The 2025 college football season is set to begin with a Texas showdown as the Texas A&M Aggies welcome the UTSA Roadrunners to Kyle Field. The matchup will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2019, but it carries added intrigue this time around. In 2023, UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor was a candidate for the then-vacant head coaching job at Texas A&M, making this game a compelling storyline from both a competitive and personal standpoint.
Coming off a 7–6 season in 2024, the Roadrunners enter 2025 looking to take the next step under Traylor’s leadership. While their offense showed signs of explosiveness last year, the defense struggled to maintain consistency, particularly on the road — where all six of their losses occurred. As they head into this highly anticipated Week 1 clash, UTSA will be fielding a dramatically reworked defensive depth chart, aiming to fix last season’s shortcomings and bring more physicality and discipline to the field.
One of UTSA’s biggest strengths lies on the offensive side of the ball. The Roadrunners return a dynamic group of playmakers capable of putting up points in bunches. At quarterback, the Roadrunners are expected to rely on a strong-armed dual-threat signal caller who can extend plays and challenge Texas A&M’s secondary. Behind him, the backfield features shifty, downhill runners who are dangerous both between the tackles and in the open field. The receiving corps boasts several returning starters with speed and route-running ability, making UTSA’s offense a true multi-dimensional threat.
Defensively, UTSA’s revamped unit will be one to watch. The front seven is expected to feature several new faces, including transfers and emerging underclassmen who bring a new level of athleticism. With a heavy focus on improving pass rush and run-stopping efficiency, UTSA will look to pressure A&M’s backfield early and often. The secondary, which had its share of ups and downs last year, will rely on experienced safeties and aggressive cornerbacks to keep the Aggies’ receivers in check.
For Texas A&M, this opener is more than just a tune-up game — it’s a chance to establish dominance under head coach Mike Elko, who continues to build a physical, defense-first identity in College Station. The Aggies have talent on both sides of the ball and will be looking to make a statement early in the season.
This in-state matchup may not carry SEC playoff implications, but it offers an exciting early test for both teams. For UTSA, it’s a chance to earn a signature win and show they can compete with college football’s upper echelon. For Texas A&M, it’s about asserting their strength and beginning the season on the right foot.
Circle this one on the calendar — the Roadrunners are coming to Kyle Field with nothing to lose and plenty to prove.