DCTF Small College Power Poll: Shakeup in Top 5

The Dave Campbell's Texas Football Small College Power Poll includes Sam Houston, Mary Hardin-Baylor, Kilgore, Hardin-Simmons, UTPB, Trinity, East Texas Baptist, Trinity Valley, Cisco and Incarnate Word.

Each week Dave Campbell’s Texas Football staff gives their power rankings of the small college football teams in Texas.

Note: Teams are measured against the overall strength of their conference. Only teams that have played this spring are ranked.

  1. Sam Houston (8-0) Last Week: 1 - The “Cardiac Kats” continue to find a way to win against great competition. Another massive challenge awaits this week. NEXT: vs. James Madison at 1:30 p.m. May 8.

  2. Mary Hardin-Baylor (5-0) Last Week: 2 - UMHB found steady play from quarterback Kyle King and the Cru defense will make them a national title contender in the fall. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  3. Kilgore (6-0) Last Week: 3 - The Rangers were able to get a big lead and coast to an easy win last week. The SWJCFC title is on the line this week. NEXT: vs. Cisco at 3 p.m. May 8.

  4. Cisco (5-0) Last Week: 5 - The Wranglers have had a knack for dominating the second half this year. Cisco will need a complete game in this week’s top 5 showdown. NEXT: at Kilgore at 3 p.m. May 8.

  5. Hardin-Simmons (4-1) Last Week: 4 - A slow start doomed the Cowboys against UMHB and will add another chip on their shoulder heading into the fall season. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  6. UTPB (5-0) Last Week: 6 - The Falcons win over MSU last week was the type of victory that can change a program. UTPB will be a force in the LSC in the fall. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  7. Trinity (3-1) Last Week: 7 - The Tigers finished their spring season with a resounding 38-15 win over Birmingham Southern. Trinity could be dangerous in the fall. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  8. Trinity Valley (5-1) Last Week: 8 - TVCC is a very solid team with an outstanding defense and will have a say in who will win the SWJCFC title this spring. NEXT: at Navarro at 1 p.m. May 8.

  9. East Texas Baptist (3-2) Last Week: 9 - The Tigers finished the spring with a resounding 51-20 win over TLU. The ETBU offense will be explosive in the fall with Troy Yowman at quarterback.  NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  10. Southwestern Assemblies of God (3-2) Last Week: 10 - SAGU finished out its spring season with a win over Oklahoma Panhandle State, completing a remarkable turnaround from an 0-10 record in 2019. NEXT: Fall 2021 Season.

  11. UIW (3-3) Last Week: 11 - The spring season was a huge success for the Cardinals with the breakthrough performance of Cameron Ward. However, the last two losses will be motivation heading to the fall. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  12. Navarro (3-3) Last Week: 12 - A tough fourth quarter doomed the Bulldogs to a loss last week at Cisco. This team is two bad quarters away from being one of the top teams in the country. NEXT: vs. Trinity Valley at 1 p.m. May 8.

  13. Tarleton (4-3) Last Week: 13 - Tarleton’s loss to East Central on April Fool’s Day was a disappointing end to an up and down spring. The Texans proved they are a solid FCS team when focused. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  14. Texas Lutheran (3-2) Last Week: 14 - TLU had a decent spring in coach Ricky Matt’s first season. The Bulldogs look to improve in the fall. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  15. Prairie View A&M (2-1) Last Week: 15 - This had to be one of the most disappointing and trying seasons in PVAMU history. The Panthers on-field results were solid, but they fell victim to CoVID-19. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  16. Howard Payne (2-3) Last Week: 16 - The Yellow Jackets struggled in all phases and finished the spring with a tough 38-17 loss to Belhaven. Excited to see this team continue to improve. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  17. Tyler (2-4) Last Week: 17 - The Apaches allowed 31 first quarter points last week and never recovered in a blowout loss at home. This week will be a test of their character. NEXT: at Blinn at 3 p.m. May 8.

  18. Lamar (2-4) Last Week: 18 - The Cardinals had a rough ending to their spring season with a loss to Southeastern La. However, the overall spring was a big positive for Lamar heading into the offseason. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  19. McMurry (2-3) Last Week: 19 - Possibly the most improved team in the country ended the spring with a thrilling 32-31 win on the road over Louisiana College. The War Hawks are on the rise heading to the fall. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  20. Wayland Baptist (2-5) Last Week 20 - The Pioneers finished the most unusual season, including games in the fall and the spring, with a road loss to the conference champion. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  21. Austin College (1-3) Last Week: 21 - The ‘Roos had one of the most challenging spring schedules of any team in the country. Austin College will focus on playing a complete game for the fall. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  22. Midwestern State (1-2) Last Week: 22 - A proud football program continues to struggle after a tough overtime loss to end the spring. MSU is 6-8 since the start of 2019 after 20 consecutive winning seasons. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  23. Sul Ross State (1-4) Last Week: 23 - The Lobos finished the spring with a nice 25-16 win over Southwestern. SRSU will try to ride the positive vibes into the fall season. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  24. Texas Southern (1-2) Last Week: 24 - The Tigers are another team who was unable to play a full spring schedule due to CoVID-19 issues around the SWAC. TSU turns its focus to the fall. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  25. Blinn (1-5) Last Week: 25 - The Buccaneers best chance to win a conference game this spring is this week against a team that seemed to be struggling with confidence. NEXT: vs. Tyler at 3 p.m. May 8.

  26. Texas A&M-Kingsville (0-2) Last Week: 26 - Coach Mike Salinas and staff found some positives and negatives during the Javelinas abbreviated spring season. TAMUK will try to build on the positives for the fall season. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

  27. Southwestern (0-5) Last Week: 27 - A tough spring concluded with a road loss to Sul Ross State. The Pirates coaching staff will be evaluating every position heading into the fall season. NEXT: Fall 2021 season.

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