Tarleton State Football has kicked off 2026 with back-to-back top-five rankings in major national polls, placing No. 5 in the Preseason AFCA FCS Coaches Poll. Previously, they were also ranked No. 5 in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll. The Texans, who finished at No. 6 in last year's final polls, previously achieved a high of No. 2 during the season. In the Coaches Poll, they received 527 points, trailing only Montana State, Montana, South Dakota State, and Illinois State. Tarleton State is among eight programs consistently ranked in these polls for the past two seasons.

By the Numbers
  • Tarleton State earned 527 points in the AFCA Coaches Poll.
  • They were ranked No. 5 in both the Preseason AFCA and Stats Perform polls.
Yes, But

Despite the strong rankings, Tarleton State's consistency will be tested as they face tougher competition in the season, especially with their closest rivals ranked above them.

State of Play
  • Currently ranked No. 5 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, Tarleton is the highest-ranked team from the UAC.
  • They have maintained a top ranking for 27 consecutive polls, showing consistent performance.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Tarleton will aim to improve on last year's No. 6 finish and potentially reclaim a higher ranking by defeating top opponents in their schedule.

Bottom Line

Tarleton State Football's top-five ranking sets a promising tone for the season, but success will hinge on maintaining performance against elite teams. This consistency in ranking is crucial for their aspirations of competing at the highest levels.