What Happened to UTSA Roadrunners Football?
The UTSA Roadrunners football program, established in 2011, has rapidly ascended through the collegiate ranks, transitioning from FCS to FBS and achieving significant success in Conference USA with back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. Under head coach Jeff Traylor, the team gained national recognition, leading to its move to the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2023, where it continues to compete at a high level, holding a 4-1 record as of October 8, 2026.
Quick Answer
UTSA Roadrunners Football has experienced a rapid rise since its inaugural season in 2011, culminating in back-to-back Conference USA championships in 2021 and 2022 under head coach Jeff Traylor. The program officially joined the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in July 2023, enhancing its national profile and competitive landscape. As of October 8, 2026, the Roadrunners are in their fourth season in the AAC, led by Coach Traylor, and currently hold a 4-1 overall record (1-0 in conference play) in the 2026 season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Feasibility Studies Begin
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) initiates feasibility studies for a football program, laying the groundwork for its future athletic endeavors.
Larry Coker Hired as First Head Coach
Former Miami Hurricanes national championship-winning coach Larry Coker is appointed as the inaugural head coach for the UTSA Roadrunners football program.
Inaugural Game Played
UTSA plays its first-ever football game at the Alamodome against Northeastern State, winning 31-3 in front of a program-record crowd of 56,743 fans.
Joins Conference USA (C-USA)
After a brief stint in the WAC, UTSA officially joins Conference USA, marking a significant step up in competition for the young program.
First Bowl Game Appearance
UTSA makes its first bowl game appearance, competing in the New Mexico Bowl, where they fall to New Mexico 23-20.
Jeff Traylor Hired as Head Coach
Jeff Traylor, a highly respected Texas high school coach, is hired as the third head coach of the Roadrunners, ushering in a new era of success.
Jeff Traylor Signs Extension Through 2031
Amidst a historic season and national ranking, Coach Jeff Traylor signs a 10-year, $28 million contract extension with UTSA, solidifying his long-term commitment to the program.
First Conference USA Championship
UTSA defeats Western Kentucky 49-41 to claim its first-ever Conference USA Championship, capping off a remarkable 12-2 season.
Repeats as Conference USA Champions
The Roadrunners secure their second consecutive Conference USA Championship, defeating North Texas 48-27 at the Alamodome, finishing the season 11-3.
Officially Joins American Athletic Conference (AAC)
UTSA officially transitions to the American Athletic Conference, joining five other institutions in a move that significantly elevates the university's athletic profile.
Plays in SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
UTSA participates in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, defeating FIU 57-20, extending their streak of consecutive bowl appearances.
Kicks Off 2026 Season with a Win
UTSA begins its 2026 football season with a dominant 45-16 home victory against UTRGV at the Alamodome.
Current Status in 2026 Season
As of today, UTSA holds a 4-1 overall record (1-0 in American Athletic Conference play) in the 2026 season, with a home game against South Florida scheduled for this date.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The UTSA Roadrunners football program embarked on its journey in 2011, following feasibility studies initiated in 2006 and the hiring of its first head coach, Larry Coker, in 2009. The team quickly transitioned from Division I FCS to FBS, joining the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2010 before moving to Conference USA (C-USA) in 2013. This rapid ascent laid the groundwork for future successes, demonstrating the university's commitment to building a competitive athletics program.
A significant turning point for the program came with the hiring of head coach Jeff Traylor in December 2019. Traylor, known for his deep Texas high school football roots, quickly instilled a winning culture. Under his leadership, UTSA achieved unprecedented success, securing its first-ever Conference USA Championship in 2021 and successfully defending the title in 2022. These championship seasons brought national recognition, with the Roadrunners appearing in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time in program history.
The program's growing prominence and consistent performance led to its strategic move to the American Athletic Conference (AAC). UTSA officially joined the AAC on July 1, 2023, a move that promised greater national media exposure, enhanced brand recognition, and expanded recruiting opportunities. This transition placed UTSA in a more competitive and nationally recognized conference, signaling a new era for the Roadrunners. Coach Traylor's commitment to the program was further solidified with a 10-year, $28 million contract extension through 2031, underscoring the university's long-term vision for football success.
In the 2025 season, UTSA continued its bowl game streak, participating in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on December 26, 2025, where they defeated FIU. This marked their sixth consecutive bowl appearance, showcasing the program's sustained competitiveness.
As of October 8, 2026, the UTSA Roadrunners are in their fourth season as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Under seventh-year head coach Jeff Traylor, the team has started the 2026 season with a strong 4-1 overall record, including a 1-0 start in AAC play. Today, October 8, 2026, the Roadrunners are scheduled to host South Florida in an AAC matchup at the Alamodome. The program continues to build on its foundation, aiming for further success within the competitive AAC landscape.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if UTSA Roadrunners Football made different choices?