They played as charter members of the XFL, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2020 season.

The Roughnecks played their home games at TDECU Stadium and were led by head coach June Jones.

Their inaugural season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the XFL officially suspended operations for the remainder of the season on March 20, 2020.

The Roughnecks were the only Western Conference team to win in week 1 as they started their season 1–0.

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL