Living the Dream

Roel Rodriguez
3 days ago
9 min read

(This article was written by Roel Rodriguez and was featured in the February 2026 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

For athletes, success is often tied to a lifelong dream. Many athletes develop ambitions to succeed at sports at a young age. Especially athletes aiming to compete at elite levels in the sport that they love.

That is exactly what has happened for one of our own. Nathan Huerta, a 2021 graduate of Harlingen High School, has continued his football career at the highest level possible in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).

Nathan is the only player from Harlingen selected to be on the inaugural University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros football team. The UTRGV Vaqueros played its first NCAA Division 1 football season in the Southland Conference last year. Nathan’s accomplishment is remarkable, as just 1 to 2 percent of high school athletes compete at the NCAA D1 level. With Nathan as the sole Harlingen player among more than 90 UTRGV team members, I wanted to learn about his experience as a member of the 2025 Vaquero Football team.

The Journey

To appreciate what Nathan has achieved, one must appreciate his fascinating and inspiring journey in football and in life.

Harlingen Cardinal Nation will remember Nathan as an exceptional athlete excelling in football and track. In football, Nathan was a truly outstanding force on the Cardinal defense. He was recognized with numerous awards and accolades, which included District Defensive MVP and 6A “All State” 2^nd Team Defensive Lineman. Nathan also earned an opportunity to play in the Blue Grey All American Bowl in Dallas, Texas. This game featured the best high school football players in the country. Given the success Nathan had in high school football, he naturally wanted to continue playing at the next level in college to fulfill his vision.

After graduating from Harlingen High, Nathan accepted an opportunity to play at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. During his time at Southwestern University, Nathan recorded 15 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked field goal in 10 games. Clearly, Nathan had a successful year with the Pirates football team, but he desired more. He decided that remaining at Southwestern University would not adequately support his aspirations in collegiate football, specifically competing against the caliber of players to achieve his dream of playing at the highest level.

Therefore, Nathan decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal and seek an opportunity to play at another school. Nathan’s network helped secure an opportunity to tryout as a “walk on” at Texas State University (TXST). Out of 75 participants at the tryout, Nathan was the only player to make the TXST Bobcat football team.

In Nathan’s first year as a TXST football player, he was designated as a “Red Shirt” player and a was a member of the TXST “Scout” team. That meant no playing time but he had an opportunity to improve his strength, conditioning, and speed, as well as practice against elite D1 football talent.

In his second year at TXST, Nathan did get playing time during games but primarily only played special teams (punts and kick offs) and during lopsided games. He recorded 3 tackles in 8 games and was part of the First Responders Bowl Championship team.

After completing his “Red Shirt” Sophomore year with the TXST football team, Nathan decided to enter the transfer portal once again. Within minutes of declaring his eligibility to play for another program, Nathan received 30+ notifications and continued to receive numerous calls throughout this process from various D1 and D2 schools and coaches.

Although the decision to transfer came with uncertainty, Nathan recognized how blessed he was with the amount of interest he had received from so many college football programs. Nathan was intrigued with possibly playing for the brand new football program at UTRGV and with playing closer to his family, but his priority was to find the right location to help him achieve his lifelong dream.

Nathan conducted an official visit with the UTRGV staff and immediately discovered that this was the best place for him to continue his college football career. Nathan credits Head Coach Bush, the coaching staff, the UTRGV facilities, the roster, playing closer to home, and the opportunity for significant playing time as the deciding factors for choosing UTRGV.

Nathan did get significant playing time and earned a starting position on the Vaqueros defensive line. At 6 feet tall and 270 pounds, Nathan routinely competed against bigger players, but he had his best statistical collegiate season in tackles and sacks in his college career, to date, and was a key member of the highly successful Vaquero football defense, which was ranked as the third best defense in the Southland Conference. Nathan played 12 games (started 11) for the Vaqueros, which finished with a historic 9 win and 3 losses record, making UTRGV the winningest first-year Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) since 1978.

The inaugural UTRGV football season was full of highlights for Nathan, but his most memorable personal highlight is a 13-yard sack and forced fumble that he caused against the University of Incarnate Word, which lead to a UTRGV defensive touchdown. Nathan smiles and beams with pride as he described how happy he was for his defensive teammate to score a touchdown from that play.

For all UTRGV football fans, we are familiar with the unprecedented performance and success of the football team. This was a team that was expected to finish last in their conference in all preseason polls. The UTRGV football team exceeded all expectations. They were undefeated at home. Their 3 losses were to ranked teams, and the unmatched fan support really set a standard for this program.

The Right Choice

We know the team's outcome, but I was still interested as to why Nathan picked UTRGV over other schools. He said that he was drawn to the program’s environment and felt very comfortable when he initially visited with the coaching staff. He also believed that he would have a real opportunity for significant playing time at a D1 school near his hometown. He was attracted to playing for a team competing in their inaugural season and to achieve something special even though he really didn’t know what to expect initially.

Nathan often spoke about his goal of playing at the next level and, after spending time in prayer and meditation, decided that the UTRGV program was the ideal place for him to pursue his football aspirations.

When asked to share the best part of his experience on the 2025 UTRGV football team, Nathan credits his coaching staff and his teammates. The entire coaching staff and, specifically Head Coach Bush, have created a “team oriented, team first, and play for each other” culture that has resonated throughout the entire program. Nathan describes Coach Bush as a “players’ coach” because he connects with each player and shows that he truly cares about each one of them. Coach Bush focuses on building relationships with everyone on the team and takes a vested interest in them. Nathan also credited Defensive Line Coach Nate Langford as another catalyst for building the team culture. Nathan boasts that Coach Regalado is a “recruiting genius” and works tirelessly at finding the players with the right fit to enhance the team chemistry. Lastly, Nathan credits Coach Gamble with tremendous game planning and Nathan shared how impressed he was with Coach Gamble’s dedicated work specifically in the countless hours he would spend on preparing the UTRGV players for an opponent.

Nathan refers to his teammates as “having a strong bond" and "brotherhood.” He stated that the players consistently support, motivate, encourage, and assist each other during team workouts. The team regularly spends time together outside of practice, including group meals, and demonstrates genuine care for one another, a dynamic Nathan described as distinct from his experiences at other schools.

He also mentioned that the team’s reaction to the season’s outcome was not surprising. From the very first day, Coach Bush emphasized a philosophy of “go out, win, and dominate,” and the players fully embraced this mindset, which translated into remarkable success on the field.

Nathan proudly used the term “Trench Dogs” to describe the coaches and players dedicated to the defensive line. Nathan says they are very close, share a strong bond, and spend a lot of time together.

Nathan’s decision to play for UTRGV was the right one, and he contributed to a remarkable, memorable, and historic experience.

The Grind

I was curious about the amount of training Nathan, and his teammates require to compete at the Division 1 level. Nathan grinned and explained, “We train every day, often multiple times throughout the day.”

At UTRGV, players begin their day with workouts at the Vaquero Performance Center (VPC) every morning at 6 am, focusing on both strength and core training. Afterward, the team usually moves to the practice fields next to the VPC for group conditioning, such as running. In the afternoons, athletes return to either the VPC or the practice fields for additional work, specialty training, and further conditioning exercises. It’s a demanding schedule of training and practice.

I asked him what it’s like to play Division I college football game. Nathan acknowledged the competitive nature of the field but has recognized his ability to perform at that level and compete with any opponent. His growth as an athlete, combined with his strong faith and spirituality, has provided him with the assurance and conviction that he is qualified to participate at this level.

Nathan explained that he regularly competes against offensive linemen who are significantly taller and typically outsize him by over 30 pounds. While he may not possess the same physical stature or strength as his competitors, he leverages his natural quickness and low center of gravity and skill to his advantage. Nathan consistently distinguishes himself by outperforming opponents through his football IQ and a strong understanding of the game. His statistical performance demonstrates his effectiveness in reaching the ball, making tackles, pressuring quarterbacks, and disrupting the offensive momentum of opposing teams.

Another unique part of college football for Nathan and his teammates is the world of receiving revenue through the “Name, Image and Likeness” program or “NIL” as known throughout NCAA athletics. The NIL program lets college athletes earn money from endorsements while maintaining their amateur status. Nathan participates in NIL and has a couple of local endorsements in the Harlingen area.

All NIL opportunities and endorsements must be processed through UTRGV Athletics for compliance and transparency. Every semester, UTRGV Athletics gives “Do’s and Don’ts” training to all student athletes to ensure compliance of the rules and regulations.

Nathan values the NIL program for helping him improve his communication and interpersonal skills through interactions with business owners and individuals. He added that he greatly enjoys filming endorsement videos for local businesses and appreciates the chance to promote them on social media as a pseudo “influencer.”

Nathan mentioned that he previously worked part-time, attended classes, trained, traveled, and played while at Southwestern University and TXST. He mentioned that balancing a part-time job with attending classes, studying, and fulfilling all the requirements of training, preparation, travel, and games at the D1 level is extremely challenging. Players now face year-round demands that require significant time and commitment. The NIL program lets athletes earn income and participate in extracurricular activities typical of D1 football players.

With Nathan having another year of college football eligibility, returning to play with the UTRGV Vaqueros, and being the only Harlingen player on the team, I highly encourage businesses and business owners in Harlingen to contact Nathan at 956-626-5756 to discuss the opportunity to endorse your business. It would be great if we could become part of the village that supports Nathan as he continues to pursue his lifelong dreams.

The Reason

I asked Nathan for the keys to his success. He promptly attributes his success to his faith in Jesus Christ. His commitment to Christianity is a significant aspect of his identity, with faith and spirituality playing an integral role in his life. He credits his father, Ramon, and his mother, Stephanie, for introducing and exposing him to his religion. He puts faith first, recognizing the many blessings he has received throughout his life, including his family and his talents. He is grateful for the many opportunities that have come his way. Although he received interest from several other places in Texas to further his football career, he remembers an old vision of himself, doing exactly what he does today and feeling blessed with success. Nathan is currently preparing for his fifth and final year of college football, and I am confident that he will continue to be guided and inspired to achieve his dreams.

Nathan also credits his very supportive family and the bond that they share. In addition to his mother and father, Nathan’s brother, Noah and his sister, Sophia, provide him with constant love, support and prayers.

The Next Chapter

Nathan Huerta will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in May 2026. He plans to attend graduate school at UTRGV to pursue a master’s in health or sociology and aims for a career focused on the business/administrative side of healthcare.

However, and not surprising, he remains open to pursuing opportunities in the National Football League, Canadian Football League, or United Football League after completing his college football career at UTRGV.

He mentioned before that he dreamed long ago of playing football at an elite level, though he never specified that his ambition was limited to Division 1 football. I truly believe Nathan Huerta is capable of achieving any goal he sets his mind to, as I believe that with God, all things are possible.

Thank you, Nathan, for representing Harlingen and for representing our community. Thank you for sharing your UTRGV Football experience with us. We wish you nothing but the best during your final collegiate football season at UTRGV this year and we look forward to supporting you and celebrating your success. God Speed, Nathan!