2025 Middle Tennessee Football Schedule Preview
Blue Raiders At a Glance
Head Coach: Derek Mason (2nd year at MTSU; former Vanderbilt HC, longtime SEC assistant)
2024 Record: 4–8 (2–6 C-USA)
All-Time Program Record: 610-472-28 (since 1911)
Conference Titles: 13 (OVC, Sun Belt, C-USA eras combined)
Bowl Record: 5-9 (last win: 2022 Hawaii Bowl vs. San Diego State)
Home Stadium: Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium (Capacity: 27,303; opened 1933, expanded 1998)
Program Identity: Known for speed, balance, and grit; producing NFL talent like Kevin Byard, Darius Harris, Chavarious Ward, Reed Blankenship, Richie James, and Erik Walden.
Rivalries: Western Kentucky (“100 Miles of Hate”), Troy (historic Sun Belt days), Memphis, and regional FCS foes like Austin Peay, Tennessee Tech, and Tennessee State.
MTSU Football Head Football Coach Derek Mason hypes up the team after the 2025 Spring Game
A Season of Opportunity
Middle Tennessee enters Year Two under Derek Mason with the chance to take a step forward in Conference USA. In 2024, the Blue Raiders finished 4–8, averaging 18.1 points per game on offense while allowing 34.2 points per game on defense. The offense was steady but inconsistent, while the defense struggled against the run and gave up too many explosive plays.
This fall, MTSU faces a slate filled with familiar rivals, rising FBS newcomers, and national-brand opponents. Here’s a game-by-game look at the 2025 schedule, with each opponent’s 2024 results and how they stack up against the Blue Raiders.
SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN
Aug. 30 – vs. Austin Peay (Home, 2024: 4-8)
Governors in 2024: Averaged 22.42 points per game, but allowed 28.17.
Matchup outlook: Austin Peay brings a reloaded offense, but they won’t face FBS depth week to week. MTSU must lean on its stronger offensive line and skill advantage to wear them down.
Why it matters: A perfect tone-setter. MTSU can’t afford another slow opener (the Raiders went 0–4 in September last season).
Sep. 6 – at Wisconsin (2024: 5-7, Big Ten)
Badgers in 2024: Averaged 22.58 points per game, but allowed 23.08. Classic Big Ten grind-it-out football.
Matchup outlook: The Raiders allowed nearly 201.8 rushing yards per game last year, while Wisconsin churned out 150+ on the ground. This is a major mismatch in the trenches.
Why it matters: Nobody expects a win—but playing competitive football here could build confidence for the rest of September.
Sep. 13 – at Nevada (2024: 3-9, Mountain West)
Wolf Pack in 2024: Scored only 23.1 PPG, allowed 28.8.
Matchup outlook: A revamped Raider offense should be enough to overwhelm a defense that gave up nearly five touchdowns per game.
Why it matters: Winnable road games are rare. This one could swing bowl eligibility later.
Sep. 20 – vs. Marshall (Homecoming, 2024: 10-3 Sun Belt)
Thundering Herd in 2024: Averaged 31.8 ppg, allowed 23.1. Balanced, but lots of turnover.
Matchup outlook:Marshall historically is a tough game for Middle, but they’re playing in a new system with a majority new roster.
Why it matters: A swing game. Win on Homecoming, and MTSU’s bowl hopes start to feel real.
Sep. 27 – at Kennesaw State (2024: 2-10 first year in FBS)
Owls in 2024: Only put up 16.50 PPG, but allowed 31.17.
Matchup outlook:The Raiders’ speed on the perimeter should be too much for a roster still finding its footing at the FBS level.
Why it matters: This is a trap game. MTSU has to prove it can handle business on the road against “should-win” opponents.
Oct. 8 – vs. Missouri State (Home, 2024: 8-4 FCS)
Bears in 2024: Posted a respectable 8-4, scoring 34.83 while allowing 30.17.
Matchup outlook:The Raiders must control the line of scrimmage against a solid FCS call-up that plays physical football.
Why it matters: Midweek spotlight. These Wednesday games always test discipline, and a stumble here would hurt credibility.
Oct. 22 – at Delaware (2024: 9-2, FCS)
Blue Hens in 2024: Explosive offense (32.25 PPG), tough defense (24 PPG).
Matchup outlook:Delaware comes into this season a wild card, as they’ve had major success at the FCS level. A dangerous road trip against a program eager to prove itself at the FBS level.
Why it matters: A trap-in-disguise. Delaware will treat this like a statement game in front of a hungry fan base.
Oct. 29 – vs. Jacksonville State (Home, 2024: 9-5, CUSA Champion, Bowl loss to Ohio)
Gamecocks in 2024: Averaged 36 PPG, allowed 26.14 PPG. Decimated WKU in the championship 52-12 after losing to them 17-19 the week before.
Matchup outlook: The Raiders struggled against power run teams in 2024, giving up nearly 190 rushing yards per game, they’ll have to really work hard to stop the run with a new offense and HC.
Why it matters: A true litmus test at home. If MTSU wants to announce itself as an emerging contender, it starts here.
Nov. 8 – vs. FIU (Home, 2024: 4–8)
Panthers in 2024: Scored 26.33 PPG, allowed 25.75 PPG. Could have been much better. Lost by one score to Monmouth, LT, Liberty, SHSU, Jax State, & Kennesaw.
Matchup outlook: MTSU’s defense should control this one, but the Raiders can’t overlook FIU’s skill talent.
Why it matters: This is the definition of a “must-win” if bowl dreams are alive in November.
Nov. 15 – at Western Kentucky (2024: 8–6, Bowl Loss)
Hilltoppers in 2024: Averaged 25 PPG with their Air Raid attack, allowed 24.64 PPG. Obliterated by Jax State in the CUSA Championship & in the following bowl game vs. James Madison.
Matchup outlook: The Blue Raiders gave up 481 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air last season. They look to be improved with ANOTHER air raid-style QB. MT’s secondary will have to work hard to slow it down.
Why it matters: The “100 Miles of Hate” always delivers. This one could decide bragging rights and bowl positioning.
Nov. 22 – vs. Sam Houston (Home, 2024: 10-3)
Bearkats in 2024: Scored 24 PPG, allowed 20.46 PPG. Inconsistent but competitive.
Matchup outlook: On Senior Day, MTSU should control this game if they win in the trenches. Depth should be the difference.
Why it matters: A chance to send seniors out on top, and a must-have before a tough finale.
Nov. 29 – at New Mexico State (2024: 3-9)
Aggies in 2024: Offense averaged 21.58 PPG, while allowing nearly 37 PPG. Lost by one score to Liberty and UTEP.
Matchup outlook: The Raiders’ offense should do well, barring any crazy injuries during the season.
Why it matters: Could be a winner-take-all for bowl eligibility. Not an easy trip to end the year.
In 2025, Middle Tennessee installed new, state-of-the-art turf that includes the State of Tennessee outlines from 35 to 35
Final Word
The 2025 slate gives MTSU a realistic shot at six or seven wins if they protect home field and avoid slip-ups against rebuilding teams. With an offense that averaged under 19 points per game last year and a defense that gave up nearly 35, improvement on both sides is necessary—but Derek Mason has built momentum with size, speed, and skill.
Projection: 7–5, Bowl Eligible — with swing games against Nevada, Marshall, Jacksonville State, and Kennesaw State deciding whether this team climbs even higher.
