Roadrunners rebuilding on offense

Texas-San Antonio coach Frank Wilson has set records during his two-year tenure, steering the Roadrunners to their first bowl bid in 2016 and first win over a Power 5 opponent in 2017.

However, UTSA is expected to take a step back in 2018 following the departure of numerous key starters and both coordinators.

Texas-San Antonio is No. 103 in Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel’s preseason 2018 college football rankings. Murschel ranked all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 129 to our projected No. 1 team. TexasSan

Antonio Frank Wilson (12-12, entering third season; 12-12 overall)

6-5, 3-5 Conference USA, 5th West Division 5

4 in in

UTSA seemed poised to make a run at a Conference USA title after knocking off Baylor, earning the first win over a Power 5 opponent in school history. The team opened the season 3-0 and seemed to be on a roll. However, the Roadrunners suffered a 31-29 loss to Southern Miss and a 29-26 loss to North Texas, going 3-5 after their hot start. The lack of momentum and a 1-3 run to close the season led to UTSA getting shut out of a bowl bid despite clinching eligibility with six wins. Sturm, DL Marcus Davenport, LB La’Kel Bass, DB Nate Gaines

RB Jalen Rhodes, DT Kevin Strong Jr., LB Josiah Tauaefa, DL Jaylon Haynes, K Jared Sackett, P Yannis Routsas

UTSA’s defense was so strong in 2017, coordinator Pete Golding was plucked by Alabama coach Nick Saban to be the Tide’s co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach. Roadrunners linebackers coach Jason Rollins was named the new defensive coordinator and has some talented returning pieces, including defensive linemen Kevin Strong Jr. and Jaylon Haynes and linebacker Josiah Tauaefa.

The offense was hit hard by graduation, with UTSA losing its starting quarterback, top rushers, leading receivers and most of its offensive line. A change in offensive coordinators adds to the challenge of revamping the Roadrunners’ attack.

The defense is formidable, but defensive lineman Marcus Davenport was a special playmaker who moved on to the NFL and will be missed.

Wilson has recruited the strongest class in UTSA history, but it will likely be at least one more year before the Roadrunners contend for a bowl bid.