LIVINGSTON, Ala. - Coming off their bye week, the University of West Alabama Football team returns to action this weekend in Pensacola, Florida for a 1:00 p.m. road matchup against Division I West Florida on Saturday.

No. 21 West Alabama (5-1) enters this weekend's play after defeating Chowan, 29-26, two weeks ago. West Florida (3-2, 1-2 UAC) was also idle this past weekend. In their last time out, the Argonauts fell to Abilene Christian, 35-7, in Texas. 

The Tigers and the Argos have met 10 times in the series' history, with the teams splitting the matchups, 5-5. Last season, UWF defeated UWA, 23-16, in a battle between two teams that were ranked within the top-10 at the time. In 2024, and the last matchup in Pensacola, West Alabama upset West Florida, 35-33, in double overtime.

This year's meeting between the two teams carries a different twist to it, with UWF moving up to Division I this past offseason. Even with the move up, UWA plans to give the Argos a stiff test on Saturday.

With their bye week this past weekend, the Tigers had time to rejuvenate and get players healthy which was crucial for Head Coach Scott Cochran. 

"The bye week is a growth week," said Cochran. "It's a great week to get healthy and get better overall across the board."

Luther Richesson is the captain of a UWA offense that is averaging 24.2 points and 367.8 yards per game. Richesson enters the contest with 14 total touchdowns and 1,534 total yards. The Quarterback is surrounded by weapons, TD Parker, Jaylon York, and Madixx Morris. The Tigers Wide Receiver trio has combined for 747 receiving yards and seven touchdowns through six games. 

On the ground, Brayden Jenkins leads the way with 332 yards and two touchdowns. Contravious Blanks and Michael Dujon are also running the ball well as West Alabama's running game continues to improve week-by-week. 

Defensively, Joseph Harper is the captain in the middle of UWA's defense. The Linebacker leads the team with 34 tackles and 5.0 tackles for loss. Nate Thomason and Kebian Gilmore have also been great in run support as they've combined for 59.0 tackles. Gilmore continues to impress in coverage as well as he leads the team in interceptions with two. 

KC Bradford leads the Defensive Back room with 31.0 tackles, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Jamil Peterson continues to be a player for Defensive Coordinator Tanner Luker, bringing a statline of 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and two forced fumbles. 

Up front, Martavous Milan and Ayden Gibson continue to standout. Milan is an excellent run stopper while Gibson has recorded a team-high 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. 

With 16 takeaways on their ledger, West Alabama's defense continues to an electric unit and will look to test a West Florida offense that has performed well in Division I thus far.

UWF has impressed in their first year at the Division I level. The Argonauts have picked up ranked wins over Southern Illinois and Central Arkansas in 2026. 

The Argonauts are averaging 23.8 points and 314.8 yards per game offensively, led by Quarterback Ty'ray Davis. West Florida is a run first team which fits Davis' playstyle to a tee. Davis is a dual threat Quarterback, carrying a 6'3", 205 LB frame. The redshirt sophomore has totaled 876 yards (662 passing, 214 rushing) through five games while scoring 10 touchdowns to just one interception. 

While Davis has accumulated 214 rushing yards, redshirt junior Markel Townsend leads the team in rushing with 278 yards. Townsend is coming off his best performance of the season as he rushed for a season-high 98 yards against Abilene Christian two weeks ago. 

Even though they would prefer to run the ball offensively, West Florida is talented out wide. Wide Receivers Tyson Mansell, Gage Armbruster, and Jamari Mozelle are talented players who have shown their ability once given the opportunity. Mansell has created explosive plays for the Argos, averaging 27 yards per catch through five games.

Defensively, West Florida is allowing 27 points and 350.2 yards per game. The Argonauts' pass defense has been lights out. Coming into Saturday's game, UWF is only allowing 170 passing yards per game and have recorded seven interceptions.

Leading the DB room is senior Corner, A'khoury Lyde. Lyde leads the team with three interceptions and serves as one of the Argonauts lock-down Corners. Noah Gibson has also been great as he's recorded two interceptions, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.

A big reason as to why West Florida has performed well against the pass is their pass rush. UWF has recorded 11 sacks on the year, with Byron Puryear leading the way with 4.5. Linebacker Cameron Anderson has been versatile as a pass rusher and a SUB Linebacker, carrying a statline of 41.0 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks on his ledger.

Saturday's matchup between West Alabama and West Florida is set for 1:00 p.m. at Pen Air Field in Pensacola, FL. Tickets are limited and are available for purchase online here.