UTSA Breaks Tradition with Midseason Single-Digit Jersey Vote After 5-1 Start

SAN ANTONIO — UTSA coach Jeff Traylor upended a six-year program tradition this week, convening a midseason player vote to award single-digit jerseys to 17 additional Roadrunners after a 5-1 start that has the program halfway through the 2026 regular season.

Since Traylor’s arrival in 2020, the coveted single-digit numbers — particularly the 2, 1 and 0 representing San Antonio’s 210 area code — had been distributed exclusively during preseason camp. But with roster turnover accelerated by the transfer portal, Traylor acknowledged the preseason window no longer provided sufficient evaluation time.

“In an era of heavy roster churn, you can’t know a man in August,” Traylor said. “The idea of a single-digit jersey has become entrenched in our program. It’s something players aspire to. Sticking to just the 210 might be easier, but it wouldn’t be right.”

The midseason expansion reflects a broader shift across college football, where coaches increasingly delay leadership designations until transfers prove themselves in live competition. UTSA’s approach effectively turns the single-digit honor into a performance-based merit badge rather than a projection.

Defensive backs dominated the new honorees. Twin corners Ahamad and Asaad Chapman earned Nos. 7 and 8 respectively, while Oklahoma State transfer RJ Lester claimed No. 3 — previously worn by NFL draftees Tariq Woolen and Zah Frazier. Lester, who sat out 2025 after heart surgery to repair a congenital defect, has started half of UTSA’s games this season with 14 tackles and a pass breakup.

“The future’s going to be big time for RJ,” Traylor said. “He’s become one of my go-to voices in team meetings on culture.”

On offense, the recognition underscored UTSA’s running back depth. A’Marion Peterson, Will Henderson (No. 1) and Brandon High Jr. (No. 7) all earned single-digit votes, though Peterson elected to remain in No. 28. Peterson delivered his best game last week against South Florida — 12 carries, 92 yards, three touchdowns — while also starring on kick and punt return units.

“He’s a total team player. Not about himself at all,” Traylor said. “It’s in his DNA. He’s a joy to coach.”

Receiver Mekhi Anderson claimed No. 4 after emerging as a versatile weapon: 23 catches for 234 yards and two scores, plus 53 rushing yards on two attempts. Traylor recalled Anderson arriving in 2024 with “track speed, a scrawny build and questionable hands” and credited his transformation to “strong, tough and dependable” play.

Offensive linemen Ben Rios (No. 57) and Deandre Marshall (No. 70) earned votes but retained their numbers. Rios has missed two games with injury, elevating undersized guard Davion Hurth (listed at 275 pounds) into a starting role. “We really just don’t know yet” on Rios’ return timeline, Traylor said.

Seven additional players — Bryce Grays (26), Darrell Jones (74), Luke Lapeze (76), Tai Leonard (99), plus the three running backs — received enough votes for single-digit recognition but are keeping their current numbers.

The Roadrunners debut their expanded single-digit roster Saturday at 7 p.m. against Navy in the Alamodome, where a win would push UTSA to 6-1 at the season’s midpoint.