Texans run through the Devils in home opener

BY RILEY HETHERINGTON

Multimedia Journalist

Tarleton State University’s home opener wasn’t just a kickoff, it was a statement. Facing HBCU Mississippi Valley State University, the Texans demolished the Devils with an astonishing 59-3 victory that was filled with electric moments inside Memorial Stadium, continuing the early statement message to not only FBS but FCS.

This wasn’t your standard beatdown. It was a pummeling. Both the offense and the defense were on the same page the entire game. Quarterback Victor Gabalis threw for five touchdowns and continued his streak of turnover-free games, with this past opener marking his 14th straight turnover-free game.

On the defensive side, the Texans’ unit stuffed MVSU into the ground, limiting their production and even getting in on the scoring with a pick six — their second of the year. In a season loaded with questions, the defense stepped up and answered many of them in the emphatic home opener win.

With the victory, the Texans became the first FCS team to begin the 2025 season 3-0, and one of only three programs in both FCS and FBS to start 3-0, joining Iowa State and UNLV.

Texan faithful were in full effect on Saturday with a record 21,330 fans in attendance. Saturday’s game felt like more than a home opener. It was an early peek at what the purple and white are building: pride, energy and perhaps something special.

Gabalis’ performance continued to underline why he is a key piece to Tarleton’s success. Consistency at the quarterback position has been an anchor of the team’s early momentum. No turnovers, five touchdowns — that’s ball security, calmness and execution.

Holding any FCS team to only three points and adding a pick six showcases how poised and balanced the Texan defense is. The defense isn’t letting up; it’s creating game-changing and even season-changing opportunities.

Having a packed stadium speaks volumes. When over 20,000 people show up, wearing purple and making noise from the stands, that’s more than just support. That’s a culture shift. A strong fan base and a strong fan culture can be like having a 12th man on the field and can create chaos for the opponent.

With momentum high and after falling just short of the season goal of a national championship last season, expectations are even higher. Next up: conference play and season-defining matchups.

Tarleton’s 2025 home opener wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. From Gabalis’ command to the suffocating defense to the record crowd of more than 21,000, everything about the game screamed, “We’re here. And we’re not backing down.”

If this early win is any indication, the Texans could be looking at another breakout year — one where Stephenville is not only the Cowboy Capital of the World, but also a force to be reckoned with in the FCS.