Football 8/25/2025 6:00:00 AM Chris Brannick

Football Season Returns For UCO

Central Oklahoma Visits UT Permian Basin In Week 0 Matchup

MIDLAND, Texas – Central Oklahoma kicks off the 2025 season Saturday at 12 p.m. against the University of Texas Permian Basin in a non-conference Week 0 meeting at Astound Broadband Stadium.

The new season's first contest is the first meeting between the two programs. UCO played its first season of organized football in 1904 while the Falcons of UTPB kicked off for the first time in 2016. Saturday, they meet for the first time.

Central Oklahoma aims to build off the momentum it created in 2024, when the Bronchos (11-2, 8-1) won the MIAA championship before hosting and winning a first-round playoff game. UCO lost in the NCAA Division II Football Championship Super Region III semifinals to eventual national champion Ferris State.

UT Permian Basin is also looking to continue a successful trend. The Falcons made their first playoff appearance in 2023 after winning the Lone Star Conference title. Last season, UTPB (7-5, 6-3) finished third in the LSC and dropped an overtime matchup in the Heritage Bowl to UCO's MIAA rival Central Missouri.

Central Oklahoma begins a new season with plenty of familiar faces on both sides of the ball. UCO returns seven starters on offense, with more key role players also returning. The Bronchos also have five starters back on defense and again have several regular players back in the lineup this season. Four of UCO's returners earned All-American honors in 2024, with nine players earning All-MIAA honors a year ago.

UCO is also building off a tremendous offensive outburst in 2024, leading the country in total offense at 538 yards per game. The Bronchos have three starters back on the offensive line, including MIAA Offensive Lineman of the Year and All-American Montriel Lee. Record-setting quarterback and All-American Jett Huff is back for his junior season. Sixth-year senior and another All-American Jaylen Cottrell returns after leading the country in yards per carry through the regular season.

Ashton Schumann earned MIAA Freshman of the Year honors last season and returns to lead the receiver corps this fall. Gabe Grazier and Mac Garner are back on the offensive line, along with tight end Dominique Dunn. Junior William Mason and sophomore Dev Matthews return to add depth to the running back position, and sophomores Hagen Hacker and C.J. Williams return to add depth to the wide receiver position, where several new pieces also figure to see action.

On the defensive side of the ball, Central Oklahoma returns its fourth All-American in junior linebacker Jack Puckett, who led the team in tackles last fall. Senior All-MIAA pick Connor Johnson returns at linebacker as well after finishing third on the team in total tackles in 2024.

The defensive line has one starter back in Johnny Wilson, with veteran and team captain Zacary Stilwell also returning. Wesley Hudson, Malachi Byrd, Lemuel Gordon, and Bradyn Smith all return up front looking at increased roles this fall. The secondary features returning starters Willie Rice at corner and David Williams at safety. Daniel Ekwese, Dalton Hurd, and Braden Waters are also back after seeing plenty of action in the defensive backfield last fall.

UCO will look to new faces on special teams. Joseph Kim is set to handle kicking duties. The sophomore transferred in from Houston and spent the spring with the Bronchos. Davis Barr, also a sophomore who transferred in from Hutchinson (Kansas), is set to handle punting duties.

UTPB will rely on a pair of returning starters in junior linebacker Tristan Exline and senior running back Kory Harris. Exline was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by the Lone Star Conference. He was co-linebacker of the year last year and a First Team All-LSC pick. Harris rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024.

Central Oklahoma is ranked fifth in the AFCA Preseason Top 25, while Permian Basin is receiving votes. UCO is also third in the D2Football.com Preseason Top 25.

The Bronchos will return to Edmond for their home opener next week. UCO hosts Pittsburg State in the first MIAA game of the season Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at Chad Richison Stadium. UTPB heads to Alamosa, Colorado for a matchup with Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference member Adams State.

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Players Mentioned

#0 Jaylen Cottrell: RB; 6' 2"; Junior

#5 Dominique Dunn: TE; 6' 3"; Junior

#76 Mac Garner: OL; 6' 4"; Junior

#90 Lemuel Gordon: DL; 6' 3"; Senior

#54 Gabe Grazier: OL; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#11 Hagen Hacker: WR; 6' 0"; Redshirt Freshman

#93 Wesley Hudson: DL; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#27 Dalton Hurd: DB; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#21 Connor Johnson: LB; 6' 3"; Senior

#52 Montriel Lee: OL; 6' 2"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#0 Jaylen Cottrell
: 6' 2"; Junior
: RB

#5 Dominique Dunn
: 6' 3"; Junior
: TE

#76 Mac Garner
: 6' 4"; Junior
: OL

#90 Lemuel Gordon
: 6' 3"; Senior
: DL

#54 Gabe Grazier
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: OL

#11 Hagen Hacker
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Freshman
: WR

#93 Wesley Hudson
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: DL

#27 Dalton Hurd
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: DB

#21 Connor Johnson
: 6' 3"; Senior
: LB

#52 Montriel Lee
: 6' 2"; Junior
: OL