Today is my deadline to submit written content for the summer magazine, so this is a perfect time to see where Texas Non-FBS teams stand after finishing spring practice.

Most surprising is how many quality programs there are across the state this year. One indication of the amount of competition is that some potential conference champions are barely within the top 20.

1. UIW – The Cardinals have been hit hard by the transfer portal this spring, but Clint Killough has reshaped this roster multiple times since being promoted to head coach. History says he’ll find the pieces to make UIW a national contender.

2. Hardin-Simmons – The Cowboys haven’t won three consecutive American Southwest Conference titles since 1998-2001, but HSU is loaded with returning talent intent on making program history.

3. Texas Wesleyan – The Rams lost a few key pieces from their historic 2024 squad, but the offense will remain potent with third-year starter Carson Rodgers leading the charge.

4. Kilgore – The last time head coach Willie Gooden was this excited about his team, the Rangers won the SWJCFC and made it to the NJCAA semifinals.

5. Tarleton – The Texans' success in 2025 depends on how quickly their five new starting offensive linemen gel.

6. Stephen F. Austin – The Lumberjacks will challenge for the Southland Conference title and make a run in the FCS playoffs if they remain healthy.

7. Abilene Christian – Keith Patterson struck gold last year with offensive coordinator Rick Bowie, and he believes new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell will build on last year’s success.

8. Prairie View A&M – Tremaine Jackson has brought the hype machine since his arrival on ‘The Hill’, but it’s the quality of transfers he’s added to the roster that will have them competing to win the SWAC West Division this year. 

9. Texas A&M-Kingsville – The missing ingredient for the Javelinas in recent years has been an offense that can consistently put up points. Not much has changed defensively, but the arrival of head coach Scott Parr and offensive coordinator Brad Wilson could lead to instant results.

10. Navarro – The Bulldogs still need to add some pieces to replace production lost from last season, but Ryan Taylor has been a consistent winner at every stop and will have the Bulldogs challenging for back-to-back conference titles.

11. Mary Hardin-Baylor – UMHB took a hit in the transfer portal this spring when three returning starters entered, but the Cru will have the talent and depth to deny their rival an ASC three-peat.

12. Tyler – The Apaches are one team that could exceed expectations and win the program’s first SWJCFC championship since 2000.

13. Lamar – Lamar has steadily improved under Peter Rossomando’s guidance, and Year 3 could be when the Cardinals make the program’s first FCS playoff appearance since 2018.

14. Angelo State – The Rams lost multiple key players on defense, but the offense could lead ASU to another Lone Star Conference title and DII playoff bid.

15. Trinity – It’s been nearly a decade since Jerheme Urban didn’t know his starting quarterback entering spring practice. Whoever wins that job will be the key to the Tigers' success in 2025.

16. UTPB – I did a double-take when I noticed UTPB’s placement on these rankings. The Falcons are loaded with talent and would be a top-5 team in these rankings in previous years.

17. East Texas Baptist – ETBU would be a conference favorite in many DIII football conferences this year. Unfortunately, the ASC isn’t one of them. Still, the Tigers could pull a surprise win over UMHB or HSU.

18. McMurry – Seeing the reigning co-SCAC champions, and a favorite to repeat in 2025, this low in the power rankings is proof that the quality of football programs in Texas has risen in recent years.

19. Texas Lutheran – See comment above on McMurry.

20. Wayland Baptist – The Pioneers will have a new offensive coordinator after Bryan Wood was named head coach at Iowa Park High School. Still, WBU’s offense will improve under new offensive coordinator Christian Escobar.

21. Texas College – TC lost some talented players after a historic 2024, but the Steers should return plenty of talent to finish near the top of the Sooner Athletic Conference.

22. Trinity Valley – Opposing coaches said TVCC was a quarterback away from winning the conference last year. The Cardinals hope Malakoff product Mike Jones is the answer.

23. West Texas A&M – It’s been a tumultuous offseason for the Buffs, who will have two new coordinators in 2025. Still, the Buffs could be a problem this year if the transfers integrate well into the program.

24. Texas Southern – Cris Dishman is building the TSU program for the long haul. That doesn’t mean he isn’t trying to win, but it might take a bit more time to see progress.

25. Midwestern State – Admittedly, Rich Renner had a lot to learn about being a collegiate head coach, and he put his stamp on the roster and coaching staff during the offseason.

26. Cisco – Few understand how to build a program in Cisco like head coach Charlie Rizzio, who recruits players that will thrive in the country atmosphere where entertainment is limited.

27. East Texas A&M – The Lions will be improved this season, but a brutal early schedule at SMU and Florida State could create depth issues heading into conference play.

28. Blinn – Blinn was close to an incredible season last year, with all five losses by an average of 5.4 points. The Buccaneers added 56 players and should have a nice mix of youth and veterans this year.

29. Houston Christian – The offseason was a period of reflection for head coach Jason Bachtel, who decided to take a step back from calling plays. He found a proven offensive coordinator with the addition of Mike Nesbitt.

30. Howard Payne – HPU might now win many games in Coby Gipson’s debut season, but rest assured, the Yellow Jackets will fight, scratch, and claw for four quarters every week.

31. Southwestern – Southwestern will rely on its defense to win games early in 2025, while the offense identifies who will replace the production lost during the offseason.

32. Nelson – Lions head coach Jared Hudgins said the program will add around 50-60 players between spring practice and Fall Camp. 

33. Austin College – Academic standards prevent the Kangaroos from utilizing the transfer portal. Still, Tony Joe White is steadily building the program and will begin to see results soon.

34. UTRGV – Interestingly, UTRGV’s first football game in program history will be at home against Sul Ross. We’ll know more about the Vaqueros following that game.

35. Sul Ross State – The hiring of head coach Lee Hays was later than desired, so Hays and his staff will be using the transfer portal to fill holes heading into Fall Camp.