Tarleton State Football Kicks Off 2025 Season with Week-0 Opener at Portland State

STEPHENVILLE, Texas - The No. 10 Tarleton State Texans kicked off their 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 23. They traveled to Hillsboro Stadium in Oregon to face the Portland State Vikings. This “Week 0” game aired live on ESPN2.

Tarleton State, the top pick to win the United Athletic Conference, received eight of nine first-place votes. They entered the game with a 0–0 record. Senior quarterback Victor Gabalis led the team. He was named the UAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Head coach Todd Whitten is in his 16th season. He brings back a strong roster with four UAC All-Conference picks: Hunter Smith (offensive lineman), Brandon Tolvert (defensive lineman), Ty Rawls (linebacker), and Kasyus Kurns (defensive back).

The Texans’ special teams were among the best last year. They ranked 4th in punt return defense, 5th in kick return defense, and 10th in net punting. Coordinator Michael Walton aims to keep this high standard. He has full access to the program’s top athletes after Adrian Guzman graduated as punter.

Kickoff was set for 3:30 p.m. CT (4:30 p.m. EDT) on ESPN2, with the Tarleton Sports Network on 90.5 FM carrying the radio broadcast. This is the Texans’ second straight Week 0 game and their second game on linear TV. Their 2024 opener aired on ESPN2.

Tarleton State’s 2025 schedule starts with three non-conference road trips. They’ll visit Army on Aug. 30, airing on CBS Sports Network. Then, they open conference play on Sept. 6 against Mississippi Valley State at Memorial Stadium in Stephenville.

Up Next:

• Saturday, Aug. 30 @ Army (CBS Sports Network)
• Saturday, Sept. 6 vs. Mississippi Valley State (Memorial Stadium)

The Texans want to improve on their best-ever 10–4 finish in 2024. This season included a first-round FCS Playoff win. They are chasing their first UAC title and hope for a longer playoff run.