Phoenix Continue to Receive Votes in Latest NAIA Coaches’ Poll

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland Football remains on the national radar in the latest edition of the Netting Professionals NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll, announced Monday by the national office. The Phoenix earned 16 points in the voting, keeping their place among the teams receiving votes.

Grand View (Iowa) continued its stranglehold on the No. 1 spot after a 63-3 win over St. Ambrose (Iowa). Keiser (Fla.) stayed at No. 2, followed by Benedictine (Kan.), Morningside (Iowa), and Montana Tech in the top five. Southeastern (Fla.) cracked the top 10 for the first time this season, while McPherson (Kan.) entered the rankings at No. 24.

The Mid-South Conference remains one of the most represented leagues in the country, led by No. 7 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), No. 11 Georgetown (Ky.), and No. 12 Campbellsville (Ky.). Cumberland joins the group with receiving votes, alongside Faulkner joining the receiving votes as well as the Cumberlands returning to the category.

The Phoenix (3-2) have leaned on a powerful ground game through five contests, ranking ninth in the NAIA with 926 rushing yards. The offensive line has paved the way for 57 rushing first downs, sixth-best in the country, while Cumberland's defense has thrived in creating takeaways, recovering five fumbles to rank fifth nationally. The Phoenix have also produced 12 sacks, tied for 16th in the NAIA.

Cumberland will look to climb closer to the Top 25 as they turn their attention toward Mid-South Conference play after a bye week this Saturday.

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