At the annual Lone Star Conference Media Day, the spotlight fell on two programs gearing up for the 2026 football season: the University of Texas Permian Basin and Sul Ross State University.
Preseason Outlook
UTPB arrives after an 11‑3 campaign that culminated in a NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearance, a milestone that has set a high bar for the upcoming year.
Head coach Chris Softley, who began his Lone Star Conference journey as a defensive graduate assistant at Abilene Christian from 2008 to 2010, emphasized continuity and growth as the team prepares to defend its recent success.
Senior fifth‑year player Traylen Suel, who has been a mainstay in the backfield, spoke about the team’s desire to add another chapter to its Permian Basin story, noting that the roster feels poised for a deeper run.
Sul Ross State, entering its first full Division II season after a winless 0‑11 outing in 2025, is using the offseason to rebuild around a new coaching staff and a refreshed recruiting strategy.
The conference’s preseason poll placed UTPB fifth and Sul Ross State tenth, reflecting both programs’ perceived strengths and the competitive balance within the league.
Both schools are slated to open their campaigns on August 29 and will square off on September 19, a matchup that could influence the early standings.