Honestly, if you’re a fan of San Antonio football, you’ve probably spent the last few months riding a bit of a roller coaster. We just watched Jeff Traylor lead the guys to a 7-6 finish in 2025, capped off by that absolute blowout of FIU in the First Responder Bowl. 57-20? Yeah, that felt like the Roadrunners we know. But now, all eyes are shifting to the UTSA Roadrunners football schedule for 2026, and let me tell you, it is a monster.
We aren't just talking about a couple of regional rivalries anymore. The 2026 season is basically a "prove it" year for the program. The American Athletic Conference (AAC) has officially dropped the framework for the year, and Traylor is already tweaking the staff, bringing in Rick Bowie as the new offensive coordinator and DeNarius McGhee to coach the wide receivers.
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The energy is high, but the road is steep.
The Non-Conference Gauntlet: UTRGV to Austin
The 2026 non-conference schedule is sort of a masterclass in Texas football politics and geography. It kicks off with something brand new. On September 5, 2026, UTSA will host the UTRGV Vaqueros for their season opener. It’s a historic moment—the first-ever meeting between these two South Texas programs. If you don't think the Alamodome is going to be rocking for that one, you haven't been paying attention.
But then things get real. Fast.
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- September 12: The Roadrunners head up I-35 to San Marcos. The "Battle for I-35" against Texas State is never just another game. After a tough loss to the Bobcats in 2025, revenge is definitely on the menu.
- September 19: This is the big one. UTSA travels to Austin to face the Texas Longhorns. We know the history here—Jeff Traylor’s ties to the 40 Acres and the sheer David vs. Goliath vibe of the matchup.
- September 26: To wrap up the out-of-conference slate, Colorado State comes to San Antonio. It’s the return leg of the home-and-home, and after UTSA squeaked out a 17-16 win in Fort Collins last year, expect the Rams to arrive with a chip on their shoulder.
Navigating the AAC Schedule
The conference schedule is where the grind really happens. The AAC has moved to a model where no team plays at the same away site two years in a row, which is great for fans who like to travel.
In 2026, the Roadrunners get a decent split. They’ll be hosting Navy, North Texas, South Florida, and Tulsa. Having South Florida and North Texas at home is huge. Those are games that usually decide who sits at the top of the conference standings.
On the flip side, the road dates are brutal. UTSA has to travel to Florida Atlantic, Rice, Tulane, and UAB. Going to New Orleans to play Tulane is never easy, especially with the Green Wave consistently reloading their roster.
Who is Stepping Up?
You can't talk about the UTSA Roadrunners football schedule without talking about the guys actually playing the games. We’re looking at a roster transition. Owen McCown is the veteran presence now. He’s got the arm and the pedigree, and with another year under his belt, the expectation is for him to truly own this offense.
Defensively, it’s about replacing the production of guys like Shad Banks Jr. The "210 Triangle of Toughness" isn't just a slogan; it’s how they recruit. Keep an eye on the younger safeties and the defensive line rotation. They’ll need that depth when they're staring down the Longhorns' offensive line in late September.
Why 2026 Matters More Than Most
There’s a feeling around San Antonio that the "honeymoon phase" of the Traylor era has transitioned into the "expectation phase." The back-to-back 7-6 seasons in 2024 and 2025 were fine—they ended in bowl wins, sure—but this fan base has tasted 11 and 12-win seasons. They want back in the AAC Championship conversation.
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The 2026 schedule provides the platform. If UTSA can split the Texas State/Texas/Colorado State stretch and then run the table at home in conference play, they are right back in the Top 25 conversation. It’s a tall order. But then again, this is a program that was built on being the underdog.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Lock in Season Tickets Early: The UTRGV opener and the Colorado State game are going to be high-demand.
- Monitor the Portal: With Rick Bowie taking over the offense, watch for late additions at tight end and receiver to fit his specific vertical scheme.
- Travel Planning: If you're going to one road game, make it the Texas game in Austin on Sept 19. The atmosphere will be electric, and it's the shortest trip of the big away dates.
- Watch the Defensive Line: The 2026 schedule features several run-heavy teams (Army, Navy). UTSA’s success hinges on their ability to rotate bodies up front without losing leverage.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a defining chapter for the Roadrunners. Between the massive non-conference matchups and a balanced AAC slate, the path to a conference title is clear, if not exactly easy. It's time to see if the "Triangle of Toughness" can hold up against the toughest schedule in program history.