Stick with Traylor: Why UTSA Fans Should Rally Behind Their Coach
The University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners football program is navigating choppy waters in the 2025 season, and a vocal segment of the fanbase is expressing frustration with head coach Jeff Traylor.
After a disappointing 27-21 loss to Temple on Saturday, which dropped the team to a 2-3 record, social media and message boards have been buzzing with calls for change. Fans are pointing fingers at quarterback Owen McCown, offensive coordinator Justin Burke, and even Traylor himself, questioning the team’s direction and execution.
It’s understandable—losses sting, especially in a season that started with promise but has seen setbacks against Texas A&M, Texas State, and now Temple. The Roadrunners have struggled on the road, going 0-6 away from home last season, excluding bowls, and that trend has carried over. Close games have been a hallmark under Traylor, with 40 of 70 contests decided by one score, but lately, those nail-biters aren’t falling UTSA’s way.
Yet, amid this discontent, there’s a compelling reason for Roadrunners faithful to pause and reconsider: Jeff Traylor is one of the hottest coaching commodities in college football right now. Rumors are swirling that bigger programs are eyeing him for their vacancies, which should serve as a wake-up call to San Antonio fans about the value he brings to UTSA.
The Rumors: A Sign of Traylor’s Success
Just this week, Traylor addressed speculation linking him to the Arkansas Razorbacks job, firmly stating his commitment to UTSA while acknowledging the flattery of such interest. But Arkansas isn’t the only suitor; Oklahoma State, fresh off parting ways with their coach, has Traylor on their shortlist, along with potential openings at Baylor and others. Many sports writers have him pegged as a top candidate for several Power Four gigs, citing his Texas recruiting ties and proven track record.
Consider it: Why would schools like Arkansas and Oklahoma State—programs with storied histories and bigger budgets—be interested in poaching Traylor if he weren’t delivering results? His name popping up in these conversations isn’t a fluke; it’s a testament to what he’s built at UTSA since taking over in 2020.
A Track Record Worth Defending
Let’s not forget the foundation Traylor has laid. Under his leadership, the Roadrunners boast an impressive 30-4 home record in the Alamodome, leading up to their home game against Rice. He’s elevated a program that is still finding its footing in FBS football and is now a consistent contender in the American Conference. Preseason previews highlighted returning talent and a shot at rounding into form for conference play, even if early stumbles have tested patience.
Traylor’s deep roots in Texas high school football have made UTSA a recruiting magnet, and his energetic style has injected life into the program. Losing him to a bigger school would be a massive blow—UTSA signed him to a 10-year, $28 million deal in 2021 for a reason. (Bailey, 2025) Fans calling for his head might soon regret it if he’s coaching elsewhere next season.
Time to Rally, Not Rebel
Sure, the 2025 season hasn’t gone according to script so far. The loss to rival Texas State felt massive, and the Temple defeat amplified frustrations. But college football is a marathon, not a sprint. Traylor has been defending his staff and players, showing the fire that’s endeared him to many.
Coach Traylor isn’t oblivious to the fact that fans and alumni want to win, but instead of turning on him, Roadrunners fans should recognize that the interest from other schools validates Traylor’s worth. Loyalty now could pay dividends as the team pushes through conference play. After all, in the volatile world of college coaching, you don’t want to push away the guy everyone else wants.
Go ‘Runners—stick with Traylor and let’s turn this season around.
References
Bailey, S. (2025, Sep 29). Traylor’s name surfaces in coaching rumors as UTSA football gains national attention. Retrieved from San Antonio Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2025/09/29/utsa-coach-oklahoma-state-arkansas-job.html