Texas State football is back under the lights in San Marcos as the Bobcats open the 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, against Eastern Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at UFCU Stadium, with the game streaming live on ESPN+.
The season opener brings no shortage of storylines, both on the field and off. For head coach G.J. Kinne and the Bobcats, the matchup represents an opportunity to build early momentum after back-to-back winning seasons and to continue setting the tone for a program on the rise. For Eastern Michigan, it’s a chance to rebound after a turbulent 2024 campaign and prove they can hang against a team with growing national relevance.
Oddsmakers see this one tilting in Texas State’s favor. The Bobcats are listed as 13.5-point favorites going into the weekend, with an over/under hovering around 58.5. That points to expectations of an up-tempo, high-scoring opener, fueled by Texas State’s dynamic offense.
Eastern Michigan comes in looking to prove doubters wrong. The Eagles, led by longtime head coach Chris Creighton, struggled last fall with a 5–7 record and saw their defense give up too many explosive plays. Still, Creighton has made a career of finding ways to keep his teams competitive in tough spots. Their offense has undergone some retooling, and while there’s uncertainty across the depth chart, the Eagles are expected to lean on a balanced attack and a defense with several new faces eager to show growth.
Texas State, meanwhile, has no shortage of intrigue within its own lineup. The Bobcats’ quarterback battle has been one of the offseason’s biggest storylines, with returning talent and newcomers alike pushing for snaps. Kinne gave the nod to redshirt freshman Brad Jackson as the starting quarterback. Jackson, who impressed Texas State coaches with his poise and leadership, steps into the spotlight.
Jackson brings a dynamic dual-threat element to the Bobcats’ offense. In limited action last season, he flashed his potential by completing 8 of 15 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown while racking up 164 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. Equally telling is the trust he has already built in the locker room. Voted a team captain as a freshman—a rarity in college football—Jackson has quickly established himself as both a playmaker and a leader for Texas State.
The run game should continue to be a strength, with an experienced offensive line paving the way for a deep group of backs. Defensively, Texas State has reloaded in the secondary and along the line, looking to improve on last year’s consistency and keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Beyond the on-field matchup, Saturday night promises to be a showcase for the full Texas State gameday experience. Fans arriving at Bobcat Stadium will see the debut of new premium seating options in the south end zone, a project aimed at elevating the atmosphere and providing unique vantage points of the action. Designed as part of the renovated Weisman Football Performance Center, these offerings include Loge Boxes ($7,500 per 4-seat box), XL Loge Boxes ($12,000 per 10-seat box), and Café-Style seats ($1,000 per seat, minimum two-seat purchase and a $500 Bobcat Club Excellence Fund donation required) Texas State Bobcat Club. Each space boasts breathable-mesh swivel chairs or barstools with drink rails, semi-private settings, in-seat food and beverage service, and access to the terrace bar and the Warren Room—raising the bar for VIP experience at Bobcat Stadium
Parking is available across multiple lots surrounding the stadium, with public parking priced between $15 and $30 depending on the lot. An RV parking option is also available in Lot 5 for $300. Fans are encouraged to purchase parking in advance through Texas State Athletics and plan ahead to avoid congestion close to kickoff.
No Texas State gameday is complete without tailgating, and this weekend will be no exception. Tailgate Central is already sold out, but fans can still find plenty of pregame energy across campus, where grilling, music, and maroon-and-gold gatherings set the stage for kickoff.
For Bobcat Nation, Saturday’s opener represents more than just another game on the schedule. It’s a chance to set the tone for a season filled with expectations and to show that Texas State’s recent momentum isn’t slowing down. For Eastern Michigan, it’s a test of resilience, and perhaps an opportunity to spoil the party.
Whether you’re packing the south end zone, firing up the tailgate, or tuning in from home, all eyes will be on San Marcos at 7 p.m. Saturday night. Football is back, and Texas State has the spotlight.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Kickoff | Saturday, August 30 — 7 p.m. CT |
| Location | UFCU Stadium (Jim Wacker Field), San Marcos |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
| Parking | Public lots: $15–$30; RV Lot 5: $300 |
| Tailgating | Tailgate Central sold out; other campus areas open |
| New This Year | Premium south end zone seating with enhanced views and amenities |
| Attendance Buzz | 2024 averaged 22,649 fans/game with two sellouts |
