Coach: Kris McCullough (2nd season). Starters returning O/D: 8/4. 2023: 10-2, 8-0 LSC

UTPB’s first season under Kris McCullough was one for the record books. The Falcons earned their first outright LSC title and NCAA Division II playoff appearance last year. But UTPB must replace three All-Americans from last year’s roster, with two (Kenny Hrncir and Hayden Kelly) on UTPB’s coaching staff.

“Our depth on the defensive side of the ball at all three levels is phenomenal,” McCullough said. “That’s going to be huge for us. We need to do a better job of creating turnovers and getting negative plays. Offensively, the key is in the trenches. I believe we have the best skill players in the conference, but we need to control the line of scrimmage.”

For the second consecutive season, the Falcons signed one of the best transfer classes, focusing on reinforcing the right side of the offensive line.