Army vs Tarleton State: Historic FCS Upset, Rankings Insights & 2025 College Football Outlook

1. Introduction

The 2025 college football season rocked fans with one of its most unexpected outcomes—Tarleton State’s stunning double-overtime win over Army. This game not only marked a pivotal upset but also shook up discussions around rankings, underdog potential, and the ongoing journeys of both programs. Let’s break down this monumental matchup, explore both teams, examine the broader 2025 rankings, and understand what it all means for Army football, Tarleton State, and college football at large.

2. Army Football Overview

The Army Black Knights have long been a respected FBS independent, competing in the American Athletic Conference since their move from the FCS. With disciplined, run-heavy schemes and a proud tradition rooted in West Point, Army consistently presents tough challenges for opponents.

• 2024 Season Review: Army finished with a historic 12-2 record—the most wins in program history—securing the American Athletic Conference title with an undefeated 8-0 conference record.

• 2025 Season Start: The season began with high expectations; Army entered Week 1 as 14 or 13.5-point favorites over FCS Tarleton State.

3. Tarleton State Football at a Glance

Tarleton State, a rising FCS program within the United Athletic Conference, has steadily gained respect.

• 2025 Team Profile: The Texans, led by 16th-year head coach Todd Whitten, competed in the UAC with a pro-spread offense and a 4–3 defensive scheme Wikipedia.

• Preseason Expectations: Ranked No. 10 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 polls.

• Season Opener: Tarleton State dominated Portland State 42–0 in their Week 0 FCS Kickoff game, entering their FBS matchup unbeaten.

4. 2025 Preseason College Football Rankings

A quick snapshot of the top contenders across FBS as the 2025 season kicked off:

• AP Top 25 (Preseason):

  1. Texas

  2. Penn State

  3. Ohio State

  4. Clemson

  5. Georgia
     —Michigan and others also featured prominently.

• Expert & Alternative Rankings:

  • SBNation highlighted Texas, Clemson (No. 2), Georgia (No. 3), Penn State (No. 4), and Ohio State (No. 5)

  • Power ratings from CBSSports also picked Ohio State and Texas as elites heading into the season.

These rankings underline the competitive and unpredictable nature of the 2025 season—as FCS teams like Tarleton State proved, no opponent should be taken lightly.

5. Army vs Tarleton State: The Game Recap

On August 29, 2025, at Michie Stadium in West Point, Army seemed poised for the expected result—but Tarleton State pulled off the first FCS-over-FBS upset of the season.

Game Summary

• Final Score: Tarleton State 30, Army 27 (Double Overtime)

• Key Moments:

  • Army held a 24–10 lead in the third quarter.

  • Tarleton rallied to tie 24–24, forcing overtime.

  • Both teams traded field goals in the first OT. In the second OT, Army missed a field goal, and Tarleton kicked the game-winner via Brad Larson’s 37-yard FG.

  • The upset ended Army’s 17-game win streak against FCS opponents and marked their first FCS loss since 2015.

• Stats Overview:

  • Army: 411 total yards, 3 turnovers, 36:34 possession.

  • Tarleton State: 344 total yards, zero turnovers.

  • Standouts: Tarleton QB Victor Gabalis (152 pass yds), RB Caleb Lewis (107 rush yds); Army’s Dewayne Coleman ran for 100 yards but threw 2 INTs and exited early due to injury.

This historic result instantly elevated Tarleton State into the season narrative as credible FCS contenders.

6. Predictions and Betting Lines

Prior to the game, experts and sportsbooks were all confident in Army’s superiority:

• Expert Odds:

  • SportsLine’s Eric Cohen projected Army as a strong favorite with the spread at Army −14.5 (“lean Under on the total”).

• Betting Lines:

  • Consensus betting pins Army at −13.5 or −14.5; moneyline: Army around −550 to −630, Tarleton +400 to +450; over/under at 47.5

Tarleton State’s upset turned all expectations upside down—highlighting the eternal draw of college football’s unpredictability.

7. Where to Watch Army vs Tarleton State

• The matchup aired live on CBS Sports Network, with kickoff from Michie Stadium in West Point.

• For future viewers, CBS Sports Network remains the go-to broadcaster for independent and early-season FBS matchups.

8. Impact on Both Programs & College Football Landscape

For Tarleton State

• A signature win that enhances recruiting visibility and signals FCS competitiveness.

• Momentum boost heading into conference play (e.g., matchup against Mississippi Valley State next)

For Army

• A sobering loss that disrupts momentum after their record-setting 2024 season.

• Raises questions about depth, execution under pressure, and reliance on run-heavy strategies.

Broader Implications

• Reinforces the one-sided nature of rankings early in the season—AP and power rankings may need recalibration.

• Underscores that FCS programs can topple FBS foes, renewing the debate over tier lines.

• Adds drama to the 2025 college football narrative, particularly for underdog stories.

9. West Point Football: The Bigger Picture

West Point (Army) holds a distinguished place in college football, blending military service and athletics:

• Despite recent struggles, Army remains a formidable program; consistent bowl eligibility and conference titles bolster its stature.

• This upset serves as a reminder that every season offers fresh challenges—discipline alone doesn’t guarantee outcomes.

• The Black Knights must recalibrate, adjust strategy, and manage expectations as they move forward in 2025.

10. Conclusion

The Army vs Tarleton State showdown was one of the season’s most electric and unpredictable moments: a dominant FBS team undone by resilient offense, clutch kicking, and opportunistic defense from a rising FCS program. It shook up preseason predictions, spotlighted both teams, and reignited the essence of college football unpredictability.

As 2025 unfolds—with Texas, Ohio State, Clemson, Georgia, and others jostling for rankings—this upset reminds us: never count anyone out. Every underdog win enriches the sport’s dynamic narrative.