ODESSA, Texas –  The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) football team is finally getting the respect they deserve, as the Falcons found out today (Oct. 16) that they cracked the D2Football.com top 25 poll - coming in ranked 25th.

Over the last five weeks, UTPB has been proving they are deserving of a top 25 ranking, defeating Southwest Baptist (86-7), West Texas A&M (41-40), Texas A&M-Kingsville (29-17), Midwestern State (21-13) and Eastern New Mexico (52-29). The lone loss of the season - which was an eight-point loss - came against 12th / 14th ranked Western Colorado. Additionally, when the Falcons defeated Texas A&M-Kingsville they were ranked 16th in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches Poll.

"It's good to be recognized nationally for the work our guys have done," said Head Coach Kris McCullough. "First 25 Ranking in school history and first top 25 matchup this week for our program."

On Saturday (Oct. 21), the Falcons will face Angelo State on the road at 6 p.m. The Rams are currently ranked 18th in the D2Football.com top 25 poll and 19th in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll for week seven. 

UTPB is close to being ranked in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, currently on the outside looking in - for the third straight week - receiving 27 votes. There are two teams in front of the Falcons in the receiving votes category - those teams being, Virginia Union (45) and Valdosta St., Ga. (42). 

D2Football.com Top 25 Poll
October 16, 2023

	Team	Record	Last
1	Colorado Mines	7-0	2
2	Grand Valley	5-1	4
3	Pittsburg State	7-0	3
4	Minnesota State	7-0	5
5	Ferris State	4-2	1
6	Delta State	7-0	6
7	Harding	7-0	9
8	Slippery Rock	7-0	10
9	Bemidji State	5-1	11
10	Benedict	7-0	12
11	Lenoir-Rhyne	7-0	13
12	Indianapolis	6-0	14
13	West Florida	5-2	7
14	Western Colorado	7-0	15
15	Davenport	6-0	16
16	Ouachita Baptist	6-1	8
17	Central Missouri	6-1	17
18	Angelo State	4-2	19
19	Shepherd	6-1	20
20	Virginia Union	6-1	22
21	Augustana	7-0	24
22	Truman State	6-1	18
23	Emporia State	5-2	23
24	Virginia State	7-0	25
25	UT-Permian Basin	6-1	NR

-UT PERMIAN BASIN-