Why do the Texans have a chance at moving up
In the world of college football we see large scale changes taking place which also play out at the FBS level. In 2025 an issue to watch is that of Tarleton State University’s rise from the FCS to FBS which may see them join Conference USA. We look at present times’ Conference USA landscape, Tarleton State’s football progress, Tarleton State Conference USA move we report on recent realignment events and why the Texans are positioned to climb the college football hierarchy.
Conference USA’s Changing Landscape in 2025
Conference U.S. has been the stage for recent years’ college football realignment. Which also runs in NCAA Division I in all sports and FBS football, that is what we see with CUSA’s ever changing membership which includes teams that are leaving and joining. In 2025 CUSA saw in new members Delaware and Missouri State which left FCS to join FBS which in turn increased the conference’s competitive field and also it’s membership base.
However in some cases CUSA has seen key players leave which in turn created openings. Texas State’s transition to the Pac-12 and Louisiana Tech’s move to the Sun Belt Conference are stand out examples which have left CUSA in a state of flux. Also historically CUSA has not shied away from the idea of growth we saw this with the addition of teams like Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, Kennesaw State, Missouri State, and Delaware which was a display of their interest in expansion via the success of their programs.
Tarleton State’s Football Programs’ Goals and Aspirations
Tarleton State’s football program has been on an uprise. What was once a Division II Lone Star Conference team is now in Division I FCS since the start of the 2020 season. In their short time at the FCS level the Texans have done great. The program has had consistent success avoiding years of loss and has put together quality campaigns in 2024 they achieved a 10-4 record which also saw them into the FCS Playoffs semi finals.
This we see in Tarleton State’s success which is a result of great financial and administrative support for football and athletics that which positions them as a stand out among FCS programs with FBS aspirations. The team plays home games at the 24,000 seat Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas, also under Head Coach Todd Whitten who has been the force behind the turn around of the program.
Tarleton State has put in a strong performance which has seen growth in their fan base and also has that which one may term as institutional support; they fit the profile of a team which is a prime candidate for FBS competition. What the program is out for is not small time success but a large scale rise to the top of the collegiate scene which in turn will see them grow in terms of recruitment, revenue and exposure.
Why Tarleton has a chance to join CUSA
Several of the elements which play in to Tarleton State’s move to Conference USA. In Tarleton State Conference USA Move, We see the departure of Texas State and Louisiana Tech which has left gaps in the conference which in turn has made Conference USA to go out and find quality fit teams which also bring in that element of geographic balance.
Tarleton State’s placement in Texas which in turn aligns with CUSA’s base in the south and west. Also we see that CUSA’s history of taking in FCS to FBS teams which the Texans are in the process of doing, as a very good fit. Also the program’s past success at the FCS level and the university’s financial support which is very strong also plays in their favor.
Reports that Tarleton State is a strong contender for CUSA membership which is relevant given the conference’s recent trends. That trend has been to balance out competition, geographic location and market appeal. Tarleton brings to the table a great deal of talent, financial stability and regional appeal.
The Road Ahead: What to expect from the 2025 season and beyond at Tarleton State
Tarleton’s 2025 football schedule is a mark of the program’s push for the next level. We see a mix of very tough out of conference rivals and hard fought games within the United Athletic Conference. This season the Texans bring back key players and have brought in talent via the transfer portal which is a sign that they aim to maintain or better their position.
Tarleton’s full time entry into the United Athletic Conference for the 2026 season which will see also we see the growth and structure of that which is the conference. Also the biggest step for the Texans is the rise to FBS and securing a place in Conference USA. That move will be a large jump in the school’s profile, student-athlete experience, and in how the institution is branded.
In the end Conference USA’s changing membership picture and Tarleton State’s sports and financial success present the case for the Texans’ move up to FBS. With their preparedness, fit with conference goals, and recent realignment we see Tarleton State at a point of joining the FBS groups a which which would be a milestone in their over a century old football history and a new page in Conference USA’s transformation.
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