In front of more than 23,000 fans at historic Michie Stadium, Tarleton State Football captured one of its most memorable wins, upsetting the defending American champions Army, 30-27, in double overtime Friday night. For university president James Hurley, the victory was especially memorable—his son Drew is among the West Point cadets, making the evening a blend of pride and patriotism for his family and both institutions.
The Texans (2-0) claimed their first road victory against an FBS opponent on their fourth attempt, and their second FBS win overall, the first since defeating New Mexico State in El Paso in 2021. Kicker Brad Larson delivered the final blow, splitting the uprights with a 37-yard field goal in double overtime. The Black Knights (0-1), who compiled a 12-2 record last season, were outlasted by an impressive Tarleton squad determined to rewrite the program’s history books.
“Our guys played their hearts out,” Texans head coach Todd Whitten said. “I don’t have the words to tell you how proud I am of these guys. They are just outstanding. Our coaches had a great game plan. It’s a great win for our program. We have not played very well against teams in the FBS the last few years, and Army has a good team. This is an outstanding day for our football program, our university and everyone involved.”
The personal connection for Tarleton President Dr. James Hurley
For Dr. James Hurley, the win hit on a deeper level. “Heading home with a full heart. I am thankful for my son and his fellow cadets at both West Point and Tarleton State,” Hurley said, reflecting on the day’s events. “The Texans and Black Knights cadets will go on to protect our great nation. They are the best among us!”
Friday night’s game at Army will be special for @TarletonPrez and his son, first-generation West Point Cadet Drew Hurley 🇺🇸
— Tarleton State University (@TarletonState) August 28, 2025
The occasion has been a long time coming, as Drew has planned to serve his country since he was just 5 years old.
Read more: https://t.co/gA10LawEPr pic.twitter.com/eNPoOJD9os
Drew Hurley, who chose the academy after early signs of dedication to service, embodies the values instilled since childhood. “Drew has always wanted to be a soldier,” Dr. Hurley shared. “He’s always been patriotic. It’s been God, country, and everyone else other than himself first. Those are the three core principles that Drew has embodied over his young life.”
After the family’s first visit to West Point when Drew was in eighth grade, his future was set. “To watch Drew walk across the campus and get to spend a day with one of the cadets—we knew there were no other options for him,” Hurley said. “It was West Point or bust.”
Tarleton State pulled off a gritty win Friday night, edging Army despite trailing in nearly every statistical category. The Black Knights dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 36 minutes, 34 seconds compared to Tarleton State’s 23:26, and outgained the Texans 411 yards to 344. The Army also recorded 24 first downs to Tarleton State’s 16. But the scoreboard told a different story. Tarleton State capitalized on all six red zone trips and forced three turnovers, while the Texans didn’t give the ball away once. The Army converted just two of its four red zone chances.
It wasn't Drew's team's night, but it was memorable for the small but spirited hometown crowd in Stephenville.
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