| MATCHUP | Ut Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros | UTSA Roadrunners |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +28.5 -110 | -28.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +2500 | -9000 |
| Total | Over 59.5 (-110) | Under 59.5 (-110) |
| Where | Alamodome, San Antonio, TX | |
| When | Saturday, September 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 03:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
UTRGV Vaqueros Betting Preview
Texas-Rio Grande Valley did pretty well in their first year with a football team, all things considered. The Vaqueros managed a 9-3 overall record with a 5-3 run in the Southland Conference. That effort was good enough for a finish behind only Stephen F. Austin, Southeastern Louisiana and Lamar in the standings. UTRGV had a spotty 2-3 run in the middle of the season but otherwise did a nice job in the win column.
The Vaqueros already have one game in the bag this year, an opener matchup versus UTPB. In that game TX-Rio Grande Valley put up points in all four quarters during an easy 44-0 blowout shutout victory. QB Garret Rangel had 211 yards and a TD on 12-of-15 passing while Aidan Jakobsohn had 10-of-16 for 180 yards and a score. Kyran Lee led the receivers on six catches for 141 yards and a TD.
UTSA Roadrunners Betting Preview
Over on the Roadrunners’ side, they had their ups and downs in 2025 but the season ended on a high note. UTSA logged a 7-6 run overall with a 4-4 stretch in the American Conference, which gave the team a finish around the middle of the pack ahead of Temple, FAU, Rice, UAB, Tulsa and Charlotte. In the First Responder Bowl, the Roadrunners took out FIU in a blowout 57-20.
This season the Roadrunners have head coach Jeff Traylor back for his seventh year. He’ll be joined by new offensive coordinator Rick Bowie. He’ll get veteran QB Owen McCown back, as well as a very talented Will Henderson at RB. The offensive line retains a ton of experience, so UTSA should be able to score points right out of the gate. Unfortunately, there were a lot of departing players to replace on defense, so we’ll see how that unit performs.
Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros @ UTSA Roadrunners Betting Trends: Week 1
Why the UTSA Roadrunners will win
- UTSA has won 31 of its last 34 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Alamodome.
- UTSA has covered the spread in five of its last six games as a home favorite against teams from Texas.
Why the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros will win
- The underdog has won four of UTSA’s last six games at Alamodome.
- UTSA has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five home openers as a favorite.
Total Points Facts
- Each of UTSA’s last 10 games at Alamodome have gone OVER the total points line.
UTSA Roadrunners Player Prop Facts
- Will Henderson III ranked 9th amongst qualified players for Yards Per Carry (6.9) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- UTSA ranked T12th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (19.0).
- UTSA ranked 126th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game last season (15.7).
UTRGV vs UTSA Prediction
I was going to stick with UTSA but I think the line is generous enough for the Vaqueros. The Roadrunners should be set up pretty well on offense. The defensive side of the ball however, is a question mark. UTSA had to replace their top five tacklers from last year but there are a few key names like Tai Leonard and Owen Pewee back in the fold. Big games this year include Navy at home and road trips to Tulane, UAB, Rice and FAU.
As for UTRGV, they blasted UTPB in their opener to the tune of 675 yards (404 passing), 8.2 yards per play and 29 first downs. The Vaqueros’ only real mistakes in the game were two lost fumbles. The defense played great as well with just 165 yards allowed. That big win will provide some confidence ahead of this matchup.