ODESSA, Texas (September 2, 2025) – Fresh off of earning one of the best wins in program history with a 34-14 upset of Central Oklahoma University on Saturday afternoon, UT Permian Basin football has been ranked No. 16 in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll.

UTPB was one of three unranked teams (Central Washington, Delta State) to enter the poll this week following an impressive win during "Week 0."

It is UTPB's first appearance in the D2Football.com Poll since also ranking No. 16 in the 2024 preseason poll.

UTPB entered the national poll for the first time in program history in 2023 after getting off to a 6-1 start and securing a 52-29 win over Eastern New Mexico University. The Falcons ended the 2023 season at No. 17 in the same poll and achieved a national ranking as high as No. 10 after defeating Central Washington University 42-14 to claim its first-ever the Lone Star Conference Championship.

Central Oklahoma fell from No. 3 to No. 17 in the D2Football.com Poll. The Bronchos, defending champions of the MIAA, fielded one of the top producing offenses in Division II last season. The Falcons limited the Bronchos to just 14 points and did not allow a point over the final 28 minutes of the play.

Also representing the Lone Star Conference, Angelo State University rose from No. 12 to No. 10 after opening its 2025 campaign with a top-25 victory at Fort Hays State University. The then 12th-ranked Rams led from start to finish and earned a 28-7 victory over the then No. 20 Tigers. Fort Hays was one of three teams (Central Missouri, Bemidji State) to fall out of the top-25 rankings this week.

Meanwhile, Central Washington University entered the rankings for the first time this season at No. 23 after erupting for 34 points in the second half and defeated Colorado Mesa University 41-14.

Defending national champion Ferris State University remains at No. 1 following a 34-17 victory over then No. 10 Pittsburg State University, the opponent for UCO's home opener this weekend.