In 2025, UTSA football did not host a Spring Game, fearing players would leverage their performance for larger payouts from UTSA or another program in the transfer portal. Last September, the NCAA removed the spring portal window, allowing teams to showcase their talent worry-free. As a result, the Roadrunners revived the Spring Game in 2026. Here are three takeaways from the exhibition:
Will Henderson III poised for dominant 2026
When former UTSA running back Robert Henry Jr.’s production started to dip midway through last season, Henderson stepped up, rushing for 707 yards in the Roadrunners’ final seven games. The name of the game for Henderson is his electric speed which was on full display on Saturday, as he ripped a 69-yard touchdown. Henderson, alongside junior running back A’Marion Peterson, should spearhead a dynamic Roadrunner rushing attack in 2026.
Brandon Tennison solidifies position as QB2
There’s no quarterback controversy surrounding senior Owen McCown. The redshirt senior was sidelined for the Spring Game as he recovers from surgery to repair a sports hernia, paving the way for Tennison to get the start. Tennison tossed two touchdowns to Henderson and Peterson on Saturday — both on short yardage swing passes. The freshmen quarterbacks, Max Gerlich and Maguire Gasperson, flashed in their appearances, but Tennison’s command, decision making and fluid pocket movement make him the clear choice for McCown’s backup.
Defensive improvement
Defensive coordinator Jess Loepp took a lot of heat for his unit’s performance in 2025, but the UTSA defense looked improved on Saturday. After both Tennison scores, the defense dialed in on units led by Gasperson and Gerlich, allowing only field goals to close out the contest.
UTSA made several key defensive portal additions, such as junior defensive backs Asaad Chapman and Nate Robinson Jr. along with sophomore linebacker Elijah Baldwin. It’s still early, but Saturday showed that the Roadrunners possess tons of defensive potential. Unlocking that potential is a task that lies upon Loepp’s shoulders, and it will be an instrumental factor towards an American Conference championship run.
UTSA will open up its season against The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Sept. 5 at the Alamodome.
