ODESSA, Texas (October 30, 2026) – The University of Texas Permian Basin football team (5-3 overall, 4-2 LSC) will look to get back on track this week as the Falcons host rival Angelo State University (3-5, 3-3) starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, from Astound Broadband Stadium. This week for the Falcons will be Homecoming, Hall of Fame Weekend and Family Weekend.

The Falcons and Rams meet for the 10th time on the gridiron with ASU holding a 7-2 advantage in the series. Saturday also marks the fifth home game for UTPB against ASU. The Falcons will be looking to take down the Rams for the second year in a row after winning 28-14 in San Angelo, Texas, last season. The road team has won each of the last four games in the series, and UTPB has never beaten ASU when playing at home (0-4).

UTPB has lost two games in a row after a five-game winning while ASU has won three of its last five matchups after starting the season 0-3.

FALCONS' LAST TIME OUT
The Wildcats' Justin Brennan threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as No. 13-ranked Central Washington defeated UT Permian Basin 42-13 at Tomlinson Stadium in Ellensburg, Wash. It was the sixth consecutive win for CWU, which never trailed. Brennan finished 17-for-26 for 168 yards and Ryder Bumgarner had 113 yards and two TDs on 25 carries. CWU's Mason Juergens and Isaac Torres combined for 13 catches and two TDs. Omar Lazcano had eight tackles and returned an interception 75 yards for a TD to lead the Wildcats' defense that kept UTPB off the scoreboard in the first and third quarters. David Weber made all six extra-point tries and recorded touchbacks on all seven of his kickoffs. Braxton Baker threw for 168 yards and both of the Falcons' TDs. Eli Leiataua had a game-high 10 tackles – 1.5 for loss – for UTPB.

SCOUTING UTPB
UT Permian Basin enters the matchup against Angelo State after suffering its first two conference losses of the 2026 season. UTPB is now 5-3 overall and 4-2 in the Lone Star Conference.

UTPB opened the season with a loss at (FCS) UT Rio Grande Valley. The Falcons responded with a 69-14 home victory over Western New Mexico before defeating Sul Ross State 66-7 and Eastern New Mexico 56-10 both on the road. After starting 3-0 in Lone Star Conference play, the Falcons turned their attention to their final nonconference game of the season and upset No. T-21 Northeastern State University 38-27. UTPB then returned to LSC action and had to scrap until the very end to pull out a 24-17 victory at West Texas A&M University. It was a perfect 4-0 road trip and a 4-0 start in the LSC for UTPB before falling for the first time in conference play in its return to Midland, Texas, the following week. UTPB fell 38-19 vs. Western Oregon on Saturday, October 17, at Astound Broadband Stadium, and then dropped a 42-13 score on the road at No. 13 Central Washington on Saturday, October 24.

Despite the last two outcomes, UTPB still leads the Lone Star Conference in scoring defense (24.9 ppg) and still ranks fourth in scoring offense (35.6 ppg). The Falcons are averaging 140.0 rushing yards and 245.3 passing yards per game, and are ninth in the conference in total offense (385.3 ypg), but have also retaken the top spot in total defense (385.9 ypg). Their defense has surrendered 24 touchdowns through eight games, the fewest in the LSC. The Falcons' defense also leads the league in interceptions (17) and is tied for first in sacks (22) and forced fumbles (10).

NUMBERS TO KNOW

• UTPB is still allowing a league-low 24.9 points per game and is first in the LSC in total defense (381.9 ypg) and second in rushing defense (134.6 ypg).
• UTPB ranks first in all of NCAA Division II in total interceptions (17) and turnovers gained (24 – 17 INT, 7 FUM REC).
• The Falcons also rank second nationally in interception return yards (346), are tied for second in defensive touchdowns (4), and are tied for 11th in turnover margin (+11, 1.38 avg.).
• The UTPB defense has recorded at least one interception and one sack in seven straight games. Earlier this season, the Falcons had recorded at least two interceptions, two sacks and one forced fumble in five straight games during their winning streak.

RECORD BOOK WATCH

• With a team-high 34 receptions this season, senior wide receiver Traylen Suel, from College Station, Texas, is the Falcons' new career leader for receptions (124). He surpassed the previous record of 116 receptions set by MJ Link (2020-22) during UTPB's contest vs. Western Oregon (Oct. 17).
• Sophomore safety Nicholas Butler, from Dallas, Texas, recorded his team-leading fourth interception of the season last time out at Central Washington (Oct. 24), tying the school record for interceptions by one player in a single season. He ties D'Ondrea Robinson (Spring 2021) and Jacques Tyler (2021).
• Earlier this season, the Falcons set program single-game records for sacks (8 at Eastern New Mexico) and interceptions (5 at Northeastern State) in back-to-back games.
• With 17 interceptions on the season, the Falcons have officially passed the program's previous single-season record of 16 interceptions sets in 2021.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET
No. 9 UT Permian Basin earns victory at No. 5 Angelo State in battle of unbeatens, 28-14: In a battle between two undefeated, top-10 nationally ranked teams, No. 9 UT Permian Basin scored on three straight drives to end the first half and sealed the game with a scoring drive on its final possession to clinch a monumental 28-14 victory over No. 5 Angelo State University at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field. UTPB improved upon its best start in program history at 5-0, while ASU saw its 14-game LSC winning streak come to an end. UTPB quarterback Kanon Gibson threw for 289 yards and a TD and ran for three scores. Euvoski Cunningham had seven solo tackles, Malik Allen had two sacks for a loss of nine yards and David Walker also had a sack to lead UTPB's defense that surrendered just 252 yards and kept the Rams off the scoreboard in the first and fourth quarter. Braeden Fuller threw both of ASU's TDs and Xavier Walton and Demetrias Charles both had interceptions on defense.

RAMS UNDER THE LENS
In 2025 the Rams finished 6-5 overall — their worst record since 2018 — and 4-5 in Lone Star Conference play, their poorest league mark since 2016.

AFCA Preseason Rankings: Angelo State began the 2026 season receiving votes in the American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA). The Rams were one of five Lone Star Conference programs recognized in the preseason poll. The Blue and Gold were set to face five opponents mentioned in the preseason poll during the first six weeks of the season. Fort Hays State and West Texas A&M, both of whom the Rams will host this season, received votes. Central Washington (No. 7), Western Colorado (No. 11) and Western Oregon (No. 22) each earned spots in the top-25, while UT Permian Basin, whom the Rams will see in week nine, was ranked No. 18.

Preseason Lone Star Conference Poll: Angelo State was selected to finish fourth in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll announced back on July 23. The Rams received 215 points and one first place vote, trailing West Texas A&M (217, 1), Western Oregon (247, 9) and reigning LSC Champion, Central Washington (276, 16).

LSC Players to Watch: In addition to the preseason poll, running back Cameron Dischler and corner back Eugene Liger were named to the Lone Star Conference Players to Watch list. Dischler, a redshirt junior majoring in kinesiology, led the Rams' rushing attack last season with nearly 500 rushing yards while scoring three touchdowns on the ground. Liger, a fifth-year senior from Cypress, Texas, started all 11 games in the secondary and totaled 44 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded seven pass breakups and two interceptions during the 2025 campaign.

Staff Departures: Following the 2025 campaign, the Angelo State football program saw a shuffle in its staff as former Offensive Coordinator, Kevin Kilmer, went to Oklahoma State, former Defensive Coordinator, Gary Salgado, went to Stephen F. Austin State, and former defensive backs coach, Del Howard, moved onto Presbyterian.

A new perspective: With the staff departures following the 2025 season, head coach, Jeff Girsch, went internally and externally to complete his staff for the 2026 campaign. Internally, longtime Recruiting Coordinator and Wide Receiver coach, Jason Johnson, was promoted to Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator while Offensive Line coach, Bill Weber, became Assistant Head Coach and Run Game Coordinator. Externally, Bemidji State defensive coordinator, Joe Ford was brought in to serve in the same role for the Rams. Finally, Dennis Osagiede came in from CSU Pueblo to become the defensive line coach while Rob Messinger completes the staff to serve as the Wide Receiver coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

Kickstart my Arp: Head Football Coach, Jeff Girsch, announced in his weekly press conference that redshirt-sophomore Ayden Arp would begin the 2026 campaign as the Rams' starting quarterback. The Cedar Park high school product has developed for the last two seasons and had his shot to lead the Blue and Gold to victory. Arp appeared in two games last season including getting the start in the season finale against West Texas A&M. The management student accumulated 316 yards passing and five touchdowns while rushing for 144 yards and one touchdown.

Pitch to Disch: Cameron Dishler returns for the 2026 campaign. The Rams' leading rusher was named LSC First Team All-Conference ran for 411 yards and three touchdowns in the seven games he appeared in.

Dynamic Duo: The Rams' defensive back room will look to bring over the success from last season as they return corner backs Demetris Charles and Tre Liger. Charles received the nod for second team All-Conference after recording 46 total tackles, three interceptions and six pass deflections. Liger was named an honorable mention after he corralled 39 tackles. 3.5 for loss, two interceptions and seven pass deflections.

All-Conference Linemen: The Angelo State offensive line will look to create success in the trenches game as they return two all-conference selections; redshirt juniors Viliami Salakielu and Isaiah Mworia while adding Jose Chavez in the portal from Western New Mexico, who earned honorable mention honors last season.

RAMS' LAST TIME OUT
Football Tops Texas A&M-Kingsville 28-14 Behind Wiese's Four Touchdowns: Canon Wiese had all four of Angelo State's touchdowns – three rushing and one receiving – to lead a 28-14 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville. Wiese finished with 173 yards on 15 carries and caught three passes for 18 yards. He scored the first three TDs of the game as ASU built a 21-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Wiese's longest TD run was for 74 yards.  TAMUK did not get on the board until 9:42 to play on a 25-yard TD pass from Mills Dawson to Nate Barnett. Edward Chumley (23 carries for 109 yards) also scored for the Javelinas. Barnett finished with 103 yards on five catches. ASU's defense was led by Mathew Onyejiaka (nine tackles) and Dabrein Moss (INT). ASU's Jeremy Ramirez averaged 41 yards on five punts. Jeremiah Conway had two INTs and Rolland Trent had three tackles for loss for the Javelinas.

CANON WIESE NAMED LSC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Angelo State senior running back Canon Wiese has been named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced this past Monday.

Wiese, who is studying interdisciplinary studies, becomes the second member of the Blue and Gold to earn LSC weekly honors this season after accounting for all four of the Rams' touchdowns in a 28-14 victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday night.

The Water Valley native rushed for 173 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries while adding a receiving touchdown on one of his three catches for 18 yards. Wiese's four-touchdown performance powered an Angelo State offense that totaled 450 yards in the conference victory.

Wiese scored the Rams' first three touchdowns, helping Angelo State build a 21-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter. His longest scoring play came on a 74-yard touchdown run late in the first half, giving the Rams a two-touchdown advantage at the break.

RAMS' OTHER WINS THIS SEASON
Arp Tosses Four TDs as Football Upsets No. 17 Western Oregon in Overtime: The Rams went on their longest road trip of the season to take on then-ranked Western Oregon. The Rams held the advantage in first downs (23-16), total yards (413-324) and time of possession (34:42-25:18). A late missed field goal by WOU forced the game into overtime where the Rams scored a touchdown on the second drive and went for two points when Ayden Arp took the shotgun snap, rolled to his right and found Trevor Winn in the back of the end zone for the successful two-point conversion, securing the 29-28 victory and sending the Blue and Gold home with the upset.

Arp racked up a career-high 280 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Cameron Dischler paced the running game with 69 yards on the ground. Alan Dobbins led the way for the receivers with 66 yards and two touchdowns on six catches while Kegan Stelmazewski and Alex Wyatt each caught touchdown passes.

Mathew Onyejiaka led the defense with seven tackles while Hunter Boudreaux and KJ Penson followed with six each. The Rams' secondary notched eight pass breakups.

Football Shuts Out Sul Ross State in Dominant Homecoming Victory: The Rams scored the most points in the Jeff Girsch era and the most points in a game since 1993 in a 64-0 shutout victory over Sul Ross State on Homecoming night.

Offensively, the Blue and Gold racked up 416 yards of total offense, rumbling for 193 yards on the ground while airing it out for 223 yards while scoring on all seven of their red zone appearances in the ballgame.

All three quarterbacks on the depth chart saw action, with Maddox Maher recording his first career start and throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Ayden Arp started the second half and completed three passes for 35 yards, while Carson Woods played the fourth quarter and completed both of his pass attempts for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Cameron Dischler led the rushing attack with 67 yards and a touchdown while Israel Kaloso, Ashton Dickens, Jayden Jones, Canon Wiese and Jack Tyndall all recorded carries.

Chuck Gilbert III led all receivers with one catch for 52 yards while Alan Dobbins, Kegan Stelmazeski and Arthur Miller III all caught touchdown passes.

Defensively, the Rams scored three touchdowns in the first half, beginning with a Quentin Lucas strip sack picked up by Brody McGee and taken back 55 yards for a touchdown. A couple of drives later, Hunter Boudreaux picked off the Lobo quarterback and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown. On the ensuing drive, Athen Dominguez picked up a fumble and returned it 81 yards for the third touchdown.

Boudreaux led all Rams with five tackles. Murray Robinson notched 2.5 of the team's 14 tackles for loss, while Lucas earned two of the Rams' five sacks. Along with Boudreaux, Owen Henderson and Demetrias Charles each picked up an interception.

CONFERENCE OUTLOOK
For the first time this season, all Lone Star Conference football home teams were victorious. No. 13 Central Washington, Angelo State, Midwestern State, West Texas A&M and Western Oregon all won their Week 8 matchups. CWU (6-2 overall) stayed atop the league standings at 6-0. MSU (6-2 overall) is alone in second place at 5-1.

Week 9 will again feature all 10 teams in conference action (Western Oregon at Western New Mexico; CWU at Eastern New Mexico; ASU at UTPB; MSU at Texas A&M-Kingsville; and WT at Sul Ross State).

The second NCAA Division II NPI Rankings of the season were released on Oct. 25. CWU is No. 14 in the nation and No. 5 in Super Region Four.

MSU is tops in the league in total offense (551.1 yards per game), while UTPB is tops in defense (381.9 yards per game). MSU is scoring a conference-best 45.3 points per game and UTPB is allowing a league-low 24.9 points per game. ASU (53.4 yards per game) is the least penalized team in the LSC.

The LSC has had two players earn national player of the week recognition by D2Football.com this season: UTPB linebacker McKyle So'oto (Defensive) on Oct. 6 and TAMUK wide receiver Christian Kretz (Offensive) on Oct. 13.

CWU was picked to repeat as the LSC champion this season, according to the league's preseason poll. WOU senior quarterback Jordan McCarty and CWU senior linebacker Brycen Indell were predicted to win preseason player of the year honors.

LIVE COVERAGE
Saturday's contest will be broadcasted on FloCollege. The LSC and FloSports reached a historic agreement in August of 2024 for the largest streaming rights deal in NCAA Division II history. LSC fans will have three subscription plans to choose from: Standard, Student or Family. The Standard Plan is $24.99 per month or $119.88 per year ($9.99/month). The Student Plan is $12.99 per month or $95.88 per year ($7.99/month). Subscribers must have a valid .edu email address from an LSC member institution or affiliate. The Family Plan is $155.88 per year ($12.99/month). FloCollege's newest subscription plan is only available annually. The primary account owner will be able to invite up to two additional individuals to join their account. Each added account will receive its own login with full access to FloCollege and can stream the same or different content from completely different locations.

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.