It’s one of those matchups that doesn’t always grab the national headlines like a Saturday night in the SEC, but if you’re actually in the stands, it feels just as heavy. Honestly, the Louisiana vs Texas State dynamic has shifted from a predictable conference game into something much more volatile.
We’re talking about two programs that, on paper, should be peers. But the history? It’s been lopsided. For years, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have basically held the keys to this series, leaving the Texas State Bobcats looking for any way to break the curse.
The November 8, 2025, game was the perfect example of why this matters. It wasn't just a 42-39 shootout where Louisiana kept their undefeated streak against Texas State alive; it was the post-game chaos that really defined where these two programs stand. A full-blown brawl broke out. Helmets were swinging. 13 players got suspended. It was messy, and it proved that these teams genuinely don't like each other.
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The Football Curse: Can Texas State Ever Beat Louisiana?
The stat line is almost hard to believe. Heading into 2026, Texas State has still never beaten Louisiana on the football field. We’re sitting at 13-0 in favor of the Cajuns.
You’d think after thirteen tries, luck would swing the other way at least once. It almost did in San Marcos last year. The Bobcats put up over 500 yards of offense. Brad Jackson was slinging it for 360 yards, and Beau Sparks looked like an NFL prospect out there with 186 receiving yards.
But Louisiana has this weird way of just... winning. Lunch Winfield accounted for five touchdowns in that last meeting. Even when Texas State mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback to pull within three points, the Cajuns did what they always do. They ground out the clock. They converted a massive third-and-13. They stayed perfect.
A Contrast in Style
- Louisiana (Ragin' Cajuns): They play with a specific kind of grit. It’s ball control, efficient passing, and a defense that capitalize on mistakes. In their last win, they controlled the clock for nearly 38 minutes.
- Texas State (Bobcats): This is a high-octane, "Texas-style" air raid. They want to outrun you and outscore you. When it works, it’s beautiful. When it doesn't, they leave their defense on the field too long.
The tension isn't just about the scoreboard. This rivalry represents two different cultures within the Sun Belt West. You have the Cajun heart of Acadiana versus the hill country vibes of San Marcos. It’s boudin versus brisket, and right now, the boudin is winning.
Hardwood Battles and Diamond Duels
While football is a one-sided affair, the rest of the athletic department tells a different story. If you look at Louisiana vs Texas State in basketball or baseball, the gap starts to close.
In men’s basketball, the Ragin’ Cajuns still hold the historical edge, but it’s a fight. Recently, Texas State has shown they can go into Lafayette and steal a win. Take the January 2025 series—they split it. Louisiana won a tight 70-61 game in San Marcos, but the Bobcats turned around and blew them out 89-74 in Lafayette just a week earlier.
Baseball is where things get even more interesting. Texas State has actually been the dominant force here lately. In the 2025 season series, the Bobcats absolutely dismantled the Cajuns, including a 12-2 mercy rule win and a 10-0 shutout.
It’s a reminder that while one school might dominate the "big" sport, the athletic rivalry is actually pretty balanced across the board.
The Academic Side: More Than Just Sports
People often forget these are two massive public institutions with very different footprints.
Texas State is a behemoth. We're talking about a student population of over 40,000. It’s one of the largest universities in Texas, and it feels like it. The campus in San Marcos is sprawling, hilly, and constantly growing.
Louisiana (UL Lafayette) is much smaller, with around 15,000 to 16,000 students. But don’t let the size fool you. Academically, it’s a powerhouse in specific fields. It’s classified as a Carnegie R1 university (very high research activity), which is a tier above Texas State’s R2 status.
| Feature | Texas State University | University of Louisiana (Lafayette) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Marcos, TX | Lafayette, LA |
| Student Pop. | ~40,000 | ~15,500 |
| Research | R2 (High) | R1 (Very High) |
| Cost (Out-of-State) | ~$23,000 | ~$24,000 |
If you’re a student choosing between the two, you’re basically choosing between a massive "city-within-a-city" Texas experience and a more research-focused, tight-knit Louisiana culture.
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The End of an Era?
The most important thing to know about the Louisiana vs Texas State rivalry right now is that it's about to change forever.
Texas State is leaving.
On July 1, 2026, the Bobcats are officially heading to the "new-look" Pac-12. This moves them out of the Sun Belt and effectively kills the "regional rivalry" aspect of this matchup. The 2025 brawl was likely fueled by the knowledge that this was their last chance to settle the score as conference foes.
It’s a bittersweet moment for fans. You want your team to move up to a bigger stage (and the Pac-12 definitely offers that), but you lose the games that actually mean something to the locals. No more "Louisiana Salutes" games against the Cajuns. No more short bus rides for fans.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following this rivalry or looking to attend the final few matchups in non-football sports, here is how to navigate it.
1. Watch the Recruitment Trails
With Texas State moving to the Pac-12, watch how their recruiting changes in Louisiana. Historically, they’ve poached a lot of talent from the 337 area code. Now that they aren't playing the Cajuns every year, that pipeline might dry up as Louisiana coaches use the "stay home and play in the Sun Belt" pitch more effectively.
2. Check the Non-Conference Schedules
Both athletic directors have hinted at keeping the series alive in baseball and basketball. If you’re a fan, keep an eye on the mid-week baseball schedules for 2027. These are often the first games to be booked because they make sense geographically.
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3. Respect the "Cajun Dome" Factor
If you ever get the chance to see this matchup in Lafayette for basketball, go. The atmosphere is top-tier. Even as Texas State prepares to leave, the Ragin’ Cajuns fan base remains one of the most vocal and intimidating in the mid-major circuit.
4. Follow the Suspension Fallout
For the football purists, keep an eye on how both teams start their 2026 seasons. The suspensions from the 2025 brawl carry over for several key players. Louisiana will be without a couple of defensive starters for their opener, which could be a huge factor if they’re playing a tough non-conference opponent.
The Louisiana vs Texas State rivalry might be losing its conference status, but the bad blood isn't going anywhere. Whether it's on the gridiron or the diamond, these two states will always find a way to compete for bragging rights in the Gulf Coast region.