Buffs finish strong: WT caps season with thrilling Heritage Bowl win

West Texas A&M couldn’t have scripted a more dramatic ending to their 2025 season. With the game — and the Heritage Bowl trophy — on the line, the Buffs’ defense delivered one final stand to secure a heart-pounding 28–27 victory over the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys on Saturday afternoon at Community National Bank & Trust Stadium in Corsicana, Texas.

The win not only extended WT’s season-ending streak to four straight victories, but it also pushed them to an 8–4 finish — the program’s highest win total since 2019. And fittingly, it came in a game that showcased resilience, explosive offense, and clutch defensive play from start to finish.

The afternoon didn’t begin smoothly for the Buffs. After Jayden Hibbler’s 18-yard kickoff return set WT up at their own 27, a promising completion from RJ Martinez to Hibbler was wiped out by a false start. The drive stalled, giving Arkansas Tech an early chance — one they fully embraced. The Wonder Boys marched 80 yards on a 14-play grind, capped by a 2-yard plunge from Keegan Vest to claim a 7–0 lead late in the opening quarter.

WT’s response came early in the second. Martinez, settling into rhythm, found Sean Johnson for a 23-yard strike to even the score. The Buffs then flipped momentum defensively, stuffing Arkansas Tech on fourth down to regain possession. Minutes later, Martinez delivered the play of the half — an electric 83-yard bomb to Zach Phipps — vaulting WT ahead 14–7. Despite a late interception, the Buffs carried confidence and a lead into the locker room.

That confidence only grew in the third quarter. Martinez opened the half with a sharp, composed drive, finishing it off with an 8-yard touchdown pass to C’ing Blanton. Arkansas Tech countered with a touchdown of their own, but Jahmek Armstrong’s block on the extra point kept WT’s lead at eight. Martinez wasn’t done, though — the junior quarterback capped another late-quarter drive with a determined 6-yard touchdown run, stretching the margin to 28–13 entering the final period.

The fourth quarter, however, was far from comfortable. WT forced a turnover on downs thanks to a backfield-bursting tackle for loss by Matthew Bryant, but the offense couldn’t put the game away, losing a fumble that reopened the door for Arkansas Tech. The Wonder Boys took full advantage, slicing into the lead with a touchdown pass from Carter Hensley to Scout Brazeal.

Then came the final, frantic seconds. Arkansas Tech found the end zone again to pull within one. Opting to win rather than tie, the Wonder Boys went for two — but WT’s defense refused to bend. Miles Hill broke up the conversion attempt, sealing the Buffs’ dramatic 28–27 bowl victory.

Martinez was deservedly named Heritage Bowl MVP after completing 32 of 44 passes for 407 yards and three touchdowns, plus a rushing score. Johnson was unstoppable, hauling in 16 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. Phipps added 91 receiving yards and a score, while the defense saw standout performances from Jamel Acosta-Lewis (six tackles) and Lucas Jarnagin (team-high 13 stops).

It was a finish that captured the heart of this WT team — gritty, explosive, and never out of fight. And with eight wins and a bowl trophy to show for it, the Buffs have plenty to build on heading into 2026.