southside lead a program on the rise.
Keep an eye on the transfer portal movement this spring. While Torres is the incumbent, UIW is never shy about adding talent, and how he responds to that new competition will define his final year in San Antonio.