WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University football team is ranked sixth in Super Region 1 in the latest NCAA Division II Football Power Index (NPI), released Sunday, as the Hilltoppers continue their push toward postseason consideration.

West Liberty holds a 7-1 overall record and a 5-0 mark in Mountain East Conference play following Saturday's 44-22 victory at Glenville State. The Hilltoppers have won seven consecutive games and remain unbeaten in conference play.

The latest rankings, which reflect games through Saturday, Oct. 24, give West Liberty an NPI value of 56.366. The Hilltoppers were fifth in the region and No. 26 nationally in the initial rankings released Oct. 18, when their NPI value was 55.810.

West Liberty remains the highest-ranked Mountain East Conference team in Super Region 1. Virginia Union moved into fifth place, while West Liberty sits ahead of Bowie State, Indiana (Pa.), Assumption and Johnson C. Smith in the regional rankings.

The NCAA Power Index evaluates teams based on game results and strength of schedule and is used to help determine the NCAA Division II Football Championship field. Super Region 1 has eight postseason spots, with automatic bids awarded to champions from the Mountain East Conference, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and Northeast-10 Conference. Four additional berths are available through at-large selection.

The Hilltoppers' latest ranking follows another strong performance from senior running back Hunter Patterson at Glenville State. Patterson rushed for 161 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries, tying West Liberty's career rushing touchdown record with 43. His performance helped the Hilltoppers improve to 5-0 in MEC play and extend their winning streak to seven games.

West Liberty will look to strengthen its postseason résumé when it travels to Fairmont State next Saturday, Oct. 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.



West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.