Game Details
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 1:35 PM PT / 4:35 PM ET
Location: Hillsboro Stadium, Hillsboro, OR
Broadcast: ESPN2 (first-ever national TV game from Hillsboro Stadium)
Series History: First-ever meeting
Tarleton State Texans
2024 Record: 10–4 (6–2 UAC), FCS Playoff qualifier
Head Coach: Todd Whitten (16th year at TSU)
Ranking: No. 10 in FCS preseason poll
Offensive Identity: Balanced attack with explosive playmakers
Key Players:
QB Victor Gabalis: Dual-threat leader with 2,800+ total yards in 2024
RB Darius Cooper: 1,000-yard rusher, 12 TDs
WR Jaden Smith: Deep threat with 18.4 yards per catch
Defense: Opportunistic unit with 24 takeaways last season
X-Factor: Experience — 15 returning starters and playoff pedigree
Portland State Vikings
2024 Record: 3–8 (3–5 Big Sky)
Head Coach: Bruce Barnum (11th year)
Strengths: Tough schedule battle-tested team, strong special teams
Key Players:
TE Tanner Beaman: Preseason All-Big Sky, red-zone weapon
S Isaiah Green: Sophomore standout, team’s top returning tackler
QB Battle: Redshirt freshman vs. transfer — starter TBD
Challenges: Replacing key starters at QB, LB, and OL
X-Factor: Home-field energy — first time PSU opens at home in 9 years
Matchup Insights
| Category | Tarleton State | Portland State |
| 2024 Record | 10–4 | 3–8 |
| Returning Starters | 15 | 9 |
| Turnover Margin (2024) | +8 | –5 |
| Preseason Rank | #10 FCS | Unranked |
| National TV Experience | 2nd ESPN2 appearance | First ESPN2 home game |
Tarleton State enters with momentum and national attention after a playoff run and a strong finish to 2024
Portland State is being rebuilt but has promising young talent and a chip on its shoulder after a tough schedule last year
Expect PSU to hang tough early, but Tarleton’s depth and offensive firepower should take over in the second half. Look for Gabalis and Cooper to set the tone, while PSU’s defense tries to keep it respectable.
