Middle Tennessee State University’s football program is gearing up for a high‑profile kickoff event that will bring its coaching staff and top student‑athletes to Arlington, Texas, this week.
A busy week for the Blue Raiders
The 2026 CUSA Football Kickoff, scheduled for later today, will take place at the Loews Arlington Hotel and the adjacent Texas Live! complex, where the Blue Raiders will join league officials for a leadership session before a series of media activities.
Monday’s agenda includes a photo shoot, a podcast recording and the debut of an ESPN+ show that will stream live at noon, followed by a press conference from Head Coach Derek Mason at 10:35 a.m. After the kickoff festivities, the team will head to Globe Life Park to watch the Texas Rangers face the Chicago White Sox.
The following morning, the players will disperse to create digital content, engage on social media and conduct breakout interviews, giving fans a deeper look at the squad’s preparations. Coach Mason is expected to field questions about the upcoming training camp, which begins on Aug. 5, and the season opener against Murray State on Sept. 5 at Floyd Stadium, set for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff.
Roman Gagliano, who stepped in for the injured Nicholas Vattiato during the final three games of the 2025 season, finished with 1,005 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 166 rushing yards, while Ashton Logan capped the year with a 44.7‑yard punting average, placing 29 kicks inside the 20‑yard line and sending 19 beyond 50 yards. Both athletes have also been active in community outreach, with Gagliano serving as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy earlier this summer.
Fans can look forward to seeing the Blue Raiders in action soon, as the excitement builds around the new leadership and the promise of a competitive season ahead.