Few might know about the Tarleton Texans -- but they surely made a splash during Week Zero on ESPN2.
College Football week zero sees Tarleton Texans blowout win originally appeared on The Sporting News
Tre Page III rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns as No. 10 Tarleton State shut out Portland State 42-0 on Saturday night in the FCS Week 0 opener.
The Texans (1-0) earned their second straight national TV season-opening win on ESPN2 and their largest opening victory since 2002. It was Portland State’s (0-1) first home shutout loss since 2003 and first overall since 2006.
Page scored on runs of 28 and 89 yards in the first half, finishing with the most rushing yards by a Tarleton player in an NCAA Division I opener. Quarterback Victor Gabalis threw for 152 yards and two scores before sitting out the fourth quarter.
Rapid postgame highlights from our 42-0 win, presented by @NutrishopUSA! pic.twitter.com/K2ZiraQWT9
— Tarleton State Football (@TarletonFB) August 24, 2025
The Texans forced four turnovers, including three interceptions. Omar Emmons returned one 37 yards for a touchdown and also forced a fumble, while Ty Rawls had two interceptions.
Tarleton outgained the Vikings 453-277, with a 301-108 edge on the ground. Cody Jackson led Texan receivers with 96 yards.
The Texans have now opened with a win in five of the past seven seasons.
Category: General Sports