Jeff’s 2024 College Football Sun Belt Spotlight Team | Texas State Bobcats


The Texas State Bobcats football team is set to start the 2024 season with high expectations and a positive outlook. Head coach G.J. Kinne has led the team to an 8-5 record in 2023, which included their first bowl win as an FBS program. Kinne, who has a 20-7 record in two seasons as a head coach, has been instrumental in revitalizing the program and is expected to continue this trend in 2024. His strategic use of the transfer portal (59th) and his ability to develop players are significant assets. The Bobcats rank 51st in Bill Connelly’s returning production.


The Bobcats have a potent offense led by standout players such as wide receiver Joey Hobert. In the 2023 season, Hobert had an outstanding performance with 76 receptions for 895 yards and eight touchdowns. Texas State's offense is further strengthened by the addition of Jordan McCloud, who transferred from James Madison and was named the 2023 Sun Belt Player of the Year. McCloud's impressive stats include 3,657 passing yards and 35 touchdowns with only ten interceptions, establishing him as a pivotal player for the Bobcats. The offensive unit also benefits from the return of top rusher Ismail Mahdi and the addition of new running backs like Deion Hankins and Torrance Burgess. The Bobcats have 13 returning starters, seven of whom are on the offensive side.


The Texas State offensive line is expected to be strong in 2024, thanks to the return of experienced players. Unlike the previous season, when the offensive line was almost entirely new, the Bobcats will benefit from continuity. Key players include Trenton Scott, a redshirt sophomore who started eight games at left tackle; Nash Jones, who started six games at left tackle before an injury; Dorian Strawn, who started at left guard in all ten games he played; Jimeto Obigbo, who started all 13 games primarily at right tackle, and Chayse Todd, who started two games at center. In addition, the team has added players through the transfer portal, such as Tellek Lockette from ULM, who is expected to compete for a starting position. This offensive line could be the best in the Sun Belt conference.


The Bobcats have strengthened their defense with strategic transfers, adding standout edge rushers like Tunmise Adeleye and Steven Parker. These players, each with their unique set of skills and experiences, bring a fresh perspective to the team. Parker, a pass-rushing savant and a sixth-year senior from Dallas, Texas, is set to cause chaos in the Fun Belt this season. Ben Bell, another standout on the defensive line, has been a key player, recording 16 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in each of the last two seasons.


Texas State is currently ranked 55th nationally and 2nd in the Sun Belt Conference, which shows strong potential within the conference. With a competitive roster and strategic coaching, the team is well-positioned to compete for the conference title. Since joining the FBS, Texas State is coming off its best season, and this year's squad is even better. They have a favorable conference schedule, avoiding the top teams from the Sun Belt East, which could contribute to a successful season. There isn't a single game where they are the clear underdog.


Jeff’s Best Bet: Texas State Bobcats Over 8.5 wins | -110 | mybookie.ag


Jeff’s Best Bet: Texas State Bobcats to Win Sun Belt | +400 | Mybookie.ag


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