ODESSA, Texas (March 9, 2026) – New UTPB Head Football Coach Chris Softley has announced the 2026 UT Permian Basin football schedule. The upcoming UTPB football schedule features just four home games with the Falcons opening up Lone Star Conference play in "Week 2" after just one nonconference game followed by a bye week.

The Falcons begin the season with a "Week 0" road tilt against NCAA Division I The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on August 29 in Edinburg, Texas. All four home games for the Falcons this season will be played at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, Texas.

In 2025, UTPB made the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the second time in program history and for the second time in the last three seasons, and advanced to the Super Region Final (NCAA Quarterfinals) for the first time in program history. UTPB finished the season 11-3 overall, setting a program record for wins in a single season while also earning the first two playoff wins in program history, and was in a three-team tie for second in the Lone Star Conference with a 7-2 record. In the end, the Falcon football team became the first UTPB athletic program to advance to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Division II era.

The Falcons also finished their 2025 season ranked No. 3 in the D2Football.com End of Season Top 25 Poll and No. 5 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) final poll. UTPB finished the 2025 football season as the highest nationally-ranked football team in the state of Texas. It is also the highest national ranking in school history for any sport.
 
2026 UTPB Football Schedule:
Week 0: Saturday, August 29 at UTRGV (Edinburg, Texas)
Week 1: Saturday, September 5 – BYE
Week 2: Saturday, September 12 vs. *Western New Mexico | 6 p.m. | Astound Broadband Stadium
        Theme: Black Out
Week 3: Saturday, September 19 at *Sul Ross State (Alpine, Texas)
Week 4: Saturday, September 26 at *Eastern New Mexico (Portales, N.M.)
Week 5: Saturday, October 3 at Northeastern State (Tahlequah, Okla.)
Week 6: Saturday, October 10 at *West Texas A&M (Canyon, Texas)
Week 7: Saturday, October 17 vs. *Western Oregon | 6 p.m. | Astound Broadband Stadium
        Theme: Pink Out / Pink The Basin / Breast Cancer Awareness
Week 8: Saturday, October 24 at *Central Washington (Ellensburg, Wash.)
Week 9: Saturday, October 31 vs. *Angelo State | 6 p.m. | Astound Broadband Stadium
        Theme: Homecoming / Hall of Fame Weekend / Family Weekend
Week 10: Saturday, November 7 vs. *Midwestern State (Wichita Falls, Texas)
Week 11: Saturday, November 14 vs. *Texas A&M-Kingsville | 2 p.m. | Astound Broadband Stadium
        Theme: Military Appreciation Day / Senior Day
 
*Lone Star Conference Game
Home Games listed in Bold
All times listed are Central Time


Schedule Deep Dive:
 
Week 0 at UTRGV Vaqueros
2025 Record: 9-3 | First Meeting

In their inaugural season, the UTRGV Vaqueros delivered one of the most successful first-year campaigns in FCS history, finishing 9-3 and tying for third in the Southland Conference. Despite being a brand-new program facing Division I competition for the first time, UTRGV consistently exceeded expectations. Among new programs in 2025, UTRGV was one of only two to record a win and became the winningest of 11 inaugural FCS teams since the 1978 subdivision split. They also set records for victories against FCS competition, became the first inaugural team to go undefeated at home (7-0), and were one of only a handful of first-year programs ever to receive votes in the AFCA Coaches Poll – earning votes in 10 different weeks and coming close to cracking the Top-25.

The Vaqueros opened the season with a dominant 66-0 win over Sul Ross State, scoring 49 first-half points (including 28 in the first quarter) while 14 different players recorded receptions. Fan support played a major role, as UTRGV sold out all seven home games, finishing with 87,774 total attendees. The program ranked 11th in the FCS in total attendance, 15th in average attendance (12,539), and sixth in stadium capacity percentage (104.49%), creating a formidable home-field advantage.

UTRGV earned national recognition and had finalists for the Walter Payton Award, Jerry Rice Award, Eddie Robinson Award, and FCS Coordinator of the Year. Quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger placed in the Payton Award voting, freshman receiver Tony Diaz finished seventh for the Rice Award (with linebacker Jaiden Haygood also receiving votes), and head coach Travis Bush placed sixth for national coach of the year honors.

Statistically, UTRGV dominated across the board, leading the Southland Conference in 15 categories. Nationally, they ranked first in blocked kicks allowed (0), blocked punts allowed (0), and fumbles lost (1); second in fumbles recovered (13); third in turnover margin (+1.33); sixth in scoring offense (39.6 points per game) and defensive touchdowns (4); seventh in turnovers gained (25); eighth in passing efficiency (165.62); 18th in total offense (435.2 yards per game); and among the nation's best in discipline with just 61 penalties all season.
 

Week 2 vs. Western New Mexico Mustangs
2025 Record: 2-9 | Last Meeting: November 1, 2025, W 66-7

After their bye week, the Falcons will open Lone Star Conference play at home against Western New Mexico, renewing a series they have dominated historically. The two programs meet for the 11th time, with UTPB holding an 8-2 all-time advantage and riding a six-game winning streak in the matchup. Over the past three seasons alone, the Falcons have outscored the Mustangs 163-13, underscoring their control of the series. This also marks the second time in three years that UTPB opens conference play at home against WNMU.

Recent meetings have been particularly lopsided. In 2024, No. 21 UTPB cruised to a 41-3 victory in a special "Week 0" season opener at Ratliff Stadium, which doubled as both teams' first LSC contest. In 2025 at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, New Mexico, No. 20 UTPB delivered one of the most explosive offensive performances in program history, rolling to a 66-7 win behind 658 total yards – the third-highest single-game total the Falcons have ever recorded. UTPB scored at least two touchdowns in every quarter in last year's matchup, showcasing balance and depth on offense.

Quarterback Kanon Gibson led the attack by completing 16-of-27 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns, while Kory Harris powered the ground game with 112 rushing yards and two scores on 17 carries. Receiver Ben Patterson added a big-play element with three receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. The defense was equally dominant, holding WNMU to just 182 total yards. Jalani Jefferson returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown, and David Walker recorded three tackles for loss and two sacks to spearhead the pass rush.

Western New Mexico finished the 2025 season 2-9 overall (1-8 LSC) but showcased a bright future behind freshman quarterback Connor Ackerley. The first-year standout started all 11 games, completing 253-of-397 passes for 2,999 yards and 30 touchdowns with a 146.07 passer rating, earning LSC Offensive Freshman of the Year honors and all-conference honorable mention. His season included a seven-touchdown performance in a single game that tied a conference record.
 

Week 3 at Sul Ross State Lobos
2025 Record: 0-11 | Last Meeting: November 15, 2025, W 74-10

UTPB will hit the road for the first time in Lone Star Conference action in 2026 with a trip to Sul Ross State, renewing a matchup the Falcons have largely controlled. The teams meet for the fifth time, with UTPB holding a 3-1 all-time series lead and winning the last two meetings by at least 64 points since the Lobos joined the LSC in 2024.

The Falcons dominated in 2025 with another rout, defeating the Lobos 74-10 as No. 15 UTPB piled up 639 total yards of offense. Quarterback Kanon Gibson threw five touchdown passes, completing-26 of-50 attempts, with five different receivers finding the end zone – including two scores by Jaylon Tillman. Defensively, Tristan Exline recorded 10 tackles and Kharel Coney added an interception as UTPB built a 32-10 halftime lead and cruised to its fourth straight win, finishing the regular season 7-2 in conference play.

Despite the lopsided scores, Sul Ross State showed signs of progress in 2025. The Lobos produced five All-LSC selections, one All-Academic honoree, 17 top-10 conference statistical rankings, and 26 additions to the school record book, including two new program records. Brendon Martin became the first player in program history to earn First-Team All-LSC honors, while Evian Thompson was named the program's first All-Academic selection. Quarterback Kye Callicoatte passed for 189 yards in the 2025 matchup – 134 of those to Yamil Oaxaca – while Thompson led the defense with 10 tackles and Martin recorded an interception.
 

Week 4 at Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds
2025 Record: 3-8 | Last Meeting: November 8, 2025, W 47-34

UTPB and Eastern New Mexico will meet for the 10th time, with the Falcons holding a 6-3 all-time edge and entering on a six-game winning streak in the series. Over the past three seasons, UTPB has outscored the Greyhounds 163-77. The 2026 matchup will also mark ENMU's first Lone Star Conference home game of the season in Portales, New Mexico.

In 2025, No. 17 UTPB again prevailed, defeating ENMU 47-34 at Astound Broadband Stadium to secure its third straight win and improve to 6–2 in conference play. The Falcons built a commanding 40-7 halftime lead behind a dominant first half that featured two touchdown passes and a touchdown run from quarterback Kanon Gibson, along with rushing scores by Kory Harris, Adrian Cormier, and Camden Tyler.

UTPB finished the game with 572 total yards of offense. Gibson completed 26-of-42 passes for 321 yards, while Harris added 83 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Ben Patterson contributed in the passing game with four receptions for 99 yards and a score. Defensively, Tristan Exline delivered a standout performance with 20 tackles (eight solo), six tackles for loss totaling 38 yards, two forced fumbles, and a sack – earning both Lone Star Conference and D2Football.com Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time during the season.

Eastern New Mexico produced several big plays despite the loss. Running back Nora Robert rushed for 165 yards on just 11 carries while receiver Gerry Gomez hauled in four catches for 143 yards. Defensively, Jarrion Patton and Tamarr Fairman each recorded interceptions, and punter Ryan Travis averaged 42.5 yards across four punts.

The Greyhounds enter a new era under new head coach Art Briles, a longtime offensive-minded coach with more than 40 years of experience. Briles previously led Houston and Baylor to a combined 99-65 record, two Big 12 championships, and 10 bowl appearances. He coached 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III and has developed multiple NFL quarterbacks, including Kevin Kolb, Case Keenum, and Bryce Petty.
 

Week 5 at Northeastern State RiverHawks
2025 Record: 9-3 | First Meeting

"Week 5" will mark the first-ever meeting between UTPB and Northeastern State, introducing the Falcons to one of Division II's fastest-rising programs. The RiverHawks are coming off one of the best seasons in school history under head coach Darrin Chiaverini, who was named Division II Coach of the Year by The CFB Network after orchestrating a remarkable turnaround in just his second season. Chiaverini led NSU to a 9-3 record in 2025, capturing the inaugural First Americans Bowl title and delivering the program's highest win total since 2000 – as well as its largest year-to-year improvement since its 1994 national championship season.

Northeastern State's breakout campaign reset program expectations at both the regional and national level. The RiverHawks earned a national top-25 ranking for the first time in more than two decades, finishing No. 24 in the D2Football.com poll. Offensively, NSU produced record-setting numbers, establishing new school marks for total points (483), touchdowns (65), and scoring average (40.3 points per game) while outscoring opponents by 282 points overall. The RiverHawks were especially dominant down the stretch, winning their final seven games by a combined margin of 255 points, including a decisive 56-21 victory over East Central in the First Americans Bowl.

Chiaverini's 2025 squad featured one of the nation's most explosive and balanced offenses paired with an opportunistic defense that consistently created scoring chances. The team's ability to control games on both sides of the ball fueled its sustained success and rapid ascent. Adding to their uniqueness, Northeastern State competes as the only NCAA Division II Independent program in the country, navigating a schedule without conference affiliation while still achieving national relevance.
 

Week 6 at West Texas A&M Buffaloes
2025 Record: 8-4 | Last Meeting: October 25, 2025, W 22-6

UTPB and West Texas A&M will meet for the 10th time, with the Buffaloes holding a narrow 5-4 all-time edge despite the Falcons winning each of the last three matchups. That streak began with a dramatic 41-40 overtime comeback in Midland, Texas, in 2023. UTPB followed by earning its first-ever win in Canyon, Texas, in 2024, scoring touchdowns on its first three possessions while forcing three turnovers in a 21-7 victory at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium. This past season during Homecoming/Hall of Fame Weekend No. 23 UTPB dominated defensively in a 22-6 win at Astound Broadband Stadium.

In the 2025 meeting, the Falcons allowed just six first downs and 187 total yards, snapping a two-game skid while ending WT's three-game winning streak. Freshman linebacker Warren Richardson recorded a third-quarter safety, and former Buffalo quarterback Kanon Gibson orchestrated a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on the opening possession to set the tone. Kicker Angel Diaz added two field goals from beyond 40 yards – one in each half – to help secure the win. Despite the loss, WT quarterback RJ Martinez posted strong numbers, completing 29-of-45 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Defensively for WT, David deMenezes led all players with 12 tackles, Andre Johnson added 2.5 sacks, and punter James Ingham averaged an impressive 48 yards across six punts.

West Texas A&M rebounded later in the season, finishing 8-4 overall and winning four straight games to close the year, culminating in a victory over Arkansas Tech in the Heritage Bowl Powered by Riot – the program's seventh bowl appearance. In the end, head coach Josh Lynn guided the Buffaloes to their highest win total since 2021 and their most Lone Star Conference victories since 2012.
Individually, the Buffs featured one of the conference's most explosive offenses in 2025. Quarterback RJ Martinez earned LSC Offensive Back of the Year honors after completing 315-of-475 passes for 4,122 yards and 36 touchdowns, while also adding 308 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground. Receiver Zach Phipps was named LSC Newcomer of the Year, hauling in 35 receptions for 682 yards and a conference-leading 10 touchdowns. Martinez and offensive lineman Kanyon Ives both earned Second-Team All-Super Region 4 recognition, with Ives anchoring a dominant offensive front that ranked among the best in Division II football.
 

Week 7 vs. Western Oregon Wolves
2025 Record: 8-3 | Last Meeting: October 18, 2025, L 28-31

UTPB and Western Oregon will meet for the fifth time, with the all-time series deadlocked at 2-2. The Wolves have claimed the last two matchups – both by just three points – making this one of the Falcons' most tightly contested recent conference rivalries. Western Oregon returns to Midland for the third time in four seasons after hosting UTPB for Homecoming in Monmouth, Oregon, in 2025, while the Falcons hosted the Wolves for Homecoming in Midland, Texas, in both 2023 and 2024.

In that 2025 thriller, WOU built a 17-7 halftime advantage before UTPB rallied to take a 28-24 lead with 6:46 remaining on a 14-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kanon Gibson. The Wolves answered with a decisive late drive, capped by Jordan McCarty's 10-yard touchdown run with 1:55 left. The defense sealed the upset when LSC Defensive Player of the Week Malcolm Liufau forced a fumble with 25 seconds remaining that was recovered by Tamaaulelei Ma'alona. McCarty finished 19-of-28 passing for 166 yards and two touchdowns while adding 75 rushing yards. Liufau also contributed an interception, a sack, and two tackles for loss. Aden Murphy led all defenders with nine tackles.

UTPB's offense produced significant numbers despite the loss. Gibson completed 28-of-40 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 84 yards and two additional scores. Receivers Kylin Mathis (eight catches) and TJ McKenzie (six receptions, one touchdown) each surpassed 100 receiving yards. Tristan Exline anchored the Falcons' defense with eight tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss.

Western Oregon is coming off a strong 8-3 season in which the Wolves earned a national ranking and narrowly missed out on a Lone Star Conference championship. Head coach Arne Ferguson was named LSC Coach of the Year after guiding WOU to a 7-2 conference record and a share of the runner-up position. Despite their recent success, the Wolves are still seeking their first NCAA postseason berth since joining the NCAA in 2001.
 

Week 8 at Central Washington Wildcats
2025 Record: 10-2 | Last Meeting: October 11, 2025, L 14-27

UTPB and Central Washington will meet for the fifth time, with the series tied 2-2 in what has quickly become one of the Lone Star Conference's marquee matchups. The Falcons own one of their biggest program victories over the Wildcats – a 14–13 road upset of No. 9 CWU in 2024 – and captured the first LSC Championship in school history with a 42-14 win over Central Washington in the 2023 regular-season finale at Astound Broadband Stadium. The Wildcats, however, struck back in 2025, defeating No. 6 UTPB 27-14 at Ratliff Stadium in a top-15 showdown between the conference's final unbeaten teams.

That 2025 contest turned dramatically in the closing minutes. UTPB led 14-10 with just over three minutes remaining before CWU mounted a decisive rally. Kennedy McGill scored on a six-yard touchdown run, David Weber added a 44-yard field goal to extend the lead, and LSC Defensive Player of the Week Javonte Walker sealed the win with a pick-six with 18 seconds left. McGill finished with 81 rushing yards while Justice Taylor added 100 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. CWU's defense dominated up front, holding the Falcons to just 50 rushing yards as Chad Loidhamer led with seven tackles and three Wildcats recorded sacks. For UTPB, quarterback Kanon Gibson threw touchdown passes in the first and third quarters, while Tristan Exline posted a game-high 19 tackles (13 solo) and Jacob Humphrey added a sack and forced fumble.

Central Washington went on to claim its first outright Lone Star Conference championship in 2025, finishing 10-2 overall. The Wildcats clinched the title in dramatic fashion, erasing a 17-3 deficit to defeat No. 24 Western Oregon 19-17 on a last-second touchdown pass from McGill to Logan Brady. Their postseason run ended in a tightly contested 27-20 loss to No. 15 Western Colorado in the NCAA Division II Playoffs – the third straight first-round meeting between the programs and CWU's first home playoff game since 2017.

Individually, the Wildcats fielded one of the nation's most decorated rosters. Center Slade Edwards won the Rimington Trophy as Division II's top center, earned First-Team AFCA All-American honors, and was a Gene Upshaw Award finalist after anchoring an offensive line that powered 266.1 rushing yards and 420.9 total yards per game while allowing just 10 sacks all season. Defensive end Tyler King was named LSC Defensive Lineman of the Year after recording 47 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks, while also adding a blocked kick in the playoffs. Quarterback Kennedy McGill earned LSC Offensive Player of the Year and Academic Player of the Year honors, producing a true dual-threat season with 1,637 passing yards, 17 touchdown passes, 1,040 rushing yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns – the top rushing totals in the conference.

The Wildcats also showcased emerging talent, including Defensive Freshman of the Year Mika Roberson, who contributed four interceptions, seven pass breakups, and significant special-teams production. Academically, Edwards and Brett McCalla were named CSC Academic All-Americans, with McCalla also earning First-Team All-LSC honors after tallying 61 tackles and two pick-sixes.

Entering 2026, Central Washington begins a new era under head coach Scott Power, whose hiring marks both a fresh chapter and a return to Ellensburg for a coach with deep ties to the program's past success.
 

Week 9 vs. Angelo State Rams
2025 Record: 6-5 | Last Meeting: October 4, 2025, W 28-14

UTPB and Angelo State will meet for the 10th time, with the Rams holding a 7-2 advantage in the all-time series. Despite that edge, the Falcons have won the last two matchups in San Angelo, Texas, and continue to trend upward against one of the Lone Star Conference's traditional powers. UTPB is still searching for its first home victory over ASU, however, entering the contest 0-4 against the Rams in Midland, Texas.

The Falcons' breakthrough came in 2023 when they secured a 28-23 road win over a ranked Angelo State squad – the program's first-ever victory over the Rams and, at the time, just the second win over a ranked opponent in school history. The following season in 2024, Angelo State responded, handing UTPB a 36-7 loss at Astound Broadband Stadium in a nationally spotlighted FloSports Game of the Week matchup.

The rivalry intensified further in 2025 when two undefeated top-10 teams met in San Angelo, Texas, in the ESPN NCAA Division II Game of the Week. No. 9 UTPB delivered a statement performance, defeating No. 5 Angelo State 28-14 at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field. The Falcons seized momentum late in the first half by scoring on three consecutive drives, then sealed the victory with a late scoring march. The win pushed UTPB to 5-0 overall – the best start in program history – and snapped ASU's 14-game conference winning streak.

Quarterback Kanon Gibson led the charge with 289 passing yards and one touchdown while adding three rushing scores, earning LSC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second time during the season. Defensively, Euvoski Cunningham recorded seven solo tackles, Malik Allen contributed two sacks for nine yards lost, and David Walker added another sack as UTPB limited the Rams to 252 total yards and shut them out in both the first and fourth quarters. Angelo State quarterback Braeden Fuller accounted for both Ram touchdowns, while defenders Xavier Walton and Demetrias Charles each recorded an interception.

Angelo State endured an uncharacteristically difficult 2025 season, finishing 6-5 overall and 4-5 in conference play – its lowest totals since 2018 and 2016, respectively. Still, the Rams featured several standout performers. Safety Xavier Walton was named LSC Defensive Back of the Year after leading the conference and the South Central Region with six interceptions. He joined running back Cameron Dischler and linebacker Owen Seaver as First-Team All-LSC selections. Dischler led the rushing attack with 449 yards and three touchdowns, while Seaver earned first-team honors for the second consecutive season after posting 50 tackles, a conference-best 17 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks.

Seaver and Walton also garnered national recognition as AFCA All-Americans and selections to the Dave Campbell's All-Texas Non-FBS Team. Hunter Wallis was also a factor last season recording 27 receptions for 472 yards and eight touchdowns while starting every game.
 

Week 10 at Midwestern State Mustangs
2025 Record: 3-8 | Last Meeting: September 27, 2025, W 37-15

UTPB and Midwestern State will meet for the 11th time on the gridiron, with the Falcons holding a 4-6 all-time record but winning each of the last three meetings, including a two-game winning streak in Wichita Falls, Texas. The rivalry has seen UTPB make steady strides on the road, beginning with a breakthrough in 2023 when the Falcons earned their first-ever victory at MSU with a 21-13 win. They followed that in 2024 with a dominant 27-3 road victory, marking back-to-back wins in Wichita Falls. In 2025, No. 11 UTPB continued its success with a 37-15 home triumph at Astound Broadband Stadium, scoring 24 points in the second quarter and building a commanding 31-0 halftime lead.

The Falcons were led offensively by quarterback Kanon Gibson, who completed 21-of-29 passes for 331 yards and three touchdowns against the Mustangs, including a 102-yard receiving day for Jaylon Tillman on five receptions. Defensively, Tristan Exline recorded two sacks, Jacob Humphrey added 1.5, and Jayden Plater contributed an interception to help UTPB control the game. Midwestern State had bright spots as well, including Noah Bustard's 25-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and Amani Pressley returning a point-after attempt 93 yards for a rare safety. MSU finished the 2025 season 3-8 overall and 3-6 in conference play.

The Mustangs' standout performer in 2025 was freshman Cedonyae Lott, who earned First-Team All-LSC honors as a return specialist and honorable mention as a wide receiver. Lott also received Second-Team recognition as a return specialist on the D2CCA All-Super Region 4 team. He was a three-time LSC Special Teams Player of the Week and was named D2Football.com Special Teams Player of the Week after a 69-yard game-winning punt return over Texas A&M-Kingsville – the longest punt return for MSU since 2007. The following week, he returned another punt 58 yards for a touchdown and totaled over 200 all-purpose yards in a 69-23 win at Sul Ross State. Lott capped the season with 11 receptions for 284 yards and four touchdowns in a 70-23 win at Western New Mexico, again earning LSC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He led the conference with 1,096 all-purpose yards, was sixth in receiving with 38 receptions for 659 yards, and finished with a team-high nine touchdowns, ranking eighth in the league with 54 points.

MSU also saw significant contributions from sophomore wide receiver Demonte Greene and freshman kicker Kohen Maroney, who were named Second-Team All-LSC on offense. Greene finished second in the LSC with 58 receptions for 780 yards and seven touchdowns. Maroney averaged 5.8 points per game, totaling 68 points for the season, making 11-of-14 field goals – including a 50-yarder in a 56-13 loss to Central Washington, and three field goals in the victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville.
 

Week 11 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas
2025 Record: 5-6 | Last Meeting: September 20, 2025, W 43-30

UTPB will close out the 2026 regular season on the road against Texas A&M-Kingsville for Senior Day, marking the 11th meeting between the programs. The Javelinas hold a 6-4 advantage in the all-time series, but the Falcons have been competitive in recent years, including dramatic victories and tightly contested matchups.

UTPB's first landmark win over TAMUK came in 2023, when the Falcons defeated No. 16 nationally-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville 29-17 at home, improving to 2-0 in the Lone Star Conference and earning the program's first-ever victory over a nationally-ranked opponent. In 2024, the Javelinas returned the favor, handing UTPB its first LSC loss in two seasons with a 20-14 win at Astound Broadband Stadium, capped by a crucial end-zone interception.

The rivalry heated up again in 2025 when No. 11 UTPB broke open a tight contest with three fourth-quarter touchdowns at Javelina Stadium, securing a 43-30 conference victory. The game was tied 16-16 early in the third quarter, and later 23-23 with 13:32 remaining. Quarterback Kanon Gibson ignited the Falcons' decisive run with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, followed by two touchdown passes – a 70-yard strike to Jaylon Tillman and a 34-yard connection to TJ McKenzie – extending the lead with 8:10 to play. Gibson finished 18-of-26 for 316 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, and added 95 rushing yards with two more scores, earning LSC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance for the first time during the season. On defense, Tristan Exline led the Falcons with 10 tackles while McKyle So'oto recorded eight tackles, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. For TAMUK, Jack Turner threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, and Jakari Kandry tallied nine tackles, including two for loss.

Under second-year head coach Scott Parr, the Javelinas aim to build on a 5-6 record from last season, which included a signature win over No. 12 Angelo State and multiple school offensive records. Wide receiver King Phillips spearheaded one of the conference's top passing attacks, leading the LSC with 68 receptions for 880 yards and earning Lone Star Conference Receiver of the Year honors. Phillips also set school records with 12 catches in a single game and ultimately broke the season record for receptions. Joining Phillips on the First-Team All-LSC list was defensive standout Demarcus Peters, who finished the season with 29 total tackles – 24 solo – 4.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble.