What is college football without rivalries? Regardless of program size, age or success, each school has a rival that triggers feelings of hatred within the souls of its fanbase. Though UTSA football was established a short 13 years ago, they have made some bitter enemies as they have ascended in the ranks of Group of Five programs.
- The University of Incarnate Word
Anytime you share a city with another collegiate football program, you will automatically become rivals. The Cardinals and the ‘Runners have only played once, with Incarnate Word visiting the Alamodome in 2019 where they were handed a 35-7 pounding. Round two of this matchup will take place in 2025 as the Cardinals return to the Alamodome, likely aiming to cover the spread this time around.
- The University of Houston
This rivalry has been reignited in recent years, as the Roadrunners and the Cougars met in back-to-back week one matchups in 2022 and 2023. Both games ended in heartbreak for UTSA, with the ‘Runners losing both games by a combined five points. It’s a rivalry that fans of both teams seem to enjoy and that both programs have expressed interest in renewing. Even if Houston has had the upper hand in recent years, UTSA fans will always have the road upset win in 2014 to hold near and dear to their hearts.
- The University of Texas
Times are changing in the world of Texas college football. The Roadrunners are slowly growing out of the “little sister” label that UT fans love to place on them. Although they have only played once, fans will remember that UTSA was tied with UT at the end of the first half in 2022, just don’t ask about the second half.
- The University of North Texas
Remember how earlier we mentioned the feeling of pure disgust that certain rivals conjure up out of fans? This is that rival. The vomit-green-wearing Eagles have been a thorn in the side of the Roadrunners since 2013, even though North Texas didn’t pick up their first win in the series until 2015. UTSA leads the series currently and has won four out of the last five matchups against the Mean Green; the lone loss being the infamous 45-23 embarrassment to spoil the Roadrunners’ undefeated 2021 regular season.
- Texas State University
You would think that after losing five straight times to the same team, the word rivalry would feel like a reach, yet here we are. To their credit, the Bobcats finally broke through in 2024, claiming their first victory in the series with a 49-10 blowout win over the Roadrunners. The reason this rivalry takes the number one spot on this list is because Texas State is the owner of the most obnoxious fan base of the teams listed. For better or for worse, the I-35 rivalry is here to stay. UTSA is scheduled to play Texas State every year for the next seven years.
