July 24, 2025

Texas College Football Players Shine Ahead of New Season

News Summary

As the college football season approaches, standout players from Texas universities are making headlines. Houston Thomas of UTSA stands out for his commitment and impressive stats from last season. Other notable players include Dalton Carnes, who transferred to North Texas, and Bryson Washington of Baylor, recognized for a remarkable freshman year. Meanwhile, Marcus Heard Jr. prepares to lead UTRGV in their inaugural FCS season. Highlighted during the Texas High School Coaches Association’s event, these athletes are navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly around NIL issues.

San Antonio, Texas – As college football teams gear up for the upcoming season, standout players, especially from Texas schools, are making headlines. Notably, Houston Thomas, tight end for the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), continues to impress after a successful 2024 season, opting to remain with the Roadrunners despite offers to transfer. Thomas is drawing attention not only for his performance but for his commitment to the program.

During the 2024 campaign, Thomas participated in all 13 games, earning nine starting positions. He posted impressive statistics with 34 receptions for 470 yards and three touchdowns. His contributions have garnered praise, including significant acclaim from UTSA’s head coach, who recognizes Thomas as a “bona fide stud tight end”. His decision to stay with UTSA is viewed positively as the team prepares for their season opener against Texas A&M on August 30, providing a notable homecoming for the College Station native.

In addition to Thomas, Dalton Carnes, a former teammate of Thomas from College Station High School, transferred to North Texas from Houston, where he played as a walk-on wide receiver. Last season, Carnes participated in all 13 games, starting in eight, and achieving 29 receptions for 371 yards and two touchdowns. North Texas’s head coach has described Carnes as a versatile player, likening him to a “Swiss Army knife” for his ability to play multiple positions and contribute significantly on special teams.

Another Texas college player making an impact is Bryson Washington of Baylor. The Franklin high school alum has earned recognition as a preseason All-Big 12 first team honoree following a remarkable freshman season where he set a Baylor rushing record with 1,028 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. Baylor’s head coach has noted that the organization’s recent changes in offensive strategies have significantly enhanced Washington’s development and skills on the field.

Meanwhile, Marcus Heard Jr., a standout from Rudder High School, is set to play a crucial role in the inaugural FCS season for UTRGV. Having spent the previous year focused on internal practices and scrimmages, UTRGV aims to develop and improve with each week of the season. While they face a challenging commencement, predicted to finish last in the Southland Conference preseason poll, the team is motivated to demonstrate their growth. UTRGV’s season is set to kick-off against Sul Ross State, also on August 30.

These athletes were highlighted during the Texas High School Coaches Association’s annual coaching school held in San Antonio, focusing on their individual journeys and preparations for the upcoming seasons. Additionally, the changing dynamics of college athletics, particularly regarding player contracts and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) issues, were prominent topics of discussion among coaches. The landscape for recruitment and retention continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for college programs.

As the new football season approaches, Texas colleges are poised to showcase their talent while navigating the complexities of modern collegiate athletics. The anticipation builds as all eyes will be on these players and their performances, particularly during their respective openers this August.

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Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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