News Summary

Jeff Traylor, head coach of UTSA, was recently inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. His impactful career, including a remarkable record at Gilmer High School, was celebrated among fellow legends. Traylor’s successful tenure at UTSA further highlights his contributions to Texas football, making this induction a testament to his legacy in the sport.

Waco Welcomes a Coaching Legend: Jeff Traylor Inducted into Texas High School Football Hall of Fame

Waco, Texas, was buzzing with excitement this past Saturday evening as the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame welcomed its newest class of legends. Among the honored guests was none other than Jeff Traylor, the head coach of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The ceremony took place in the beautiful Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center Ballroom, nestled within the heart of the Baylor University campus.

Celebrating Texas Football Greats

This year, Traylor was one of nine remarkable inductees, joining the ranks of notable figures like Robert Griffin III and Patrick Mahomes II. The evening was a heartfelt celebration of the influence these sports figures have had on high school football across the Lone Star State.

A Legacy Built at Gilmer High School

Before his impressive journey at UTSA, Jeff Traylor spent 15 transformative years at Gilmer High School, where he took the Buckeyes from ordinary to extraordinary. His record of 175 wins and just 26 losses is a testament to his coaching prowess, achieving an astounding win percentage of .871 during his tenure. Under his watch, the Buckeyes clinched state championships in 2004, 2009, and 2014, with his first championship in 2004 coming from an undefeated season of 16-0.

The successes didn’t stop there. Gilmer’s 2009 team repeated history with another undefeated record of 15-0, capturing the Class 3A Division I Championship. Fast forward to 2014, and Traylor’s squad rewrote the record books, scoring 950 total points over the season, while averaging a jaw-dropping 59.4 points and 536.1 yards per game, ultimately winning the Class 4A Division II State Championship.

A Community’s Gratitude

The impact Traylor had on Gilmer extended beyond the scoreboard. To show their appreciation for his contributions, the community renamed Buckeye Stadium to Jeff Traylor Stadium, immortalizing his legacy.

Recognition and Achievements

Over the years, Traylor has gathered numerous accolades, including being named the Tyler Morning Telegraph Coach of the Decade for the 2000s and receiving the title of Texas High School Coach of the Year not just once, but four times! In 2019, he was inducted into the East Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor, cementing his status as a coaching legend.

Success at UTSA

Now leading the Roadrunners at UTSA, Traylor has continued his winning ways, boasting a record of 46 wins and 20 losses in just five seasons. His leadership has propelled UTSA to become the most successful FBS team in Texas since 2020, with an impressive home record of 29 wins and only 3 losses.

Traylor has fostered a winning culture at UTSA, guiding the Roadrunners to two conference championships and securing five straight bowl game appearances, including back-to-back bowl victories. His players have shone under his guidance, earning 15 All-America awards and 91 all-conference selections.

Looking Ahead

As if his accolades weren’t impressive enough, Traylor is set to be inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2025, adding yet another feather to his already crowded cap. This upcoming recognition will take place during a special banquet at the annual THSCA Coaching School and Convention in San Antonio.

With his remarkable journey from high school coaching to the collegiate level, Jeff Traylor has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Texas football. His induction into the Hall of Fame is not just a celebration of his past successes, but a joyous glimpse into the promising future he continues to build in the world of sports.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Waco Honors Texas Football Legends with Hall of Fame Induction
Copperas Cove Inducts Football Legends into Hall of Fame

Additional Resources