So, the good news is that you'll be in the center of some truly amazing BBQ joints. San Antonio ... 2M Smokehouse was impressive, but beyond that I haven't found much to sing the praises of compared to Houston, Austin, and Dallas. College Station isn't much for "destination" BBQ, but there are some decent places like Fargo's or Good Bull. Rather than College Station, I'd STRONGLY urge you to consider Luling (City Market) or Lockhart (Kruez Market and Smitty's). Austin has tons besides Franklin's ... though Franklin's is awesome; La Barbecue and Micklethwait go toe-to-toe with the best in the state. I wouldn't sell Dallas short if you can make time ... Pecan Lodge and Cattleack are on point.
Houston metro area ... if you swing by you've got a ton of places that source prime meats and do it "right", sides included ... Tejas Chocolate Craftory + BBQ (Tomball), Killen's (Pearland), and Corkscrew (Spring) are my trifecta locally. Tejas in Tomball has my favorite spareribs, chicken, burnt ends, and desserts in Texas, Killen's is right up there with Franklin's for brisket, pork belly, and beef plate ribs, and Corkscrew is solid all around.