Statement Made: UTRGV routs Permian Basin, stays perfect at home

EDINBURG — There were plenty of questions surrounding UTRGV’s offense entering the 2026 season.

The Vaqueros entered the offseason tasked with replacing their top passer and rusher, both of whom graduated, while also looking to replace their top two receivers, who left the program via the transfer portal.

Week 0 answered some of those questions for the Valley’s team, with the offense erupting for 675 total yards and five touchdowns en route to a 44-0 blowout victory over UT Permian Basin on Saturday at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg.

“We challenged the guys to come out and uphold the standard they started this program with,” UTRGV head coach Travis Bush said. “The way we played and protected, we got a standard we have to uphold here. The way we came out fast. It got hard for a minute, but we were able to take care of business. Just proud of this group and blessed to be 1-0.”

One of the biggest questions about the offense in Year 2 came from behind center, with graduate student Garret Rangel and junior Aiden Jakobsohn battling for the QB1 spot.

Jakobsohn got the first nod at the position in Week 0, leading the offense on a five-play, 72-yard drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Kyran Lee to open the season.

While the junior got the start, Rangel entered the game during UTRGV’s third drive, leading the team 92 yards down the field in just four plays, finished by a 29-yard touchdown pass to Tavian Cord to give UTRGV a 17-0 lead with 2:10 left in the first.

The duo continued to split reps throughout the contest, combining for nearly 400 yards and two scores through the air. Jakobsohn finished the game 10 of 16 for 180 yards and a touchdown, while adding seven carries for 44 yards. Rangel led the team with 211 yards and a score on 12 of 15 passing, while also rushing in for a touchdown.

“I think biggest question everybody had tonight was offense,” Bush said. “New quarterbacks, new receivers. All the offensive production we lost. That was the question. We were going to come out and attack like we did with Eddie (Lee Marburger) and Zay and Tony. Our guys stepped up. Quarterbacks both played great.”

Quarterback wasn’t the only position in question heading into the year, with an inexperienced receivers group hearing all offseason about the departure of Tony Diaz and Xayvion Noland.

The room responded in a dominant way, with three receivers eclipsing 75 yards during the win. Lee led the wideouts with six catches for a career-high 141 yards and a score. Corey Holmes added four catches for 119 yards, while Cord hauled in five catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.

“I think the biggest thing these guys needed was confidence,” Bush said. “They’ve heard since the end of last season that Tony and Zay were gone. All they’ve heard is all the offense is gone, so they got a little chip on their shoulder. … We challenge them at times, but just so proud of them and the way they responded.”

The ground game put together an equally dominant night for the Vaqueros on Saturday, rushing for 281 yards on 47 carries to give UTRGV a balanced offensive attack.

Brennan Carrol led the team with 84 yards on nine carries, including a 38-yard burst down the sideline for six during the fourth to make the game 44-0.

Broderick Taylor added 48 yards on four carries, while Fabian Garcia and TJ Dement each eclipsed 25 yards, combining for 61 yards on 13 carries.

“There is just so many good backs,” Bush said. “Then you throw Broderick Taylor in there and he’s still fresh and just so fast. He’s another good back. Young guy just in his second year. That room is just deep. We feel like we got some guys we can play and throw in there to keep them fresh.”

While the offense entered the season with questions, the defense had hardly any, returning eight of 11 starters from last year’s unit.

The experience was on clear display during the win, holding Permian Basin to just 165 total yards and coming down with three interceptions while pitching the shutout.

Dorian Blackwell, Tyler Thomas and Jordan Ford each nabbed one pick during the win, while Josh Cashiola and Jaiden Haygood each recorded a sack.

“I know we see the defense every day and they don’t give up any first downs in practice,” Bush said. “You guys that are out there see that. But again, really good. Just really active. They did a good job. There were times where they got some drives going but they were able to stiffen up there and keep them out of the end zone and hold them to field goals. Luckily, we were able to get some pressure and make them miss those field goals. That group is good. We’re excited. Got a little banged up tonight, but just proud of the way they played.”

The victory improves UTRGV to 8-0 all time at home, keeping its undefeated streak at the Vack in place.

They’ll look to build off their Week 0 win during arguably the program’s biggest game in its young history, hitting the road next week for a clash with UTSA.

Kickoff for the contest is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

“That’s a different animal,” Bush said. “FBS is a different animal. They got about 4.5 billion in rev share. It’ll be a different roster. But it’s exciting. We got to go play those FBS teams. It’s fun and gives us an opportunity. … It’ll be a great atmosphere. I know the 956 is going to take a lot of people. We’re just excited to get in that environment and see how we stack up against a very good FBS opponent who is picked at the top of their conference right now.”