James Madison vs. Texas State: Player Props | October 28, 2025

Nothing hits better than some midweek college football player props to keep us locked in. This Tuesday brings us a Sun Belt showdown between the James Madison Dukes and the Texas State Bobcats. The Dukes enter riding high on a five-game winning streak after crushing Old Dominion 63-27 ten days ago. Meanwhile, the Bobcats are trending in the opposite direction, losing three straight, including a narrow three-point defeat to Marshall on the road. Now, as nearly seven-point underdogs at home, the question is whether Texas State can finally end the skid.

In this matchup, I am not focused on the winner. I am focused on one player: Wayne Knight. And no, not Newman from Seinfeld. The James Madison running back that should run all over Texas State Tuesday night. I love Knight's rushing prop to go over 64.5 yards.

JMU Ground Attack

James Madison is one of the most run-heavy teams in college football, rushing on nearly 61% of their plays (10th in the nation). Texas State, meanwhile, faces some of the lowest opponent run rates in the country, with opponents running the ball on less than half of their plays. The Bobcats rank 94th in rushing yards allowed per game and have struggled against both the run and the pass. While this may be one of the better rush defenses Knight has faced recently, it is still not one that commands much respect. That is why I would not hesitate to ladder his rushing prop up to 150 yards. Knight has topped 100 yards twice this season, clearing 110 in both and peaking at 151 against Georgia Southern, the worst rush defense in college football.

All Eyes on Knight

On the season, Knight averages roughly 13 carries and more than 80 rushing yards per game, clearing this mark in six of seven outings. His lone miss came against Louisville, when he was held to 12 yards on just five carries early in the season. That kind of performance feels unlikely to repeat Tuesday night in San Marcos. As a team, the Dukes average nearly 240 rushing yards on 45 attempts per game, ranking eighth nationally in both categories.

Even with Texas State sitting 115th in passing yards allowed per game, this projects as another spot for James Madison to lean on its ground game and impose its will. When the Dukes faced Georgia State, ranked 109th against the pass, Knight still ran for 85 yards. Expect more of the same on Tuesday, as the Dukes keep feeding their backfield workhorse.

Wayne Knight has been the engine of this James Madison offense, and Tuesday night sets up perfectly for another strong showing. The Dukes thrive on establishing the run and controlling tempo, and against a Texas State defense that struggles to contain it, Knight should find plenty of open lanes. His consistency, volume, and explosiveness make this number feel too low. Whether the Dukes pull away early or grind out another physical win, Knight's role will be central to their success. Expect James Madison to stick with what works, and for Knight to keep piling up yards under the lights in San Marcos.