Kicking, defensive issues arise for Texas State football in Week 1 loss to Texas Longhorns
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Texas State football head coach GJ Kinne didn't hold back much after Saturday's 59-7 loss to Texas.
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Sure, the Longhorns' talent was glaring. They tore through the Bobcats' defense, while their punter never left the sideline. Texas State's offense showed some signs of life against a front seven that features a couple of future NFL players. But Kinne said the mental mishaps frustrated him more than anything else.
"I can deal with physically getting beat," Kinne said. "But when you're playing someone like Texas Week 1 on the road, every time you make a (mental) mistake like that, they're going to make you pay for it."
Texas State can't afford to be as sloppy next week. It hosts UTSA in a rivalry matchup that could be a tipping point for both teams' 2026 season. Here are some takeaways from Texas State's loss:
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Defensive questions remain
Texas State underwent massive change on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Casual observers might not have known it based on the performance against Texas.
The Longhorns gathered 516 yards of offense and scored on every drive except one. Manning threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns in two-and-a-half quarters. Although Kinne said the Bobcats did some good things, some mistakes befuddled him.
Texas State head coach G.J. Kinne greets quarterback Brad Jackson ahead of the game against Texas at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sep. 5, 2026 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)"Just going out there and cutting guys loose ... guys not running the call right," Kinne said. "We got to be a more mature, disciplined team than that."
Safety Ryan Nolan provided a rare splash play, intercepting Manning to end the first half. Cornerbacks Trez Moore and Craig Royal Jr. also had solid days, despite the success of Texas wide receivers Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo (10 catches for 191 yards).
Texas State's lack of pass rush is more concerning. Edge Tymere Jackson got home on Manning once, mostly because the quarterback held the ball too long. But the inability to get pressure on Manning gave him time and confidence to air out the ball.
Special teams fiasco
Texas State kicker Dylan Cunanan lined up a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter with the Bobcats down 14-0. He wound up and sent it far left of the post. The Bobcats had another shot in the third quarter; Cunanan shanked that attempt too.
So don't blame Kinne if he stops attempting them altogether.
"You can't miss chip-shot field goals," Kinne said. "Y'all won't get mad at me when I go for it on fourth anymore, right?"
Obviously, Texas State can't abandon the kicking game. But former all-conference kicker Tyler Robles and current New Orleans Saints kicker Mason Shipley aren't coming back to San Marcos anytime soon. Although the Bobcats shouldn't quite give up on Cunanan, he's on thin ice. Michael James and Jacob Bonilla will likely have their chances in practice to earn a shot.
The Jacksons show
Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson had a second half to forget, fumbling and throwing an interception on back-to-back possessions. But for two quarters, he kept the offense moving. He finished the game with 150 passing yards, completing 15 of 23 attempts.
Jackson looked sharp, accurate, and demonstrated improved ability outside the pocket. One of his best plays of the day came in the first quarter, when he scrambled and threw a dart to running back Davian Jackson for a 24-yard gain.
Speaking of Davian Jackson, the converted wide receiver racked up 29 yards on seven carries and scored Texas State's lone touchdown. He made a case as the Bobcats' No. 1 back, although Torrance Burgess and Jaylen Jenkins had their moments. Texas had trouble covering wide receivers Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr. one-on-one, too, Kinne said.
"We give it to him the first time and boom, he comes up there and they get after him, and he keeps his legs going," Kinne said
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