{"id":242238,"date":"2026-04-09T16:42:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T16:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/242238\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T16:42:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T16:42:08","slug":"texas-state-footballs-defense-hoping-to-live-up-to-potential-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/242238\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas State football’s defense hoping to live up to potential in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN MARCOS\u00a0\u2014 Texas State football<\/a> defensive coordinator Will Windham<\/a> said last week he wants the team to be known for its defense. When asked what it would take to achieve this, defensive lineman Blake Isbell dropped a gem.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIntensity,\u201d Isbell said. \u201cBut you have to do it in a controlled manner, so that you don\u2019t do it over the top and end up hurting yourself. It has to be controlled intensity.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Bobcats’ revamped defensive coaching staff features three new, prominent faces: Windham, secondary coach Marcus Patton<\/a> and defensive line coach Chris Gistorb.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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MORE: Texas State football QB Brad Jackson set records in 2025, but he can be even better<\/a><\/p>\n

Under Kinne, Texas State\u2019s offense has consistently ranked among the best in the country. It has a chance to be even better in 2026, as quarterback Brad Jackson,<\/a> Chris Dawn Jr. and Beau Sparks return, bringing continuity and leadership. But, as it\u2019s been every season, it won\u2019t matter if the other side of the ball can\u2019t pull its own weight.<\/p>\n

Head coach GJ Kinne said at the beginning of spring that the defense’s talent is comparable to that of 2024, which had multiple players depart in the offseason for Power Four programs. Their success depends on whether Windham can secure buy-in from the team and successfully implement his scheme. In some ways, the two goals are tied together.<\/p>\n

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\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas State Bobcats head coach GJ Kinne leads practice at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos, Thursday, March 26, 2026.<\/p>\n

Jay Janner\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n

Developing habits and relationships<\/p>\n

The past iteration of Texas State\u2019s defense emphasized an aggressive approach, prioritizing turnovers and making impact plays. At its best, it complemented the high-scoring offense with turnovers leading to short fields and more points. At its worst, the Bobcats would give up back-breaking chunk plays and untimely penalties that proved costly during their five-game losing streak.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Special teams and safeties coach Tanner Burns mentioned the little details cost Texas State during key moments in 2025. In response, the motto “habits reflect the mission\u201d has spread throughout the facility.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHow they dress at practice, what mouthpiece color they wear, having your thigh pads in, being dressed for a meeting, being on time for breakfast,\u201d Burns said. \u201cAll those little things help you. People are like, ‘Oh, does that really matter? ‘ It doesn\u2019t until it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kinne said at the beginning of the spring that Windham is balancing between teaching and implementing his style as he develops relationships with the players.<\/p>\n

Although the Bobcats underwhelmed last season, they closed with a four-game win streak. The players’ determination to go out on a high note speaks volumes to Kinne\u2019s ability to get the most out of his players by caring for them on and off the field. Burns said doing so builds trust, which allows the staff to coach them hard.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It’ll take time, but the new spirit is already revealing itself. Isbell said he noticed it when defensive line coach Chris Gistorb confronted the position group after a bad practice.<\/p>\n

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“We were kind of joking a little bit,” Isbell said. “Laughing, having a good time. He said, ‘No, like that should fire you up. That should make you mad when you’re down, and people are pointing fingers at you. That needs to light your internal fire.”‘<\/p>\n

After three years of bowl games and renewed expectations, Texas State is itching for more. The unchecked intensity might be dialed down, but it’s replaced with a level of control and discipline that could pay dividends for the Bobcats.<\/p>\n

“We need to push it,” Isbell said. “We need to live up to our potential.”<\/p>\n

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