Tarleton State will move to Division I and join the FCS as an independent program, beginning with the 2020 football season, it was reported Monday night. Cory Hogue of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football was the first to report the story.
The Texans are based in Stephenville, Texas, which is roughly 80 miles southwest of Fort Worth. The school’s other revenue-producing sports will join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), a plan similar to that of soon-to-be-fellow FCS independent Dixie State, along with FBS independent New Mexico State.
“This is an exciting time for Tarleton as we look to enhance our institutional profile as an NCAA Division I university,” said Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley in a release late Monday night. “I would like to thank Commissioner Jeff Hurd, the WAC Presidents and everyone involved at today’s meeting for their hospitality. Today was an important milestone in our quest to show the country that Tarleton is next level ready.”
Tarleton advanced to the third round of the 2018 Division II championship, where it fell, 13-10, to Minnesota State. The Texans are 4-0 this season, including a 37-26, season-opening win at FCS opponent Stephen F. Austin. Tarleton currently plays in the Lone Star Conference of Division II.
No future scheduled opponents have been released for Tarleton State at this time.