As UTSA was preparing for its first meeting with UTRGV this week, Roadrunners coach Jeff Traylor was struck by the similarity between two fan bases that proudly represent their 210 and 956 area codes.
The Vaqueros averaged more than 12,000 fans during their inaugural season last year while selling out all eight home games, and UTRGV fans quickly gobbled up the school’s 2,500-ticket allotment for the matchup against UTSA at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Alamodome.
Whether UTRGV admits it or not, Traylor expects the Vaqueros have had their first matchup against an FBS opponent circled on the schedule.
“They’re just proud. They’re just really excited to play for their school. We’ve got to match that,” Traylor said. “Same pride for our school, our 210. Our crowd will match what their crowd’s bringing. I’m sure of that. I just want to make sure we do our part.”
READ MORE:Preview, scouting report, betting info and prediction for UTSA vs. UTRGV
Traylor said he expects the Vaqueros to ride into town with “a lot of swagger and a lot of confidence,” and plenty of them should feel right at home.
UTRGV’s roster lists 12 players from the San Antonio area, and three of the first 10 signees in the Vaqueros’ history were San Antonio natives.
“I know a lot of the guys on that team, they have a lot of San Antonio products,” safety Nate Robinson, a Warren grad, said. “It would be very shortsighted of us to go into that game underestimating them. I think they’re a very good team.”
How to watch UTSA vs. UTRGV
Matchup: UTSA (7-6 in 2025) vs. UTRGV (9-3 in 2025)
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio
TV:ESPN+
Radio: Ticket 760 AM
All-time series: First meeting
Last game: UTRGV won 44-0 vs. UT Permian Basin on Aug. 29; UTSA closed 2025 with a 57-20 win vs. FIU in the First Responder Bowl on Dec. 26
READ MORE:Karol G concert sparked dispute between UTSA, San Antonio over Alamodome access
Fan information
- Saturday’s game has been designated a Navy Out. The first 10,000 fans through the doors receive a Navy Out towel.
- Tailgating in Lots A, B and C for fans who have already purchased permits begins when lots open at 8 a.m. UTSA’s Spirit Walk begins between lots B and C at 11:45 a.m., and Alamodome doors open at 1 p.m.
Subscribe
There’s more to San Antonio with the Express-News. Subscribe today for just 25¢.
This article originally published at UTSA-UTRGV football: How to watch the Roadrunners’ 2026 season opener.
