By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

The Sun Belt Conference media days kicked off Tuesday in New Orleans featuring schools in the West Division.

Texas State head coach GJ Kinne, redshirt-senior offensive lineman Doron Strawn and redshirt-senior defensive lineman Kalil Alexander represented the Bobcats.

Texas State entrees its final season in the Sun Belt before joining the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.

Strawn and Alexander emphasized that the Bobcats are focused on the Sun Belt and winning a conference championship this season.

“We’re worried about finishing in the Sun Belt and winning a championship,” Strawn said. “We aren’t even worried about the Pac-12, that’s for the higher ups to think about.”

When asked if he feels that Texas State has a bigger target on their back due to the move to the Pac-12, Alexander said, “Everybody has something to say. I would like to think we have a target because we are who we think we are.”

Texas State was picked to finish second in the West division in the preseason coaches’ poll behind reigning division champion Louisiana. The Bobcats did receive six first place votes.

James Madison was picked to win the East Division followed by Georgia Southern.

Despite being picked to finish second in the West Division and third overall, no Texas State player was picked on the preseason All-Sun Belt first or second team.

“You know, we don’t control that,” said Texas State head coach GJ Kinne. “I know we have some really good players that can win games.”

The Bobcats open the 2025 season at home against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p..m and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.