Back-to-Back Wins Keep Phoenix Receiving Votes in NAIA Coaches Top 25 Poll

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland University football remains receiving votes in the latest NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll, sitting just outside the national rankings following a strong 2-1 start to the 2025 season.

The Phoenix bounced back from a season-opening loss at NCAA Division I Tennessee Tech with back-to-back dominant wins. Cumberland defeated a tough Reinhardt team 30-18 in its home opener before rolling past Ave Maria (Fla.) 55-7 last weekend at Nokes-Lasater Field.

Through three games, Cumberland is averaging 28.3 points per game and nearly 200 rushing yards per contest (199.0) behind a balanced attack. Running back Jacob Cornejo leads the way with 247 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Jaylen Abston has added 171 rushing yards and a passing score. Quarterback Zach Holtzclaw has thrown for 227 yards and two touchdowns, often connecting with Jarrius Rogers, who leads the team with 113 receiving yards.

Defensively, the Phoenix have been disruptive, piling up nine sacks and forcing six turnovers. Defensive Back Cannon Johnson paces the unit with 21 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, to lead the conference in all three categories. Daniel Smith delivered a highlight-reel interception and returned 39 yards for a touchdown against Reinhardt and also leads the MSC in pass break ups with four.

Cumberland has outscored its opponents 85-24 overall in their last two games against NAIA schools. The Phoenix rank among the most disciplined teams in the NAIA, having not lost a fumble and converting on 89% of red zone opportunities (8-for-9) so far this season.

Grand View remains the No. 1 team in the NAIA followed by Keiser at No. 2 and Benedictine (Kan.) at No. 3.

Georgetown remains the highest Mid-South Conference team in the rankings at No. 6. Campbellsville moved up four spots to No. 16, while the biggest mover in polls was Lindsey Wilson who jumped all the way from receiving votes to No. 10. Both Cumberland and the Cumberlands are receiving votes.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Jaylen Abston: QB; 6' 3"; Redshirt Sophomore

#0 Jacob Cornejo: RB; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#10 Zach Holtzclaw: QB; 5' 11"; Redshirt Junior

#8 Cannon Johnson: DB; 5' 8"; Junior

#82 Jarrius Rogers: WR; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#6 Daniel Smith: DB; 5' 11"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#1 Jaylen Abston
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Sophomore
: QB

#0 Jacob Cornejo
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: RB

#10 Zach Holtzclaw
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Junior
: QB

#8 Cannon Johnson
: 5' 8"; Junior
: DB

#82 Jarrius Rogers
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: WR

#6 Daniel Smith
: 5' 11"; Junior
: DB