ODESSA, Texas (September 5, 2025) – Following one of the best wins in program history against a top-five team in the country last time out, The UT Permian Basin football team hits the road for the first time this season on Saturday, September 6, taking on Adams State University during "Week 1'" of the regular season. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Central Time / 6 p.m. Mountain Time from Rex Stadium in Alamosa, Colorado.

WHAT IT WOULD MEAN
It will be the first-ever road game for the Falcons at Adams State. A win would make the Falcons 2-0 for the first time in the Kris McCullough era and for the first time since 2021 (first time in four seasons). In addition, it would be the first win for Coach McCullough as a head coach in the state of Colorado.

ABOUT LAST WEEK
After their 20-point win last week at then No. 5/No. 3 Central Oklahoma University in the season opener, the Falcons have been ranked No. 21 in the American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA) Week 1 Poll and No. 16 in the latest D2Football.com Top 25 Poll.

The previously unranked Falcons earned one of the best wins in program history with the win over the Bronchos, who were the defending champions of the MIAA and 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.

After beating a nationally-ranked team for the first time in program history in 2023 and earning a top-10 win on the road with a 14-13 win at No. 9 Central Washington University in 2024, the Falcons continue to set a new standard under Coach McCullough. In addition to being the Falcons' highest-ranked season opening matchup in program history, the win over UCO represented a new highest nationally-ranked win in program history.

Junior transfer quarterback Kanon Gibson had a scintillating debut for the Falcons, finishing 17-for-30 passing for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw his body around on the ground game, taking off 20 times for 78 yards.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Junior linebacker Tristan Exline was named the D2Football.com Defensive Player of the Week and for the second time in his career, was the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Exline had nine tackles – one for loss – one sack and one interception to lead the Falcons. Exline, the LSC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, also had two quarterback hurries against the defending MIAA champions. His interception came in the third quarter in UTPB territory. Exline returned it 15 yards to set up a field goal that made it a three-possession game.

Sophomore kicker Angel Diaz was named the Lone Star Conference Special Team Player of the Week for the second time in his career. Diaz notched four field goals and two extra points to help the Falcons. Diaz was good from 44, 39, 24 and 20 yards out. He had two field goals in each half. Diaz also put four of his eight kickoffs through the end zone to help upend the defending MIAA champions.

GRIZZLIES UNDER THE LENS
Coming off a difficult 0-11 season, the Adams State University football program is looking to turn the page under new head coach Levi Gallas, who was hired in December to revitalize the team and establish a fresh culture.

With the arrival of Gallas, the Grizzlies are embracing a new philosophy and an intense focus on fundamentals. As Adams State embarks on this rebuilding journey, optimism is beginning to take hold in Alamosa. The road back won't be easy, but with new leadership and a renewed sense of purpose, the Grizzlies are ready to take their first steps toward a brighter future.

Gallas, an Adams State alumnus who returned to the program in January after serving as defensive coordinator at West Texas A&M, is ushering in a new era for the Grizzlies. Known for his emphasis on discipline, relationships, and team culture, Gallas and his staff have spent the offseason reshaping the program with a focus on accountability and leadership.

Representing that leadership are Moss and Orozco, two veteran standouts selected to represent Adams State at Media Day. Along with senior linebacker Seth Moss and senior tight end Damian Orozco, the Grizzlies return several experienced players, including senior defensive lineman Aiden Shields. Nearly 60 new players joined the roster in the offseason, adding depth and competition across all positions as the Grizzlies aim to reset the standard in 2025.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: UTPB AT ASU
Last season at Astound Broadband Stadium, the Falcons defeated the Grizzlies by a final score of 67-14. It was the first win for Head Coach Kris McCullough against a team from Colorado.

UTPB finished with four touchdowns on the ground and four in the air, and added one touchdown on special teams as well.

Kory Harris rushed 24 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns and averaged 6.5 yards per rush. Camden Tyler rushed nine times for 65 yards and a score, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt.

Not to be outdone, starting quarterback Dylan Graham completed 15-of-24 passes for 272 yards and threw a touchdown pass to four different players.

Maybe the most impressive playmaker on this day from the Falcons' receiving corps was Traylen Suel, who first showed off his speed with a 96-yard kickoff returned for a touchdown for UTPB's first points of the third quarter. Then on the first play of UTPB's next drive, Graham found Suel near the endzone for a 47-yard touchdown catch.

In all, UTPB finished with exactly 306 rushing yard and 306 passing yards. The total of 612 total yards is the third most for the Falcons in the McCullough era at the time.

RMAC PRESEASON POLL
In the 2025 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, Adams State Football was picked to finish in 10th place. Defending champion Colorado State University Pueblo and runner-up Western Colorado University, were picked to battle for the 2025 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference football championship. The ThunderWolves and Mountaineers share the honor as preseason favorite in the RMAC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll.

Both CSU Pueblo and Western Colorado received an identical vote tally – five first-place, three second-place votes and one third-place vote – to record 76 points each. Colorado School of Mines, with four second- and third-place votes, was picked to finish third with 66 points. Colorado Mesa University received the remaining four third-place votes and tallied 58 points to finish fourth in the poll. South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State University tied for fifth place with 43 points, followed by another tie between Chadron State University and New Mexico Highlands University for seventh place at 31 points. Fort Lewis College is picked ninth (17 points), followed by Adams State University in 10th (nine points).

GAME INFORMATION
Saturday's game will be broadcasted on the RMAC Network. To follow the action for the Falcons all season long, please check out our Live Events page for all of the video and live stats details: https://utpbfalcons.com/coverage.

In addition, all UTPB home and away football games can be heard live on KQRX 95.1 FM, 95X, a West Texas Radio Group station" with the pre-game show beginning 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Monty Montgomery (Play-by-Play) and Chad Kelly (Color Commentary) begin their first season together in the broadcast booth.