Texas Southern Spring Game Showcases Depth and Potential for 2026 Season

New defensive coordinator Scott Vestal brings continuity as Tigers look to build on last year's strong finish

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Texas Southern football game, with the players and field abstracted into vibrant, angular shapes in a palette of burnt orange, navy blue, and gold.Texas Southern's spring game offered a glimpse of the team's depth and potential as they aim to build on last season's success.Houston Today

Texas Southern's annual spring game ended with the Maroon squad edging the White 18-16, providing a glimpse into the Tigers' depth and potential for the 2026 season. While most starters were held out, backups and reserves impressed, with quarterbacks Jeremiah Harrell and Nelson Peterson making accurate throws and the defense making key plays, including a late interception by safety Jaheim Miller to seal the victory. Head coach Cris Dishman and new defensive coordinator Scott Vestal were pleased with the progress shown, as the Tigers look to build on last year's 6-5 campaign and challenge for the SWAC West Division title.

Why it matters

Texas Southern is aiming to take the next step in Cris Dishman's third season as head coach, after posting the program's first winning record in over 20 years in 2025. The spring game showcased the team's improved depth and talent, particularly on the defensive side under new coordinator Scott Vestal, as the Tigers seek to dethrone Prairie View A&M atop the SWAC West and earn a spot in the Celebration Bowl.

The details

The spring game featured strong performances from several Tigers, including quarterbacks Jeremiah Harrell and Nelson Peterson, receivers Chanze Harris and Sean Johnson, and tight end Xavier Phipps. On defense, cornerback Quinton Murray, linebacker Donovan Jones, and safety Jaheim Miller all stood out. Vestal, the new defensive coordinator, praised the unit's improved 'floor' and expects continued growth before the fall season. The Tigers will open the 2026 campaign at home against North Carolina Central, setting the stage for a pivotal year in Dishman's tenure.

  • The 2026 Texas Southern spring game was held on April 11 at Alexander Durley Stadium in Houston.
  • The Tigers open the 2026 season in late August when they host North Carolina Central.

The players

Cris Dishman

The head football coach at Texas Southern University, entering his third season in 2026 after leading the Tigers to their first winning record in over 20 years in 2025.

Scott Vestal

The new defensive coordinator for the Texas Southern Tigers, hired by Dishman ahead of the 2026 season to bring continuity and stability to the defensive side of the ball.

Jeremiah Harrell

A Texas Southern quarterback who impressed with his precision and poise under pressure during the spring game.

Nelson Peterson

Another Texas Southern quarterback who showed his playmaking ability in the spring game, making accurate throws and extending plays.

Quinton Murray

A standout cornerback for the Texas Southern Tigers who is expected to earn All-SWAC recognition in 2026 according to head coach Cris Dishman.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We got out of what we wanted to get out of it. It was mostly our twos and threes going through the spring game, trying to get some quality backups from our ones. And I think we were able to see who's going to come out on top for us, our twos.”

— Cris Dishman, Head Coach, Texas Southern University

“Scott has brought continuity within the defense, within the coaching staff. He's a very smart individual who knows football and is able to get our guys in the right place at the right time.”

— Cris Dishman, Head Coach, Texas Southern University

“To be honest, it was Coach Dishman. He reached out, and he's a guy I've known for quite a while, for about a decade. When he called and offered me the opportunity, it was just one I couldn't pass up. Especially being in Houston — first time since Rice.”

— Scott Vestal, Defensive Coordinator, Texas Southern University

What’s next

The Tigers will open the 2026 season in late August when they host North Carolina Central, setting the stage for a pivotal year in Cris Dishman's tenure as head coach.

The takeaway

Texas Southern's spring game showcased the team's improved depth and talent, particularly on defense under new coordinator Scott Vestal. With several key players returning and a strong finish to the 2025 season, the Tigers are poised to challenge for the SWAC West Division title and a spot in the Celebration Bowl in 2026.