UTPB Is Chasing A Crown. West Texas A&M Is Chasing An Upset

No. 19 UT Permian Basin faces West Texas A&M in the D2 Lone Star Conference Game of the Week. See kickoff time, players to watch and how to stream.

Oct 9, 2026 by Ajay Shah

UTPB Is Chasing A Crown. West Texas A&M Is Chasing An Upset

Four teams are undefeated in Lone Star conference play. Only one can finish on top.

No. 19 UT Permian Basin is one of those contenders, and the Falcons have been making quite a statement since opening their season with a 44-0 loss to FCS newcomer UT Rio Grande Valley.

Four consecutive victories later, UT Permian Basin is 4-1 overall, 3-0 in conference play and preparing to visit West Texas A&M (1-4, 1-2 LSC) on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 8 p.m. ET. The Buffaloes have struggled to find consistency, but with the Falcons chasing a conference championship, Saturday presents an opportunity to play spoiler.

Here's what to know about our FloCollege Division II Game of the Week.

UPCOMING

2026 UT Permian Basin vs West Texas A&M

Tomorrow · 12:00 AM UTC

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UT Permian Basin Is In The Thick Of The Lone Star Conference Race

The Lone Star Conference championship race is getting crowded.

UT Permian Basin, Midwestern State, Central Washington and Texas A&M-Kingsville are all 3-0 in conference play entering Week 6.

The Falcons have been particularly impressive offensively, leading the LSC with 45.8 points per game while also allowing a conference-low 20.4.

UTPB has scored at least 38 points in each of its four victories, including 69 against Western New Mexico, 66 against Sul Ross State and 56 against Eastern New Mexico.

With several unbeaten conference contenders still on the schedule, the Falcons cannot afford to overlook West Texas A&M.

West Texas A&M Has A Score To Settle

The Buffaloes are 1-4, but their latest loss might be the most frustrating.

West Texas A&M led Texas A&M-Kingsville 21-0 in the third quarter last Saturday before allowing 28 unanswered points in a 28-21 defeat.

It was another missed opportunity for a team that has already faced strong teams in Grand Valley State, Western Colorado and Midwestern State.

Quarterback Knox Porter has thrown for 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns this season, while receiver Trace Clarkson leads the Buffaloes with 38 receptions for 446 yards.

There's also some history at stake.

West Texas A&M leads the all-time series 5-4, but UT Permian Basin has won three consecutive meetings, including a 22-6 victory last season.

The Buffaloes have an opportunity to end that streak Saturday in front of their home crowd.

Players To Watch: UT Permian Basin Vs. West Texas A&M

McKyle So'oto, UT Permian Basin Linebacker

So'oto is coming off a remarkable performance against Northeastern State.

The senior recorded 15 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and an interception, earning Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week and D2Football.com National Defensive Player of the Week honors.

He'll be one of the biggest obstacles for the West Texas A&M offense.

Nate TenBarge, UT Permian Basin Quarterback

TenBarge helped lead the Falcons' latest victory with 224 passing yards, a touchdown pass and 52 rushing yards against Northeastern State.

His ability to contribute through the air and on the ground gives the UTPB offense another dimension.

Knox Porter, West Texas A&M Quarterback

Porter has completed 110 of 187 passes for 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns through five games.

He threw three touchdowns against Texas A&M-Kingsville last week, helping the Buffaloes build their 21-point lead before the comeback.

West Texas A&M will need another strong performance from its quarterback to challenge the Falcons.

UT Permian Basin's Defense Is Collecting Awards

The Falcons have claimed three of the Lone Star Conference's first six Defensive Player of the Week awards in 2026, including the last two.

Sept. 14: Layne Horak
Sept. 28: Eli Leiataua
Oct. 5: McKyle So'oto

UTPB's defense isn't just producing on the field. It's getting recognized across the conference, with three different players earning weekly honors before Week 6.

The Falcons Haven't Lost To A Division II Opponent

UT Permian Basin Football's season took a haymaker in Week 1.

The Falcons traveled to UT Rio Grande Valley on Aug. 29 and suffered a 44-0 shutout against the FCS program.

They haven't lost since.

UTPB responded by winning four straight, most recently defeating Northeastern State 38-27 in a matchup featuring one of the season's most impressive defensive performances.

The Falcons intercepted five passes, including four on consecutive second-half possessions.

Nicholas Butler grabbed two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown, while quarterback Nate TenBarge threw for 224 yards and added a rushing score.

The turnaround has put UTPB back in the national rankings and firmly in the Lone Star championship conversation.

How To Watch UT Permian Basin vs. West Texas A&M

Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, Canyon, Texas
Competition: Lone Star Conference
Streaming: Watch UT Permian Basin vs. West Texas A&M on FloCollege

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