Version en Español: AQUI
Conferences: SBC & MAC
Texto y Fotografias: Alfredo Vazquez
UFCU Stadium
San Marcos, Texas – August 30, 2025

Texas State opened its season with a thunderous 52–27 home victory over Eastern Michigan, asserting a commanding performance that left fans buzzing.

Quarterback Brad Jackson wasted no time making waves in his first official start. He completed 18 of 26 passes for 214 yards and four touchdowns—a debut few quarterbacks pull off. 

But the real story was the ground game. The Bobcats piled on an astounding 392 rushing yards (note: some sources mention 393) on 39 carries. Lincoln Pare bulldozed his way to 167 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts, while Greg Burrell Jr. added 79 yards and a score. Backup Jaylen Jenkins capped the day with a 58-yard touchdown run. 

Receiver Beau Sparks had a field day: 7 catches, 82 receiving yards, and 4 touchdown receptions—making him a standout offensive weapon. 

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Eagles Push Early, But Bobcats Take Control

Eastern Michigan kept the first half tight. QB Noah Kim was sharp, going 23 of 34 for 248 yards and a touchdown, while running backs Dontae McMillan, Joey Mattord, and Tavierre Dunlap each found the end zone. 

At halftime, the score stood at a manageable 24–17, but the Bobcats’ halftime adjustments flipped the script. In the third quarter alone, Texas State held EMU to a mere 19 yards of offense—a defensive lock that set the tone for the rest of the game. 

Linebacker Treylin Payne (nine tackles) and safety Bobby Crosby (five tackles) led the defensive charge.

Big Numbers, Bigger Momentum

Here’s a snapshot of the top performers:
Team totals: 606 total yards (including 392 rushing) for Texas State, versus 391 for Eastern Michigan.

Player	Stat	Outcome
Brad Jackson (QB)	18/26, 214 yds, 4 TD	Efficient, confident debut
Lincoln Pare (RB)	12 carries, 167 yds, 1 TD	Game-changing runs
Greg Burrell Jr. (RB)	7 carries, 79 yds, 1 TD	Strong supporting role
Jaylen Jenkins (RB)	58-yd TD run	Explosive spark
Beau Sparks (WR)	7 rec, 82 yds, 4 TD	Red-zone assassin
Noah Kim (EMU QB)	23/34, 248 yds, 1 TD	Solid effort in losing effort

Few things light up a college football fan like a dominant opening—especially when your team combines breakout individual performances with physical dominance. Brad Jackson’s poise, Sparks’ TD haul, and Pare’s ripping runs—they spark hope for a season defined by vitality and resilience.

Emotionally, this is the kind of game that gets fans buzzing—to share, to celebrate, to build early-season pride. It’s not just a win; it feels like the start of something exciting. If you’re feeling that fire too, share it—festoon it across socials, tag your crew; let that game-day energy flow.

Texas State looked like a well-oiled machine on both sides of the ball. Offense clicked with balance and flair, defense took over when it counted, and special teams added precision and pop. It’s just Week 1, but the Bobcats didn’t merely win—they announced they’re here to be reckoned with.

Spotlight: Héctor González, #90 Eastern Michigan

Amid Texas State’s display of power, a historic moment took place. Defensive lineman Héctor González, from Monterrey, Mexico, made his first career start for Eastern Michigan — a rare milestone for Mexican-born players in NCAA Division I football outside of the kicker position.

His stat line showed just one solo tackle, but the real impact lies in what it represents: a door opening for more Mexican athletes to line up in the trenches, at the very heart of the game, and not only on special teams. Representation matters — and González just made his mark.