Midwestern State football prepares for season opener under Rich Renner

Last season, Sean Jastrab threw 19 touchdown passes in six games for Midwestern State, including six in a 69-23 win over Sul Ross State. Now, the returning quarterback is part of a competition that head coach Rich Renner believes reflects a broader change within the Mustangs' program as it enters 2026. Midwestern State is coming off a 3-8 season, including a 3-6 mark in Lone Star Conference play. The Mustangs have gone 7-15 through Renner’s first two seasons in control. Renner, however, sees a different team in camp this time around. “I think they’re a lot closer as a team,” Renner said. “I think they’re a lot more disciplined as a team than we’ve had in the past. I think they’re hungrier, wanting to win, and they know what it takes to win.” Jastrab completed 124 of 205 passes for 1,529 yards, with three interceptions, last season. Renner said Jastrab and Kaden Brown have both performed well during camp, with an older receiving group providing stability around them. Renner also noted the defensive line has made progress using its hands and getting off blocks, while the secondary has improved at limiting deep passes. The running back room, which includes several young pieces, has also continued to develop throughout camp. “I'm excited to see the progress that we continue day in and day out," Renner said. "We're not there yet. We're not even close, but at least we're getting better." For Renner, the most important difference has been how the Mustangs are practicing. He said last year’s team dealt with several distractions that caused interruptions and limited the number of productive repetitions. This season, MSU has emphasized “practicing like a pro” and protecting teammates. “We're talking about practicing like a pro and doing things like the pro that you want to be — doing it the right way," Renner said. "I think because of that, we've been able to protect each other more. We've also been able to get more reps without being distracted or having a lot of stoppages where we have to stop and start." That discipline is also central to Renner’s expectations once the season begins. He wants MSU to avoid beating itself while keeping focus on the next play rather than the final result. In fact, Renner is not even looking beyond the opener. “Game one is the most important one,” Renner said. “It starts the season off. It starts the year off. It starts everything that you build up to in the fall. It's great excitement with the kids' first week back to school, so everybody's ready for football; it's just a great time." The Mustangs open the season Aug. 29 at Memorial Stadium against Missouri Southern, the same opponent that defeated MSU 33-19 in last year’s opener. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Midwestern State football prepares for season opener under Rich Renner