ODESSA, Texas (November 10, 2025) – Following an incredible performance in which he recorded 20 total tackles – six for loss and one sack – and had two forced fumbles, UT Permian Basin's All-American junior linebacker Tristan Exline has been named the Lone Star Conference's Defensive Player of the Week for the week for the second time this season.

Exline had 20 tackles – eight solo and six for a loss of 38 yards – two forced fumbles and one sack to lead the No. 17-ranked Falcons to a 47-34 win over Eastern New Mexico. His six tackles for loss are the most in the LSC this season. He also had a 23-yard reception on a fake punt to set up UTPB's second touchdown of the game. Exline, who wins the conference's top weekly defensive award for the second time this season, had 11 tackles in the first quarter alone. His second forced fumble came late in the second quarter and led to a TD to make it 40-7 at halftime. Exline leads the LSC in tackles for loss (17.5) and is third in total tackles (94).

The Falcons return to Astound Broadband Stadium for their final game of the season and Senior Day at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, against Sul Ross State University.