Army Collapses to Tarleton State in Double OT, 30-27

West Point, NY — In a Week 1 matchup expected to a blowout, the 2025 college football contest between the Army Black Knights and Tarleton State Texans proved to be an upset that no one could have seen coming. Without Bryson Daily and Kanye Udoh, there were serious questions about how the Black Knights’ offense would look against other programs. And, this Week 1 matchup showcased that those concerns were warranted, as Army lost to Tarleton State in double-overtime, 30-27.

Army Collapses Against Tarleton State, 30-27

An Unthinkable Upset

In a matchup where Army was two-score favorites, bettors were shocked when Tarleton State upset the team in double-overtime. Some of that has to do with Week 1 bringing the unexpected – which is normal. However, Tarleton State was no team to scoff at after beating Portland State 42-o a week ago.

Army quarterback Dewayne Coleman had success running the ball. However, he struggled immensely as a passer in the second half of the game. The quarterback threw two bad interceptions, both picked off by CB Kasyus Kurns (who also had a fumble recovery), as the Black Knights were driving to score. Not only did they stall the momentum of the offense, but forced the defense into must-win situations. Eventually, that became too much to handle for the Army defense.

On top of that, the Black Knights lost starting quarterback Dewayne Coleman to an injury with under two minutes to go. Backup quarterback Cale Hellums subsequently led Army down the field for a game-winning 43-yard field goal. Unfortunately, the kick would go wide right, leading to overtime.

In the end, Army wasn’t able to convert on their field goal attempts. However, Tarleton showcased that in a game of attrition, they aren’t to be taken lightly, either.

Tarleton’s Talented RB Duo

With the team’s victory, it’s impossible to forget the performances of Tarleton State’s running back duo of Caleb Lewis and Tre Page III. The two rushers combined for 196 rushing yards with two touchdowns. However, that doesn’t tell the entire story.

There were multiple rushing attempts where touchdowns or 30+ yard runs were wiped off the board with penalties. If that wasn’t the case, this game becomes a one-sided affair and not a nail-biter in overtime.

A Testament of Toughness

Football is all about momentum. At times, it seemed like Tarleton was wearing thin and breaking down against the Army rushing attack. Instead, the Texans picked up a second wind and took control of the game. The team came back from a 14-point deficit to win in overtime on the road. If that’s not tough, it’s hard to say what is.

For Army, it’s hard to say that the team flinched themselves. Once Coleman went down, the team continued to play well on both sides of the ball. In the end, two kicks didn’t go their way, and that was the difference in the ball game.

Army vs. Tarleton Recap: Other Notes

This was Tarleton State’s second-ever win against an FBS program. It was also the first FCS victory over an FBS team in the 2025 season.

Cale Hellums may be the better option for Army moving forward. Hellums led the team into field goal range in the fourth quarter for the game-winning kick, but Army did not convert.

Army’s Noah Short is a do-it-all player who looked great on the ground and as a receiver. He put together 124 all-purpose yards in the matchup and had six receptions.

Tarleton State linebacker Devin Sterling made two clutch plays in the final drive of the fourth quarter, which ultimately led to the missed field goal.

What’s next in Week 2?

The road doesn’t get any easier for Army, as the Black Knights go on the road and take on Kansas State in Week 2.

Meanwhile, Tarleton hosts the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in what will be their third matchup this season.