BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University recorded an upset victory at Sam Houston State Saturday, and Sunday the Cardinals are making news about future football dates. Big Red has added Texas State to the 2024 docket. The game against the Bobcats is currently slated to kick off Saturday, Aug. 31.
 
In addition to a contest on the gridiron during the 2024 season, the contract also includes a home-and-home series for men's basketball.
 
A former Southland Conference rival, Texas State (formerly Southwest Texas State) left the Southland Conference following the 2010-11 academic year to begin the transition to the NCAA FBS level. Texas State is currently affiliated with the Sun Belt Conference. The Bobcats finished fifth in the Sun Belt West Division and tied for 10^th overall in the standings with a 3-9 (.333) overall record and a 1-7 (.125) conference mark in 2018.
 
The 2024 showdown will mark the first meeting between the two schools since the 2011 season – the program's second-year on the field following a 21-year hiatus. That season, Texas State recorded a 46-21 victory.
 
The Cardinal basketball team has a more recent showdown with the former conference rival. The two schools met in the 2017 postseason with the Bobcats coming out on top in a close contest. Big Red owns a slim one-game advantage over Texas State on the basketball court.
 
The LU football team is currently 4-3 (.571) on the season, and 2-2 (.500) in Southland Conference play after knocking off nationally ranked Sam Houston State Saturday in Huntsville. It marks the second consecutive season LU has defeated a nationally ranked Sam Houston State football team.