East Texas A&M Welcomes UTRGV For Homecoming Showdown

COMMERCE, Texas (TXAN 24) — East Texas A&M University returns home Saturday night for its annual Homecoming game, hosting UTRGV at Ernest Hawkins Field in a Southland Conference matchup presented by Brookshire’s.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. as the Lions enter the game 1-4 overall and 1-2 in Southland play. UTRGV comes to Commerce at 2-2 overall and 1-1 in conference action, with the Vaqueros receiving votes in the AFCA poll.

The meeting marks only the second matchup between the programs and the first in Commerce. UTRGV won last year’s inaugural meeting, 33-14, in Edinburg.

East Texas A&M is looking to end a Homecoming drought, having last won the annual celebration in 2022. The Lions are 60-37-1 all-time on Homecoming weekend and 1-3 during the Division I era at home.

The Lions have undergone significant changes this season, with seven new position coaches among 11 full-time coaches and 67 newcomers on a 107-player roster.

Greenville native Micah Simpson has emerged as an offensive standout, ranking 11th nationally with 355 receiving yards.

East Texas A&M is in its second season as a full NCAA Division I member and remains eligible for the FCS Playoffs.

The game will stream on ESPN+, with radio coverage on Lion Sports Network and KETR 88.9 FM.