ODESSA, Texas (September 29, 2025) – After ranking at No. 11 during each of the last two weeks, The University of Texas Permian Basin football team rose two spots to No. 9 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches' Poll for Week 5.

UTPB (4-0 overall, 2-0 LSC) stayed perfect on the season with a 37-15 win over Midwestern State University at Astound Broadband Stadium during Week 4. UTPB scored 24 points in the second quarter and led 31-0 at halftime. It was the 30th career victory for Kris McCullough. He is believed to be the fourth college football head coach to win 30 games before turning 30 years old. UTPB's Kanon Gibson was 21-of-29 passing for 331 yards and three touchdowns – one to Jaylon Tillman (five catches for 102 yards).

Tristan Exline (two sacks), Jacob Humphrey (1.5 sacks) and Jayden Plater (one interception) led the Falcons' defense against the Mustangs. UTPB has the Lone Star Conference's top-rated defense, allowing just 324.8 yards per game. Opponents are scoring just 16.5 points per game against UTPB, which leads the league.

Despite being on a bye this week, Angelo State rose from No. 6 to No. 5 in the AFCA Poll, giving the Falcons an opportunity to knock off their second top-5 opponent this season.

In their season opener this year, the Falcons earned the highest nationally-ranked win in program history with a 20-point win (34-14) over the University of Central Oklahoma. The Bronchos were ranked No. 3 at the time in the D2Football.com Preseason Top 25 and were No. 5 in the AFCA Preseason Top 25.

D2Football.com Media Poll
The UT Permian Basin football team remains at No. 7 in the D2Football.com Media Poll for the third week in a row.

DII Football Power 10 Rankings
UTPB was ranked No. 9 in Wayne Cavadi's DII football Power 10 rankings (Week 4) for the second week in a row. In the Week 3 Power 10 rankings, UTPB was ranked for the first time in program history.

What Wayne Cavadi Said
Kanon Gibson was firing on all cylinders, throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns to get the Falcons to 4-0 — the best start in program history. It is picking hairs between Pittsburg State and the Falcons right now: The Gorillas have an infinitely stronger schedule; however, the Falcons defeated Central Oklahoma by 20 and the Gorillas lost to the Bronchos by three. For now, strength of schedule wins the day, but next week's matchup against Angelo State will provide more clarity.

Next Up
No. 9 UTPB travels to No. 5 Angelo State University for a matchup that very well could determine the outcome of the Lone Star Conference Championship. The action between the Falcons and the Rams is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, from LeGrand Stadium in San Angelo, Texas. Both teams are 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the LSC.

The last time the two teams met up in San Angelo in 2023, UTPB beat Angelo State 28-23. It was the second win over a ranked opponent in school history, and was the first win over ASU in program history.