The Tarleton State Texans have built a strong tradition in college athletics, showcasing excellence in both Tarleton State Texans football and Tarleton State Texans basketball. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, the Texans have become known for their determination, sportsmanship, and championship spirit that continues to shape their growing athletic history.
College Sports Established
1899
Location
Stephenville, Texas
College Name
Tarleton State University
Collegiate History
2020 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2020 - Present / Western Athletic Conference
Nickname
Texans - The Tarleton State Texans are a college sports team that competes in the NCAA Division I. The school is in Stephenville, Texas, and has been around since 1899. While the university's mascot has changed over its long history, it was officially named "Texans" in 1923 when it joined the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association (TIAA). Since then, their nickname has become synonymous with pride and excellence on campus and throughout Texas.
Tarleton State Texans Origin
So where did this iconic nickname come from? According to local legend, it all started with an old cowboy who visited Stephenville in 1898. He had just returned from a cattle drive on one of his horses wearing full Texan attire - including boots made of calfskin leather! When students saw him riding through town, they were so impressed by his rugged good looks that they decided to name their new athletic teams after him: The Tarleton State Texans!
Since then, other universities across America have adopted similar nicknames, but none quite match what we have here at Tarleton State University – genuine Texan pride! Whether you're cheering for football or basketball games or any other sport offered at our school, you can be sure there will always be plenty of spirits whenever “Texans” are mentioned – something that makes us all proud to call ourselves part of this great institution.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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Tarleton State Texans History
The Tarleton State Texans have a proud and historic presence in NCAA athletics, particularly remembered for their spirited rivalry with the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Established in 1899 as John Tarleton College, the school adopted the name Tarleton State University in 1917. Today, the Texans compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and have been part of NCAA Division I since their transition in 2020.
Throughout their long journey in collegiate sports, the Tarleton State Texans football and Tarleton State Texans basketball programs have consistently demonstrated excellence. Before joining Division I, Tarleton achieved tremendous success in Division II, winning multiple Lone Star Conference titles and earning national tournament appearances. Their rise to Division I marked a new era of competitiveness, bringing national recognition to the university’s athletic department.
The Tarleton State Texans football program has become a powerhouse in recent years, known for its toughness and high-scoring performances. Under head coach Todd Whitten, the Texans captured multiple conference championships (2017, 2018, and 2019) and made an immediate impact in the WAC. The football team’s move to the Division I level was a major milestone that highlighted the program’s steady growth and future ambitions.
Texans Achievements
The Tarleton State Texans basketball team has also made impressive strides, earning recognition for its strong defense, teamwork, and consistent postseason performances. The program’s success has produced several standout players who earned All-Conference and All-American honors, showcasing the depth of talent within Tarleton’s athletics.
Off the field and court, Tarleton State University takes great pride in its academic excellence. The institution offers a wide range of degree programs—both on campus and online—through innovative platforms that enhance learning flexibility. This strong educational foundation has helped Tarleton maintain high student success and graduation rates across Texas.
In recent years, the Tarleton State Texans have continued to expand their athletic programs, building modern facilities and fostering an environment of success. Their growing legacy reflects both athletic and academic achievement, making them a respected name in collegiate sports. With passionate fans and a talented roster of student-athletes, the future looks bright for the Tarleton State Texans football and Tarleton State Texans basketball programs as they continue their rise in Division I competition.
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