KANSAS CITY, MO – The University of the Cumberlands football team has climbed into the NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll, coming in at No. 24 in the latest national rankings released Monday. The Patriots enter the poll for the first time this season after previously receiving votes, carrying a 5-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in Mid-South Conference play.
 
Cumberlands has put together a productive offensive season, averaging 35.6 points and 420.1 yards per game. The Patriots have accumulated 2,941 yards of total offense, including 1,370 rushing and 1,571 passing, while scoring 33 touchdowns through seven contests. UC has also been effective inside the red zone, converting 25 of its 29 opportunities into points.
 
The Patriots' ground attack has been led by Jayden Clayton, who rushed for a team-high 527 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Juan Bullard Jr. has added 391 yards and five scores, while Tanner Marsh has contributed 236 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Through the air, Drew Gregg has thrown for 1,354 yards and 13 touchdowns while becoming the program's all-time leader in career completions with 377.
 
Michael Petty leads the receiving corps with 488 yards and four touchdowns on 26 receptions, while Cade Lamb has added 358 yards and four scores. Skylar Adams has contributed 201 receiving yards, giving the Patriots several options within their balanced offensive attack.
 
Defensively, Cumberlands has recorded 43 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and six interceptions while forcing 11 turnovers through seven games. JD DeRoche leads the team with 51 tackles, followed closely by Ritt Tankersley with 50 stops. Zander Curry has recorded a team-high eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, while Jaquon Hall leads the Patriots with 3.5 sacks.
 
Special teams have also provided a boost throughout the season. Ronye Watson has returned 11 kickoffs for 460 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 41.8 yards per return. Khalil Arman has connected on seven of his nine field goal attempts, including a program-record-tying 47-yarder, while converting 28 of 29 extra-point attempts.
 
The latest poll features four Mid-South Conference programs among the nation's Top 25. Campbellsville leads the conference at No. 12, followed by Georgetown at No. 15, Lindsey Wilson at No. 16 and Cumberlands at No. 24. Cumberland University (Tenn.) is also receiving votes in the national poll and will be the Patriots' next opponent as UC continues conference play.
 
College of Idaho holds the top spot in the national rankings with a perfect 6-0 record and all 13 first-place votes. Benedictine (Kan.) climbed to No. 2, followed by Grand View (Iowa) at No. 3, St. Thomas (Fla.) at No. 4 and Montana Tech at No. 5.
 
The Patriots will now turn their attention to this Saturday for a ranked matchup with Cumberland University on homecoming. Kickoff is set for 6 PM ET in Williamsburg.
 
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