The Return: UTRGV Football Is BACK!
Deep in the valley of Texas, the Vaqueros of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have been preparing for the return of their football program. A long time has passed since the last time college football was played here. The Vaqueros decided to bring back football in 2021, with the intention of starting play in 2025. The decision came after the university explored adding a football program at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. This all has come to fruition as the Vaqueros were announced as full members of the Southland Conference in July of 2024.
A lot has came and went since the announcements. Head Coach Travis Bush is a name known by many in the valley. Bush and his staff have been putting together a team that will put on a show. The Vaqueros have hit the transfer portal and found some great talent. They have also added talent from the JUCO level as well.
The Vaqueros will play its first Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football game on August 30, 2025, at home against Sul Ross State at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7 pm CT. The game can be seen on ESPN+.
Players to Watch:
- Redshirt Senior (transfer from UTSA) Quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger
- Redshirt Sophomore Offensive Lineman Thomas Domian
- Redshirt Junior (transfer from Davidson) Defensive Back Marcus Heard Jr.
- Redshirt Senior Defensive Back Elijah Graham
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com