The level of athletes that head coach GJ Kinne can recruit to San Marcos has dramatically improved. According to 247Sports, eight of Texas State’s 10 highest-rated recruits signed after it accepted an invite to join the Pac-12 in July 2025. While the transfer portal has transformed how some programs build their rosters, Kinne still leans on developing top prep players from the Lone Star State.

“Knowing the coaches the way I do, and knowing the state of Texas the way I do. Not to say it’s easy, but it’s easy for me to navigate that,” Kinne said Sunday at the Texas High School Coaches Association convention.

Kinne, who threw for 11,695 yards and 130 touchdowns as a high school quarterback for Gilmer and Tatum, knows the state’s recruiting landscape well. He understands the value of Texas high school football and what it takes to succeed in such a talent-rich environment.

Kinne isn’t particularly worried. He said he trusts his staff’s evaluation and is satisfied with the hit rate. They’re always looking for athletes they can develop, he said, and understanding the kind of person they’re recruiting is crucial. 

“Finding the right fit for us and listening to the high school coach on who that fit is,” Kinne said.

The offensive line is a prime example of Texas State’s philosophy. Offensive line coach Jordan Shoemaker and strength and conditioning coach Bret Huth work together to develop prospects technically and physically. Sully Burns emerged as a starting-caliber tackle in 2025, and center Brock Riker showed so much that Penn State picked him up in the transfer portal. Kinne said he expects several high school recruits to start for the unit in 2026. 

The departure of running backs head coach Barrick Nealy has left a gaping hole in the Bobcats’ coaching staff. Kinne doesn’t blame Nealy for leaving, saying the coach wished to spend more time with his family.

Nealy is a “10-out-of-10 person,” Kinne said. “Great coach. We’re definitely gonna miss him. College football is a tough business.”

Kinne has been talking to multiple candidates and said he’s hoping to have someone hired by next week. With the quick turnaround, the Bobcats are searching for someone with high football knowledge, in-state connections and coaching acumen. Texas State doesn’t necessarily need a running backs expert, Kinne said. He’s more focused on finding someone who fits the program’s culture.

“I think (wide receivers) coach (Randy) Martinez is a perfect example,” Kinne said. “Never coached receivers before in his life. Probably didn’t know much about receivers. But guess what? Now he’s a receiver guru.”