UTRGV football suffered its first loss of the 2026 season, falling 45-16 against UTSA at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Saturday afternoon. This game marked the first time the Vaqueros faced a FBS opponent in program history.

UTRGV's defense held firm in the first quarter, allowing a single touchdown to keep the score 7-0. From then on, the Roadrunners took control of the game on the both sides of the ball, scoring 24 points to make it 31-6 at the half.

Fifth year quarterback Garret Rangel got the start for the Vaqueros, going 19 for 32 for 152 passing yards. Junior quarterback Aiden Jakobson also shared the reps with Rangel, going 6 for 11 for 91 yards and two interceptions. Junior quarterback Atzel Chavez Jr. saw action in the fourth quarter, scoring the lone Vaqueros touchdown with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game.

Spencer Rich and Jaiden Haygood led the team on the defensive side of the ball, stacking 10 and seven tackles, respectively.

UTRGV now turns the page to begin Southland Conference play next Saturday on the road against Nicholls. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. at John L. Guidry Stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana.