West Texas A&M head football coach Josh Lynn is feeling good about where his Buffalos stand as they prepare to kick off the 2025 season, and for good reason.

Fresh off a productive fall camp, Lynn says his team accomplished the three main goals he set heading into preseason preparation: staying healthy, solidifying key positions, and building team chemistry.

“I had a great fall camp,” Lynn said during his first press conference of the year. “Had new faces, had old faces. I think we’re coming together as a football team, getting everybody running in the same direction is the ultimate goal, right?”

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New Coordinators Bring Fresh Energy

The Buffalos will look different on both sides of the ball this season with new coordinators leading the charge. Justin Richter, who served as special teams coordinator last year, has been promoted to defensive coordinator and is already making his mark.

“What I like about Coach Richter on our defense is we’re really systematic – sometimes simpler is better,” Lynn explained. “He’s got our guys flying to the football and we’re going to try to get back to the basics of running and tackling.”

On offense, the Buffalos brought in Justin Bain, whose track record at Central Missouri has Lynn excited about the possibilities.

“If you look at his track record of what he did at Central Missouri and what he’s doing now, we’re hoping this will be exciting offense and it’ll be a lot of fun to watch,” Lynn said.

Quarterback Battle Settled

After a competitive camp battle, transfer RJ Martinez has been named the starting quarterback. Martinez edged out returning starter Shawn Johnson, though Lynn made it clear both players are capable of leading the team.

“We came down to RJ and Shawn Johnson, our starter from last year, and both of them I have no problem walking into a football game and let either one of those guys lead our offense,” Lynn said. “They are outstanding guys, they are great leaders and they are physically gifted.”

Local Talent Steps Up

Buffalo fans will have some familiar faces to cheer for this season, with local products Kameron Brown (Palo Duro) and Javin Cash (Canyon) expected to see significant playing time.

“Those are program guys that have worked their way through the system here the last two years, both very good football players,” Lynn noted. “What’s nice about those guys is we’ve got a Palo Duro Don and a Canyon Eagle right in there playing for the Buffalos this year.”

Tough Schedule Ahead

The Buffalos open their season Thursday night against No. 10-ranked Western Colorado, a team that has beaten WT the past two seasons and won a playoff game last year.

Lynn isn’t shying away from the challenge.

“Yes, it is tough. It’s a good schedule. It’s a good tough schedule early,” he said. “But if you look across Division II football and the good teams, they’re all doing the same thing. If we’re going to be any good and we’re going to do what we want to do as a football team, then we have to play these tough games.”

Western Colorado brings back experienced quarterback Drew Nash, who Lynn called “maybe one of the best quarterbacks in Division II football,” along with an All-American defensive end and a veteran roster that’s been together for years.

“They are really well coached. Systematically they have their schemes that they have been running for ten years and those kids go out there and execute,” Lynn said. “They are very disciplined and don’t make a lot of mistakes, which is a sign of a good football team.”

Ready for Prime Time

Despite the short week preparation for Thursday’s opener, Lynn says his team is ready to go.

“It’s not really a short week. I mean, you’ve had all summer to get this thing going,” he said. “We had the whole summer to get ready for these guys and we’ll be ready.”

The Buffalos will travel early to Gunnison, Colorado, for the Thursday night matchup as they look to start the season with a statement win against a ranked opponent.

With new coordinators, a settled quarterback situation, and a healthy roster coming out of fall camp, Lynn believes his team is positioned for success in what promises to be another competitive Lone Star Conference season.