Tarleton State Vs Army 2025: Game Preview, Time, Location, Streaming & Odds
College football fans, mark your calendars. The 2025 season kicks off with an intriguing non-conference matchup as the Army Black Knights welcome the Tarleton State Texans to Michie Stadium on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. For Army, this Week 1 contest is more than just a tune-up; it’s a statement opportunity. For Tarleton State, it’s a chance to shock the nation.
The showdown — 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army — is a classic example of FCS ambition meeting FBS tradition. Army brings discipline, legacy, and a new-look offense to the field, while Tarleton State is on the rise, eager to prove it belongs in the national spotlight.
Let’s break down everything you need to know for 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army, including kickoff details, streaming info, team analysis, betting odds, and expert predictions.
📅 Game Information – 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army
- Matchup: Tarleton State Texans at Army Black Knights
- Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM ET
- Location: Michie Stadium – West Point, NY
- TV Broadcast: CBS Sports Network (expected)
- Live Streaming: CBS Sports App, Paramount+, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
This Friday night kickoff is a rare primetime slot for both programs and gives Army an early spotlight before their tougher schedule ahead.
🏟️ Game Venue: Michie Stadium – West Point’s Historic Gridiron
Michie Stadium is one of the most picturesque venues in college football. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, it’s the spiritual home of the Black Knights and has hosted countless historic games. The stadium will be electric for the season opener, giving Army a significant home-field advantage.
Expect full military pageantry, disciplined execution, and roaring support from the Corps of Cadets as 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army lights up Week 1.
🔍 Team Previews – 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army
⚔️ Army Black Knights: Rebooting the Option in a New Era
The Army Black Knights enter 2025 under renewed focus. After several up-and-down seasons, head coach Jeff Monken has retooled both his coaching staff and offensive strategy. Known for their triple-option dominance, Army has modernized their scheme slightly to integrate more spread concepts — while still preserving the discipline and deception the academy is famous for.
🔑 Key Army Players to Watch:
- QB Bryson Daily – The field general of the new hybrid-option offense. Smart, athletic, and battle-tested.
- FB Jakobi Buchanan – A battering ram in the middle, capable of wearing down defenses.
- SB Ay’Jaun Marshall – One of Army’s fastest backs, often used on jet sweeps and counters.
- LB Leo Lowin – The leader of the defense and a tackling machine.
- DB Cam Jones – A playmaker in the secondary and key in pass coverage against spread sets.
Army will look to dominate possession, avoid penalties, and win the turnover battle — trademarks of Black Knights football.
🟣 Tarleton State Texans: Gritty, Ambitious, and Ready to Shock
Since moving to Division I FCS, Tarleton State has developed a reputation for toughness and overachieving. Head coach Todd Whitten has built a program centered on physicality, solid quarterback play, and an aggressive defensive front. While still relatively new to the top level of FCS competition, the Texans aren’t showing up just to collect a paycheck.
🔑 Key Tarleton State Players to Watch:
- QB Victor Gabalis – An experienced passer with a big arm and poise under pressure.
- RB Kayvon Britten – A dynamic, all-purpose back capable of breaking big runs and catching passes.
- WR Darius Cooper – A reliable route runner and red zone threat.
- DE Javon Jefferson – A relentless edge rusher with a motor that never stops.
- LB D.J. Harris – Versatile defender with excellent instincts and sideline-to-sideline range.
Tarleton State must play with urgency, avoid early mistakes, and stay aggressive to challenge Army for all four quarters.
⚔️ Key Matchups to Watch
Army’s Offensive Line vs Tarleton State’s Defensive Front
The success of the triple-option and zone-read schemes depends heavily on trench warfare. Can Army’s line impose its will?
Victor Gabalis vs Army Secondary
Gabalis’ arm will test Army’s backfield. A couple of deep completions could spark momentum shifts.
Turnover Battle
Neither team wants to play from behind. Winning the turnover battle is crucial, especially with clock-control offenses in play.
📈 Odds & Predictions – 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army
- Point Spread: Army -16.5
- Over/Under: 45.5
- Moneyline: Army -1200, Tarleton State +750
Expert Picks:
- Against the Spread: Tarleton State +16.5
- Total Points: Under 45.5
- Winner: Army
The expectation is that Army’s discipline and time-of-possession game plan will stifle Tarleton State’s tempo. However, don’t be surprised if the Texans keep it close for two or three quarters before Army pulls away.
⭐ Players to Watch
Bryson Daily – QB, Army
With Army modernizing its offense, Daily must execute both the traditional option and RPO elements with precision.
Victor Gabalis – QB, Tarleton State
If he finds rhythm, Gabalis can expose Army’s defensive backfield and sustain drives.
Jakobi Buchanan – FB, Army
Hard to bring down and key to Army’s red zone strategy.
Kayvon Britten – RB, Tarleton State
A sparkplug capable of flipping field position with one big run or screen pass.
🧠 Coaching Matchup: Jeff Monken vs Todd Whitten
Jeff Monken is one of the most respected coaches in college football, especially when it comes to getting the most from disciplined, military-style rosters. His teams rarely beat themselves.
Todd Whitten, on the other hand, is a builder — someone who has raised Tarleton’s profile while emphasizing player development. This will be a chess match between a refined system and an upstart mentality.
📊 2024 Season Recap
Army Black Knights (2024):
- Record: 6–6
- Points Per Game: 24.1
- Yards Allowed/Game: 322.5
- Notable Wins: vs Navy, vs ULM
- Bowl: Armed Forces Bowl (loss)
Tarleton State Texans (2024):
- Record: 8–3
- Conference: Independent (FCS)
- Points Per Game: 28.3
- Yards Allowed/Game: 341.2
- Notable Wins: vs Stephen F. Austin, vs Eastern Kentucky
Tarleton had an impressive season, finishing among the top teams in the FCS despite playing a tough schedule. The program’s continued momentum is what makes 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army an interesting matchup.
🧩 X-Factors in the Game
- Third-Down Efficiency: Army must convert to maintain long drives and wear down the defense.
- Special Teams: A blocked punt or long return could spark an underdog uprising.
- Discipline: Flags and mental errors will be more costly for the underdog. Army’s methodical nature gives it a distinct edge here.
🏆 Final Score Prediction – 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army
Army 28, Tarleton State 13
Army controls the clock, limits Tarleton’s possessions, and executes just well enough to pull away in the second half. Expect a physical game with few penalties, solid defense, and flashes of excitement from both sides.
- Game MVP: Bryson Daily – 110 passing yards, 85 rushing yards, 2 total TDs
- Defensive Star: Leo Lowin – 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL
- Top Offensive Threat (Tarleton): Gabalis – 195 passing yards, 1 TD
❓ FAQs – 🏈 Tarleton State vs Army
When is the Tarleton State vs Army game?
Friday, August 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET.
Where is it being played?
At Michie Stadium in West Point, New York.
What channel will air the game?
Expected to be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Can I stream the game online?
Yes, via the CBS Sports app, Paramount+, FuboTV, and other services.
Is Tarleton State an FCS program?
Yes. They compete in the FCS, while Army plays in the FBS as an Independent.
Who is favored to win?
Army is favored by 16.5 points.
🏁 Final Thoughts
🏈 Tarleton State vs Army offers more than just an opening-week college football game. It’s a showcase of program development, contrasting coaching styles, and the beauty of the sport’s unpredictability. Army brings stability, structure, and history. Tarleton brings hunger, grit, and potential.
While Army is expected to win, don’t underestimate Tarleton State’s will to compete. Upsets start with belief — and with just the right break, this Friday night underdog could shake things up.
