Angelo State Opens 2026 Season with a New Quarterback and Fresh Outlook

SAN ANGELO, TX — Angelo State opens the 2026 football season Thursday when the Rams host Fort Hays State in a nonconference matchup at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field.

Picked to finish first in the Lone Star Conference a season ago, the Rams suffered several injuries down the stretch, ultimately leading to a 6-5 finish. While disappointing, head coach Jeff Girsch believes reshuffling the coaching staff and adding new faces will help ASU return to its usual form.

The Rams enter the season receiving votes in the American Football Coaches Association preseason poll after being picked to finish fourth in the LSC preseason poll. Fort Hays State also received votes in the national preseason rankings.

"I don't put too much into preseason rankings; I really don't," Girsch said at his opening press conference on Monday. "We were picked No. 1 last year (in the LSC poll) and finished fourth. It does not mean a whole lot; it matters at the end. Getting great games like Fort Hays and Western Colorado Week 2, a top-10 team in the country right now; those are the games I want to play. Those are the games that will be great measuring sticks for what we are going to be about. You win those games, you feel really good about going into the Lone Star Conference."

This will be the first time since 2022 that the Rams have hosted a season opener.

Thursday's game marks the third consecutive season the Rams and Fort Hays have met. The all-time series is tied 1-1 after Angelo State earned a 28-7 victory in Hays, Kansas, to open the 2025 season.

Girsch announced Monday that redshirt sophomore Ayden Arp will start at quarterback for the Rams. The Cedar Park native appeared in two games last season, including the season finale against West Texas A&M. Overall, he threw for 316 yards and five touchdowns while adding 144 rushing yards and a TD.

ASU also returns running back Cameron Dischler, who earned first-team All-LSC honors after leading the Rams' rushing attack in 2025. Dischler rushed for 411 yards and three TDs in seven games and was named one of the conference's Players to Watch entering 2026.

Defensively, the Rams return a veteran secondary led by cornerbacks Demetris Charles and Tre Liger. Charles was a second-team All-Lone Star Conference selection after recording 46 tackles, three interceptions and six pass breakups last season, while Liger earned honorable mention recognition with 39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and seven pass breakups.

The offensive line also returns all-conference performers Viliami Salakielu and Isaiah Mworia while adding transfer Jose Chavez from Western New Mexico.

ASU will debut several new assistant coaches following offseason staff changes. Jason Johnson was promoted to associate head coach and offensive coordinator, Bill Weber was named assistant head coach and run game coordinator, Joe Ford takes over as defensive coordinator, Dennis Osagiede joins the staff as defensive line coach, and Rob Messinger becomes wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.

"Replacing both coordinators has led to some challenges here and there," Girsch said. "But great additions to the staff. We are just excited about it. Our guys have really worked hard all camp."

The Rams will play six home games in 2026 and enter Thursday's opener with a 47-18 record at LeGrand Stadium since the facility opened in 2014.

Fort Hays State is coming off a 6-5 season under head coach Chris Brown, who owns a 95-63 record in 16 seasons with the Tigers. Redshirt sophomore Mason McMinn is expected to make his first collegiate start at quarterback, while Curtis Douglas returns after leading the Tigers with 418 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2025.

"Chris Brown does an unbelievable job getting his guys prepared," Girsch concluded. "They are always so physical, but I want to see our guys go out and execute at a high level. I want them to feel comfortable in their communication, and make sure we are sound in what we are doing. Because if you are not, Fort Hays will take advantage of you."

Thursday's opener has been designated a "Blue Out," with fans encouraged to wear blue in support of the Rams. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.