A 37-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining lifted the Bobcats to a 20–17 victory over Utah State at UFCU Stadium.
Game facts
- Final: Texas State 20, Utah State 17
- Game date: October 24, 2026
- Decisive play: Jacob Bonilla’s 37-yard field goal with 1:56 left
- Attendance: 18,587
- Texas State record: 4–3 overall, 2–1 in Pac-12 play
Texas State football needed a composed final drive to finish its Homecoming game. After Utah State tied the score late in the fourth quarter, the Bobcats moved into field-goal range and gave Jacob Bonilla the chance to decide it. He delivered, sending the home crowd away with a 20–17 win.
The result gave Texas State its second straight Pac-12 victory. Although the offense managed 250 total yards, the Bobcats made key plays on special teams and held on through a tense final sequence. Homecoming date on the 2026 home schedule
Bonilla’s field goal caps a patient final drive
Utah State had just tied the game at 17 with about eight minutes remaining. Texas State responded with a 13-play drive that used roughly six minutes of clock. Bonilla then converted from 37 yards with 1:56 left to put the Bobcats ahead for good.
It was Bonilla’s second made field goal of the game. He also connected from 51 yards earlier in the fourth quarter, giving Texas State a 17–9 lead. For a team that scored 66 points the week before, this Homecoming win came through a more deliberate, lower-scoring effort. Texas State’s preseason roster breakdown also covered the kicking competition that included Bonilla.
Jenkins’ kickoff return gives Texas State an early spark
Special teams made an impact well before the final drive. Jaylen Jenkins returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, giving Texas State an explosive score in a game where both defenses limited the opposing offenses.
Jenkins finished with 146 kickoff-return yards on four returns. The 100-yard touchdown was the second kickoff-return score of his career, tying him for second in program history. Bonilla also converted both of his extra-point attempts.
Utah State forces a close finish
The Aggies led 9–7 at halftime after scoring six points in the first quarter and adding a second-quarter field goal. Texas State retook the lead in the third quarter when quarterback Brad Jackson ran for a 3-yard touchdown at the end of a 13-play, 78-yard drive.
Bonilla’s 51-yard field goal extended the lead to 17–9 early in the fourth. Utah State answered with a touchdown pass from Anthony Garcia to Kaina Watson and a successful two-point conversion, tying the game at 17 with about eight minutes to play.
After Bonilla’s go-ahead kick, Utah State had one final chance. Kian Afrookhteh attempted a 48-yard field goal on the last play, but the kick missed. Texas State had secured the win.
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 6 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 17 |
| Texas State | 7 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 20 |
Homecoming win adds to Texas State milestones
The Bobcats finished with 250 total yards, including 167 passing yards and 83 rushing yards. The defense held Utah State to 285 total yards and 73 rushing yards. Linebacker Treylin Payne led Texas State with nine tackles and half a sack. See the official Texas State football statistics for the full season record.
The victory moved Texas State’s all-time Homecoming record to 50–39–1. It was also head coach GJ Kinne’s 27th win at Texas State, tying him for second among the program’s Division I head coaches.
Texas State now turns to a road matchup with Boise State on October 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. CT. The Bobcats will look to carry their late-game poise into another Pac-12 test.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of Texas State vs. Utah State?
Texas State defeated Utah State 20–17 on October 24, 2026, at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos.
How did Jacob Bonilla win the game?
Bonilla made a 37-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, breaking a 17–17 tie.
Who scored Texas State’s kickoff-return touchdown?
Jaylen Jenkins returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. It was the second kickoff-return touchdown of his career.
When is Texas State’s next football game?
The Bobcats are scheduled to play Boise State on October 31, 2026, with kickoff at 9 p.m. CT.