Texas State football just landed a big commitment from sophomore running back Taji Atkins, who transferred from Rice University. Head coach G.J. Kinne is clearly going all-in to reshape the Bobcats’ roster.
With only two starters coming back on offense and three on defense for 2025, they’re scrambling to fill the gaps left by key players. Losing leading rusher Ismael Mahdi really stings.
Atkins, once a three-star recruit and a Texas high school standout, could end up being a huge piece of their offensive puzzle. The team’s recent invitation to join the Pac-12 in 2026 feels like a big leap, signaling how far the program’s come.
The Arrival of Taji Atkins
Bringing in Taji Atkins from Rice looks like a smart play to beef up the offense. As a freshman, Atkins put up 158 yards and two touchdowns, which is nothing to sneeze at.
Back in high school, he had some wild games—like that 289-yard performance against Duncanville, which is no small feat in Texas.
Atkins’ High School and Collegiate Performance
Atkins made waves as a Texas high school player and earned a three-star rating from 247Sports. He didn’t waste time at Rice, either.
With 158 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman, he showed he could hang at the college level. Texas State’s backfield just got a lot more interesting.
Replacing Ismael Mahdi
The Bobcats need someone to pick up where Ismael Mahdi left off—he ran for 991 yards and four touchdowns in 2024 before heading to Arizona. Atkins and Lincoln Pare, who’s coming off an MVP performance in the 2024 First Responders Bowl, are the main guys for the job.
Pare put up 143 yards and two touchdowns in that bowl game, proving he can carry the load. Pairing him with Atkins could be a game-changer.
Texas State’s Roster Reconstruction
Coach Kinne isn’t sitting still. He’s using the transfer portal to patch up the roster and keep the team competitive.
With just five returning starters, the lineup looks completely different. But after back-to-back winning seasons and bowl wins, expectations are high.
Offensive and Defensive Overhaul
The Bobcats only have two starters back on offense and three on defense, so they’re rebuilding almost from scratch. Kinne’s aggressive use of the portal shows he wants to stay on top.
Key Additions and Departures
- Taji Atkins – Sophomore running back from Rice University
- Lincoln Pare – Redshirt senior, MVP of the 2024 First Responders Bowl
- Ismael Mahdi – Former leading rusher, transferred to Arizona
Texas State’s Move to the Pac-12
Maybe the biggest news? Texas State will join the Pac-12 in 2026. That’s a huge step up and a sign of real growth for the program.
Enrollment Growth and Athletic Success
Enrollment has ballooned to 40,000 students, which definitely caught the Pac-12’s eye. The Bobcats just keep piling up wins in the Sun Belt, including their first bowl victory in 2023 and two straight winning seasons.
Implications for the Future
Texas State’s jump to the Pac-12? That’s going to shake things up for their football program. They’ll get more visibility, which could mean better recruiting and a shot at being more competitive.
This move should also pull in extra media attention and boost revenue. Honestly, it’s a big deal and might give them a stronger base to build on.
If you want the whole story on Texas State landing Taji Atkins and heading to the Pac-12, check out the full article on the Statesman website.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
