UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-News

Though he was still fighting for his spot on the depth chart as a sophomore at Gilmer High in 2021, running back Will Henderson started to develop a connection with senior quarterback Brandon Tennison. 

The two linked up for passes a handful of times across their two seasons on varsity together before Tennison graduated and made the leap to UTSA. Henderson followed Tennison’s footsteps by joining the Roadrunners in the 2024 recruiting class, and the two united on the field once again last fall. Tennison entered in relief of starter Owen McCown during the second half of a blowout loss at South Florida and found Henderson for a 5-yard completion, marking their first college connection.  

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But through all their reps together, Henderson said the duo never produced a moment as explosive as Saturday. With McCown sidelined, Tennison and Henderson both claimed roles in the first-team offense for UTSA’s spring game in the Alamodome, and the short pass to the left flat that sent Henderson sprinting up the sideline for a 69-yard touchdown became the day’s biggest highlight.  

“It’s really funny, because you would never expect your high school quarterback to go to the same place as you and play where you play,” Henderson said. “It’s kind of like, ‘Dang, you remember this?’ Just rekindled by old times, and you really have the connection, because it’s really like high school football again.” 

READ MORE: Why UTSA is focused on mental toughness as spring game arrives

Traylor said McCown, who has been limited through the spring after undergoing offseason surgery on his groin to repair a sports hernia, could have played if needed Saturday and is expected to be “ready to go” come fall. Instead, with UTSA’s starter the last two years sidelined, Tennison had the rare opportunity to be the Roadrunners No. 1 quarterback.  

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Traylor, another Gilmer grad who coached the program for 15 years from 2000 through 2014, said he didn’t recognize in the moment that he was watching two former Buckeyes as Tennison and Henderson linked up for the explosive play.  

“You can tell the guys that come from great programs. They’ve had their butt chewed out, they’ve been reinforced, and they’ve been coached hard,” Traylor said. “Anybody in the world can roll a ball out there and coach Brandon Tennison and Will Henderson. What a dream.”  

UTSA Roadrunners Running Back Will Henderson III (11) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Running Back Will Henderson III (11) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) throws before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) throws before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Owen McCown (13) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Owen McCown (13) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Owen McCown (13) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Owen McCown (13) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Maguire Gasperson (16) throws before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Maguire Gasperson (16) throws before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Owen McCown (13) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Owen McCown (13) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) throws before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) throws before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Maguire Gasperson (16) throws before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Maguire Gasperson (16) throws before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Jacob Lopez-Veasey (48) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Jacob Lopez-Veasey (48) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks with officials before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks with officials before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Running Back Brandon High Jr. (10) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Running Back Brandon High Jr. (10) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) catches a pass before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) catches a pass before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Eze Osondu (33) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Eze Osondu (33) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Asaad Chapman (17) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Asaad Chapman (17) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Asaad Chapman (17) warms up before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Asaad Chapman (17) warms up before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver AJ Wilson (84) catches a pass before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver AJ Wilson (84) catches a pass before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver AJ Wilson (84) catches a pass before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver AJ Wilson (84) catches a pass before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver Mekhi Rice (24) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver Mekhi Rice (24) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) catches a pass before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) catches a pass before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver Wyatt Smiley (80) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver Wyatt Smiley (80) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Camron Cooper (41) catches a ball before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Camron Cooper (41) catches a ball before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Camron Cooper (41) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Camron Cooper (41) runs before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Money Backer Archie Chambers (10) catches a ball before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Money Backer Archie Chambers (10) catches a ball before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Money Backer Archie Chambers (10) runs with a ball before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Money Backer Archie Chambers (10) runs with a ball before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) warms up before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) warms up before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Ashton Stanford (59) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Ashton Stanford (59) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Drenon Fite III (95) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Drenon Fite III (95) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Drenon Fite III (95) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Drenon Fite III (95) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Tim Huff Jr. (47) warms up before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Tim Huff Jr. (47) warms up before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Jeremiah Bailey (44) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Jeremiah Bailey (44) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Donald Quaite Jr. (90) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Donald Quaite Jr. (90) looks on before the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsThe UTSA Roadrunners offense huddles during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

The UTSA Roadrunners offense huddles during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) prepares to receive the snap during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) prepares to receive the snap during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Offensive Line Jonah Miller (75) during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Offensive Line Jonah Miller (75) during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver AJ Wilson (84) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver AJ Wilson (84) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver AJ Wilson (84) looks on after a completed pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver AJ Wilson (84) looks on after a completed pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) prepares for the play during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) prepares for the play during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Ahamad Chapman (18) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Ahamad Chapman (18) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Zach Morris (20) directs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Zach Morris (20) directs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Safety Xavier Walton (29) directs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Safety Xavier Walton (29) directs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Offensive Line Luke Lapeze (76) prepares to snap the ball during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Offensive Line Luke Lapeze (76) prepares to snap the ball during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Offensive Line Luke Lapeze (76) prepares to snap the ball during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Offensive Line Luke Lapeze (76) prepares to snap the ball during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Place Kicker Michael Petro (92) watches his kick during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Place Kicker Michael Petro (92) watches his kick during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Johnny Bowens III (19) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Johnny Bowens III (19) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) passes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) passes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Safety Elijah Newell (22) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Safety Elijah Newell (22) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Asaad Chapman (17) competes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Cornerback Asaad Chapman (17) competes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Running Back Brandon High Jr. (10) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Running Back Brandon High Jr. (10) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver Jamel Hardy Jr. (13) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver Jamel Hardy Jr. (13) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) passes the ball during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) passes the ball during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Running Back A'Marion Peterson (28) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Running Back A’Marion Peterson (28) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Running Back A'Marion Peterson (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Running Back A’Marion Peterson (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Running Back A'Marion Peterson (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Running Back A’Marion Peterson (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor reacts to a touchdown scored by UTSA Roadrunners Running Back A'Marion Peterson (not pictured) during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor reacts to a touchdown scored by UTSA Roadrunners Running Back A’Marion Peterson (not pictured) during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Place Kicker Michael Petro (92) kicks during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Place Kicker Michael Petro (92) kicks during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Eze Osondu (33) prepares for the play during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Eze Osondu (33) prepares for the play during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) reacts to a touchdown during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Brandon Tennison (11) reacts to a touchdown during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor reacts to a flag during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor reacts to a flag during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Darion White (15) reacts to a sack during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Darion White (15) reacts to a sack during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Darion White (15) reacts to a sack during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Darion White (15) reacts to a sack during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) prepares for a play during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) prepares for a play during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Collins Acheampong (89) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Defensive Line Collins Acheampong (89) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Owen Pewee (13) competes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Owen Pewee (13) competes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Cornerback RJ Lester Jr. (24) reacts to an incomplete pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Cornerback RJ Lester Jr. (24) reacts to an incomplete pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Cornerback RJ Lester Jr. (24) reacts to an incomplete pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Cornerback RJ Lester Jr. (24) reacts to an incomplete pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Cornerback RJ Lester Jr. (24) reacts to an incomplete pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Cornerback RJ Lester Jr. (24) reacts to an incomplete pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) reacts after a catch during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) reacts after a catch during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) reacts after a catch during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Wide Receiver TJ West (19) reacts after a catch during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) looks to pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) looks to pass during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) passes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Max Gerlich (12) passes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Maguire Gasperson (16) leads the huddle during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Quarterback Maguire Gasperson (16) leads the huddle during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Tyson Breaux (57) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Tyson Breaux (57) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Aden Hall (51) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Linebacker Aden Hall (51) looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) rushes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Outside Linebacker Elijah Baldwin (32) rushes during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Running Back TJ Andrews (38) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Running Back TJ Andrews (38) runs during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Offensive Line Jarrett Henry (not pictured) helmet and flags on the field during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Offensive Line Jarrett Henry (not pictured) helmet and flags on the field during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor looks on during the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-NewsUTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

UTSA Roadrunners Head Coach Jeff Traylor talks to his team after the Roadrunners’ spring football game in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, April, 25, 2026.

Zach Del Bello/San Antonio Express-News

Traylor noted Tuesday that seven or eight players suffered minor injuries during the Roadrunners final week of spring practice, and UTSA kept Saturday’s scrimmage short, wrapping up after just more than an hour and about a dozen possessions. Contact was limited to a “tag” format, with offensive players ruled down on contact.  

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Led by Tennison, UTSA’s first-team offense started out with scores on its first three drives. After pushing for a field goal on the opening series, Tennison found A’Marion Peterson for an 18-yard touchdown in the right flat, firing a pass that slipped through the hands of cornerback Lawrence Brown.  

The 69-yard connection from Tennison to Henderson arrived on the offense’s fifth possession, staking the unit to a 5-2 advantage.  

The defense forced punts on the next four series to push ahead 6-5 in the Roadrunners’ scoring format, and the game came down to a converted 35-yard field goal for Jesse Perez that tied the score 7-7.  

“We have so much potential, and I can’t wait, to be honest,” Henderson said. “Unfortunately, we don’t really want a tie, but I feel good about making the play. You just have to go and make the next one, too.”  

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The Roadrunners returned to the Alamodome for the spring game after skipping last year, giving many of UTSA’s 39 newcomers a first taste of the indoor environment ahead of the 2026 opener against UTRGV on Sept. 5. 

Linebacker Owen Pewee said he missed not playing in a spring game last year, losing out on the punctuation mark that usually follows the practice sessions.   

“We get to see what game day is really like,” Pewee said. “It’s a lot of new guys on defense, so they don’t know how we run things on game day, how we stretch and little things — stuff that matters. So, they get to see that, and I feel like they get in the hype.” 

With the NCAA shifting to a single January transfer portal window, coaches across the country resumed spring games this month without fear of showcasing young talent to other programs.  

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This season’s spring game also allowed new offensive coordinator Rick Bowie to call plays in the Alamodome for the first time, and Traylor said he expects the Roadrunners to benefit from having a taste of the venue’s lighting and sound.  

“It’s such a good change of pace,” Traylor said. “The spring gets old after about the 12th practice, and they were excited to come out here today.”