West Texas A&M university football isn’t just another Division II program lost in the sprawling plains of the Panhandle. Honestly, if you haven’t been paying attention to Canyon lately, you’ve missed a total offensive revolution. While the blue bloods of the SEC hog the national spotlight, the Buffaloes just finished a 2025 campaign where they basically turned every Saturday into a track meet, leading all of NCAA Division II in total offense.
It’s wild.
We’re talking about a team that averaged over 37 points and nearly 490 yards per game last season. Under head coach Josh Lynn, who’s now entering his fourth year in 2026, the program has shed its "middle-of-the-pack" skin. They finished 8-4 in 2025, capped off by a gritty 28-27 win over Arkansas Tech in the Heritage Bowl. But the record only tells half the story. The real meat is in how they’re doing it and why the 2026 season is shaping up to be a legitimate title hunt.
The Martinez Factor and the Air Raid 2.0
Most people get it wrong when they think DII football is just "three yards and a cloud of dust" run schemes. At WT, it’s the exact opposite. Quarterback RJ Martinez didn't just play well in 2025; he led the entire country in passing. He threw for 4,122 yards and 36 touchdowns, completing over 66% of his passes.
When you watch the Buffs at First United Field, you’re seeing a pro-spread system that stretches defenses until they literally snap. Martinez has this uncanny ability to extend plays with his legs—he actually led the team with 8 rushing touchdowns too—before launching a 50-yard bomb to guys like Jayden Hibbler or Zorian Stanton.
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It’s high-risk, high-reward, and incredibly fun to watch. In 2025, they had games where they put up 58 points on Western New Mexico and 56 on Sul Ross State. If the defense can just get a few more stops in 2026, this team isn't just a bowl contender; they’re a playoff lock.
The House That Buffalo Built: Bain-Schaeffer Stadium
You can't talk about West Texas A&M university football without mentioning where they play. For years, the Buffs played at Kimbrough Memorial, which was fine, but it was off-campus and felt a bit detached. That changed in 2019.
Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium is, quite frankly, a crown jewel of DII sports. It seats about 8,500 in the stands, but with the grass berms and standing room, they can squeeze in 12,000 people. It’s loud. It’s intimate. It’s right in the heart of the campus.
The atmosphere there has turned into a massive recruiting tool. Think about it: if you’re a high school star from Texas or Oklahoma, do you want to play in a crumbling stadium from the 70s, or a modern facility that was literally selected to host the 2025 through 2027 NJCAA National Championships? The fact that the NJCAA chose Canyon to host their title game on ESPNU says everything you need to know about the quality of this venue.
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Rivalries That Actually Mean Something
College football is nothing without spite. In the Lone Star Conference (LSC), that spite is localized in two specific directions:
- The Wagon Wheel: This is the big one. The rivalry with Eastern New Mexico University. It’s one of the oldest in the region, and since 1986, they’ve played for a literal wagon wheel. WT has kept that wheel in Canyon for two straight years now, most recently beating the Greyhounds 43-14 in 2025.
- The Highway 287 Challenge: This is more of a trophy-based rivalry with Midwestern State. It covers all sports, but football is the engine that drives it.
- The New Guard: Watch out for the games against Central Washington and UT Permian Basin. UTPB made a deep playoff run recently, and Central Washington is currently the defending LSC champ. These are the games that will decide if WT makes the jump from "good" to "elite" in 2026.
From Canyon to the NFL
There's a common misconception that DII players don't make it to the league. West Texas A&M's history begs to differ. We aren't talking about obscure benchwarmers, either.
Ever heard of Mercury Morris? Three-time Pro Bowler and a key part of the undefeated '72 Dolphins. He's a Buff. What about Duane Thomas, who helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI? Also a Buff. Even in more recent years, guys like Bryan Braman, Charly Martin, and Dustin Vaughan have made NFL rosters.
The program has a weirdly strong connection to professional wrestling, too. Legends like Stan Hansen, The Funk Brothers (Terry and Dory Jr.), and "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes all played football at WT. There’s something in the water in Canyon that just produces tough, high-motor athletes.
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What to Expect in 2026: The Road Ahead
The 2026 schedule is already out, and it’s a gauntlet. They open on August 27th against Western Colorado, a team that knocked them off at the start of last year. Then they’ve got a massive road trip to Allendale, Michigan, to play Grand Valley State—one of the winningest programs in DII history.
Key 2026 Matchups
- Sept 3 at Grand Valley State: This is the ultimate litmus test. If the Buffs win this, they’ll be ranked in the Top 10 nationally.
- Oct 17 at Eastern New Mexico: The Wagon Wheel game is in Portales this year. It's always a hostile environment.
- Nov 14 vs Central Washington: The regular-season finale. This could very well be for the Lone Star Conference title.
Coach Lynn has the most LSC wins the program has seen since 2012. He’s got a Heisman-caliber (well, Harlon Hill-caliber in DII terms) quarterback in Martinez. The offensive line is maturing. Basically, all the ingredients are there.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Students
If you're looking to get involved with West Texas A&M university football this year, here’s the smart way to do it:
- Get the Berm Tickets: If you’re on a budget, the berm seating is actually the best vibe in the stadium. Bring a blanket, sit on the grass, and you’re right on top of the action.
- Watch the NIL Exchange: WT has been proactive with their NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) portal. Supporting local businesses that partner with players is how this program stays competitive with bigger schools.
- Follow the LSC Digital Network: Can't make it to Canyon? The LSC streams almost everything. It’s way better quality than the old-school public access feeds you might expect.
The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride. Whether they can turn that #1 ranked offense into a national championship remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they won't be boring. Check the official athletics site at GoBuffsGo.com for the latest roster updates and ticket blocks before the Western Colorado opener.