How Derek Mason, MTSU football will carry momentum into 2026 season

With Middle Tennessee football coach Derek Mason already assured of returning for the 2026 season, the Blue Raiders will enter the offseason with some momentum.

After a dismal start to the season, where MTSU suffered a seven-game losing streak and had four consecutive league losses by a touchdown or less, the Blue Raiders (3-9, 2-6 Conference USA) finished the 2025 campaign with consecutive victories, including a 31-24 overtime triumph against New Mexico State (4-8, 2-6) in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Nov. 29.

"We just talked about wanting to close out this chapter," Mason said in a postgame radio interview. "We needed to go on the road to make it two consecutive, because we needed that energy going into the offseason. This is a time when people are going to remember how you made them feel."

MTSU overcame 13 penalties for 128 yards (one which negated an interception return for a touchdown) against New Mexico State. The Blue Raiders forced three turnovers and outgained the Aggies 459-395.

It was the first overtime game of the season for MTSU, which played in six games that were decided by one score. It was also the second fourth-quarter comeback win for the Blue Raiders (including a 14-13 victory at Nevada).

"I think last week really helped us a little bit," said Mason, referring to a 31-17 win over Sam Houston in the team's home finale. "(New Mexico State) made a run, a 14-point swing. You looked up and felt it going their way. 'Look, you've been here before. Just respond.' That's what we were able to do."

The early signing period for the Blue Raiders begins on Dec. 3.

Roman Gagliano, MTSU top 450 yards for third straight game

Sparked by redshirt freshman quarterback Roman Gagliano, MTSU's offense came alive late in the season, topping 450 yards in the three games he started after replacing graduate QB Nick Vattiato, who had an undisclosed injury.

And an improved running game was also a big factor during the final stretch.

The Blue Raiders finished with 459 yards against New Mexico State (199 rushing) after gaining 460 (192 rushing) in a 31-17 win over Sam Houston State and piling up 541 yards (152 rushing) in Gagliano's first start in a 42-26 loss at Western Kentucky.

MORE: This is what MTSU football succeeded in to give seniors first home victory

Gagliano was 70-of-118 for 911 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions while rushing 33 times for 182 yards in his three starts, giving the Blue Raiders optimism at the position heading into next season.

"I think Roman has done a tremendous job," said Vattiato, in a postgame radio interview. "Roman's going to have one heck of a career. He's just getting started. He's such a talented kid. And the energy he brings to the team is second to none."

MTSU's Nick Vattiato finishes career as 'coach' to Gagliano

Vattiato's didn't end the way he would have wanted, having to watch the final three games from the sideline.

But he was still active in helping mentor Gagliano and being a part of the team on the sideline.

"I'm just really proud of these guys," Vattiato said. "I'm proud of everything they've done over the course of the last few weeks. I've enjoyed just being able to be a little bit of a coach these last few weeks (with Gagliano).

"It's bittersweet, with it coming to an end ... a lot of emotions. It was hard. You battle an injury and it keeps you from being on the field, but I tried to find a way to continue to help out the offense and help this team wherever I could. I'm going to miss them a lot. But I'll cherish it for a long time."

Vattiato, who had 39 starts over five seasons, finished with 9,674 passing yards, which is second to Brent Stockstill in program history.

Cecil Joyce covers high school sports and MTSU athletics for The Daily News Journal. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @Cecil_Joyce.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Derek Mason, MTSU football ends 2025 season on high note