ODESSA, Texas (September 28, 2026) – UT Permian Basin linebacker Eli Leiataua was named the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week after the Falcons' win at Eastern New Mexico University.

Leiataua had 11 tackles – six solo – and 1.5 sacks to help fuel a 56-10 road win over Eastern New Mexico that improved the Falcons to 3-0 in league play. Leiataua's sacks totaled a loss of eight yards and he also added a quarterback hurry. Leiataua and company limited the Greyhounds to just 67 rushing yards and shut them out in the second half. 

UTPB Head Football Coach Chris Softley said, "We speak about playing with an unquestioned hair on fire effort and you see that when you watch Eli and his teammates play defense. We are thankful of the #MAXOUT mentality that Eli brings to our team and proud of this defensive award that goes out to the entire unit."

Next up, the Falcons will look to keep it going as they take a break from conference play to battle Northeastern State University in nonconference action. The Falcons will square off against the No. 19 nationally-ranked RiverHawks starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.