Twin Rivalry at the Plate: Texas Catcher Rylan Galvan Faces Off Against His Brother, UTRGV’s Rene Galvan

By Mary John

On a cool evening at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, the crowd leaned forward, sensing something special unfolding before them—not just a game, but a moment of familial history. As Texas catcher Rylan Galvan squatted behind the plate in the iconic burnt orange, his twin brother, Rene Galvan, stepped into the batter’s box wearing the white and orange of UTRGV. This wasn’t just a showdown between the University of Texas and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. It was a battle of brothers, twin brothers, raised in the same house, with the same dream, now facing each other on opposite sides of the diamond.

It’s rare enough to see siblings compete in college baseball, rarer still to witness twins go head-to-head at the NCAA Division I level. But that’s exactly what unfolded when the Longhorns hosted UTRGV in a non-conference clash. For the Galvan family and everyone in attendance, it was more than just a baseball game—it was a celebration of brotherhood, rivalry, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Born to Play Ball

Rylan and Rene Galvan grew up in Mission, Texas, a South Texas town that sits just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Raised in a baseball-loving household, the two were practically born with gloves on their hands and dreams of one day playing on the biggest stages. From Little League to high school, they were inseparable—on the field and off.

Their early days were marked by fierce backyard competitions that often turned into real-life training sessions. Their father, himself a former baseball player, built a batting cage in their backyard, and the boys were known to spend hours there—pitching, hitting, catching, competing. The rivalry started young, and it never really stopped.

In high school at Mission Veterans Memorial, both made headlines for their baseball prowess. Rylan, a powerful catcher with a strong arm and solid defensive instincts, was ranked among the top catchers in the state. Rene, a speedy and versatile outfielder, was known for his bat-to-ball skills and knack for finding gaps in the defense.

Despite being twins, their paths diverged when it came time to commit to college programs. Rylan was heavily recruited and ultimately signed with the Texas Longhorns—a dream come true for many young Texans. Rene, equally talented but looking for the right fit, chose UTRGV, a program on the rise and close to home.

The Road to Austin

Since arriving in Austin, Rylan Galvan has carved out a name for himself as a reliable backstop and clutch performer. His growth has been steady, and under the tutelage of Texas’ coaching staff, he’s emerged as a key figure for the Longhorns, both defensively and at the plate.

Rene’s path at UTRGV has been equally impressive. Playing under head coach Derek Matlock, he has flourished as an everyday outfielder and one of the team’s most consistent offensive threats. While UTRGV may not have the national spotlight that Texas does, Rene’s performance has not gone unnoticed. His speed, on-base ability, and defense have made him a cornerstone for the Vaqueros.

Both brothers have maintained a close relationship despite the physical distance and conference separation. They talk regularly, share game film, and even give each other tips. But once the schedule revealed a matchup between Texas and UTRGV, the tone of those conversations changed.

“We were both excited,” said Rylan in a pregame interview. “But we also knew—it was game on.”

Brother vs. Brother: The At-Bat

The moment came in the middle innings of the game. UTRGV’s lineup card worked its way down, and there he was—No. 25, Rene Galvan, stepping into the box to face a Texas pitcher with his twin brother behind the plate.

Cameras clicked. Fans murmured. The public address announcer paused just slightly, knowing the crowd needed to soak it in. Rylan tapped his glove and crouched behind the plate. Rene settled in, adjusting his helmet, looking up once to give his brother a nod.

There were no words exchanged. Just a deep, mutual understanding.

The first pitch was a fastball low and away. Ball one. Rylan called for a breaking ball. Strike one. The crowd clapped in anticipation. The brothers were locked in—a mental chess match years in the making.

Rene fouled off a pitch and then took another for a ball. Then, with a 2-2 count, he lashed a line drive into right field—a clean single. The crowd erupted. It was a win for Rene in that moment, but more than anything, it was a win for the family.

As Rene stood on first base, he looked toward home plate. Rylan gave him a subtle smile and nodded. The crowd loved it. The announcers called it one of the best moments of the college baseball season.

“We’ve been doing that our whole lives,” said Rene after the game. “But to do it on this stage, it meant the world.”

The Family in the Stands

In the bleachers that night sat their parents, wearing split gear—half Texas, half UTRGV. Their mom clutched a small sign that read “Proud of Both.” Their father wore a custom cap that had both schools stitched onto it.

“It was emotional,” their mom said in a postgame interview. “We never imagined this. We always hoped they’d do great things, but to see them on the same field, one catching and one batting—it was surreal.”

Even the Texas and UTRGV fanbases appreciated the moment. Social media exploded with praise, and several national outlets featured the moment as part of their highlights of the week.

More Than a Game

For the Galvan twins, the night was about more than baseball. It was a symbol of everything they’d worked for since they were kids. It was a rare opportunity to compete against your brother while honoring your shared journey.

“It felt like our entire childhood was leading up to that moment,” said Rylan. “The games in the backyard, the practices, the arguments, the support—it all came together.”

Even the coaches took a step back to appreciate the occasion.

“You don’t see that every day,” said Texas head coach David Pierce. “That’s a baseball story for the ages. We were all just lucky to witness it.”

Coach Matlock from UTRGV echoed those sentiments. “Two great young men, two great players. We were proud of Rene, and I know Texas is proud of Rylan. This was special.”

A Bright Future

Both Galvan brothers are draft-eligible in the coming years, and scouts have taken notice. Rylan’s catching ability, combined with his improved power numbers, makes him an intriguing prospect for MLB teams. Rene, meanwhile, brings a classic leadoff profile with plus speed, solid contact ability, and outfield versatility.

But regardless of where baseball takes them next, they’ll always have this night.

For Texas fans, it was another solid win. For UTRGV supporters, it was proof that the Vaqueros can hang with the big boys. But for the Galvan family and baseball romantics everywhere, the game was something else entirely.

It was a reminder of what makes sports great. It was love, competition, and brotherhood all rolled into one.

Final Score: Memories 1, Rivalry 1

The Longhorns ultimately took the game with a comfortable margin, but the final score felt secondary to what had transpired on the field. The Galvans reminded everyone that while baseball is a game of numbers and stats, it’s also a game of moments—and this one will be replayed in family stories for years to come.

When asked if they’d do it again, both smiled.

“Absolutely,” said Rene.

“Let’s run it back,” added Rylan, laughing.

Maybe they will. Maybe next season, maybe in the postseason, maybe in pro ball. But no matter what, April 2025 in Austin will forever belong to the Galvan twins—two brothers who turned a college baseball game into a timeless moment.

Let me know if you’d like quotes expanded, stats added, or more background on the programs or their family.