Texas State Reloads with Smart Portal Moves Ahead of Pac-12 Jump
GJ Kinne made it clear throughout the 2025 season: the goal in San Marcos wasn’t to chase headlines in the transfer portal, but to build continuity and keep the core intact. That’s easier said than done in today’s college football world, where rosters turn over faster than ever. Still, while Texas State didn’t go all-in like it did with last year’s 38-transfer haul, the Bobcats were strategic, adding 18 players to plug key holes and bring much-needed experience as they prepare for a leap into the Pac-12 in 2026.
The Bobcats got a boost early when running backs Greg Burrell and Jaylen Jenkins reversed course after entering the portal and opted to return. Quarterback Brad Jackson is also back, along with his top receiving duo, giving Texas State some firepower at the skill spots. But the real work came in the trenches - and that’s where this transfer class could make the biggest difference.
Trench Warfare: Rebuilding from the Inside Out
Texas State’s defensive line took a big hit this offseason - not just from player departures, but also with the exit of position coach Mike O’Guin. The losses were significant: Kamren Washington, Jordan Sanders, and Devarrick Woods, three of the most productive returning linemen, all moved on. That left a gaping hole up front.
The response? A complete overhaul of the interior.
The Bobcats added three true defensive tackles: Kaleb James (Arkansas), Chancellor Owens (Arizona), and Tae Woody (Louisiana-Monroe). They also brought in a trio of edge players - Mekhi Buchanan (Virginia), Jason Patterson (Texas Southern), and Phillip Bradford (McNeese) - who are expected to shift inside, giving the unit more versatility.
Woody looks like the early favorite to make an impact. The redshirt junior logged 220 snaps for ULM last season, registering 13 tackles and eight pressures.
Owens, a senior, showed flashes at Northwestern State before transferring to Arizona, where he struggled to crack the rotation. James, also a redshirt junior, was buried on the depth chart at Arkansas but brings SEC-level size and upside.
On the offensive line, the Bobcats had to replace longtime left tackle Dorion Strawn, plus center Brock Riker and right guard Tellek Lockette, who both entered the portal. That’s three starters gone - and a lot of experience out the door.
To fill the void, Texas State turned to proven veterans. Rasheed Jackson (TCU), Jaylen Early (Missouri), and William Boone (North Carolina) all bring Power Five experience and are either seniors or redshirt seniors. While the Bobcats have some young talent waiting in the wings, this trio adds stability and leadership to a unit that will be critical in their first Pac-12 campaign.
Secondary Gets a Shake-Up
After a tough year defensively, Texas State made changes to the coaching staff, bringing in Will Windham as defensive coordinator and Marcus Patton to oversee the secondary. That reset came at the right time, with top cornerback Jaden Rios graduating and Khamari Terrell transferring to Washington State.
The Bobcats return some intriguing young talent in Craig Royal Jr., Cordarian Powell, and Christopher Jones, but none are proven commodities yet. So the staff went out and added experience.
Dexter Ricks Jr. (Liberty) and Michael Patterson III (Stephen F.
Austin) both bring multiple years of starting experience. Patterson, in particular, stood out last season, earning a 75.9 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus while defending five passes as a slot corner.
He didn’t record an interception, but his ability to stick with receivers and limit big plays was a bright spot on a stingy SFA defense.
Texas State also added John Smith, a redshirt freshman from Colorado State, who brings length and developmental upside to the secondary.
Filling the Gaps Across the Roster
Beyond the trenches and secondary, the Bobcats made a few more targeted additions to round out the roster.
At linebacker, where three players graduated, they brought in Jordan Sample and Javante Mackey from Arkansas State. Sample is a redshirt junior, while Mackey adds veteran depth as a redshirt senior.
Quarterback depth was another quiet need. With Keldric Luster and Holden Gernier both transferring out, Boston College sophomore Shaker Resig steps in to compete behind Gavin Parkhurst. Resig saw limited action in 2025, throwing for 141 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, but he gives the QB room another live arm.
Special teams weren’t ignored either. With kicker Tyler Robles transferring to Washington after a strong season, Toledo’s Dylan Cunanan comes in to take over the job. Cunanan has a career long of 54 yards and has hit 23 of his 32 field goal attempts over two seasons - solid production that should keep the kicking game steady.
In and Out: A Snapshot of the Roster Movement
Here’s a breakdown of the key incoming transfers and notable departures:
Incoming Transfers:
- DL Mekhi Buchanan (Virginia): 20 tackles, 1.5 TFL in 2023; limited action since due to injury
- QB Shaker Resig (Boston College): 141 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs in 2025
- DL Kaleb James (Arkansas): 3 tackles in 12 games
- DL Chancellor Owens (Arizona): 2 tackles, 0.5 sacks; previously played at Northwestern State
- DL Tae Woody (ULM): 13 tackles, 8 pressures in 2025
- DL Jason Patterson (Texas Southern): 17 pressures, 1 sack in 2025
- DB John Smith (Colorado State): Redshirt freshman
- DB Michael Patterson III (Stephen F. Austin): 5 PBUs, 75.9 coverage grade in 2025
- OL Rasheed Jackson (TCU), Jaylen Early (Missouri), William Boone (UNC): Veteran additions to the O-line
- LB Jordan Sample & Javante Mackey (Arkansas State): Depth at linebacker
- K Dylan Cunanan (Toledo): 23-for-32 FG, long of 54 yards
- WR Zechariah Sample (Arizona State)
Departures:
- DL Kamren Washington: 15 pressures, 1 sack, 15 tackles
- DB Javis Mynatt: 32 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- K Tyler Robles: 21-for-23 FG
- WRs L.J. Johnson Jr., Tiaquelin Mims, Julius Spencer
- QBs Keldric Luster, Holden Gernier
- DE Tymere Jackson: 32 tackles, 2.5 sacks
- DLs Kyran Bourda, Amipeleasi Langi Jr., Charlie Leota
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t a flashy portal cycle for Texas State - and that’s by design. Kinne and his staff focused on precision, not volume.
The goal was to patch holes, add leadership, and prepare for the elevated competition of the Pac-12. With key returners at the skill positions and a retooled roster in the trenches and secondary, the Bobcats are positioning themselves to compete - not just survive - in their new conference home.