The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Athletics

UTRGV competes at the NCAA Division I level, where athletic scholarships are available and sports carry significant institutional importance. The Vaqueros distribute $3.17 million in athletic scholarships across 12 varsity sports. Only 258 students participate in varsity athletics, representing less than 1% of the 27,026-student body. The university competes in the Southland Conference alongside regional rivals. As a relatively new institution formed in 2013 from the merger of UT Pan American and UT Brownsville, UTRGV is still building its athletic traditions and fan culture. The small athlete population reflects the university's primary focus on academics and serving the Hispanic community of South Texas rather than developing a major sports powerhouse.