CHICAGO – Fresh off its 45-28 victory over No. 2 Stephen F. Austin Saturday in Beaumont, Lamar University has been named the STATS Perform FCS National Team of the Week. The first time receiving the honor under head coach Pete Rossomando, the Cardinals are now 5-0 at home against nationally ranked teams since 2024, and with Saturday's win Lamar has now recorded multiple Top 25 victories in each of the past two seasons.
 
The Cardinals scored 45 points on 488 yards of total offense. Lamar rushed for 181 yards behind a strong performance from senior Parker Jenkins (30-138-3 TDs), who was named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week Monday morning.
 
Lamar also gained more than 300 yards through the air following another strong performance from junior quarterback Aiden McCown. The Rusk native completed 17-of-29 (.586) passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns. McCown connected with seven different receivers including touchdown passes to Blake Thomas and Davin Driskell. Thomas caught four passes for 120 yards and a 62-yard touchdown, while Driskell had a team-high five receptions for 79 yards and two scores.
 
LU's defense limited Stephen F. Austin's high-powered attack to just seven points in the opening 30 minutes. While SFA seemed to find its rhythm in the second half, the defense was opportunistic forcing four turnovers (two fumbles and two interceptions). By game's end, the Cardinals did a good job of keeping SFA's defense on the field holding the ball 12 minutes longer than the 'Jacks.
 
The Cardinals will look to keep their current win streak alive Saturday when they host East Texas A&M for Senior Day. The contest against the Lions is set for a 3 p.m. kick off from Provost Umphrey Stadium.