Maryville College Upsets No. 6 Trinity University

Maryville College secured a 16-12 victory over the previously undefeated Trinity University in San Antonio.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Football

Maryville College Upsets No. 6 Trinity University

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Maryville College handed No. 6 Trinity University its first loss of the season with a 16-12 victory. Trinity entered the contest boasting an undefeated 5-0 record.

Why it matters

The result significantly alters the standings for the highly-ranked Tigers, who suffered their first defeat of the season against an unranked opponent. Maryville College successfully utilized opportunistic defensive play to overcome their 3-3 record.

Trinity entered the game with a 5-0 record and a No. 6 national ranking, while Maryville improved to 4-3 following the 16-12 win. Trinity kicker Jackson Runyan added three points via a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

The players

Trinity University

This San Antonio-based private university competes in Division III of the NCAA and maintains a competitive football program.

Maryville College

This private college based in Tennessee fields an athletic program that competes in the collegiate Division III football circuit.

Jackson Runyan

He serves as the kicker for the Trinity University football team.

The details

Maryville capitalized on early miscues, including a recovered fumble just 90 seconds into the game after a Trinity returner muffed a punt. A defensive touchdown in the third quarter, sparked by an interception of a Trinity pass, proved to be a deciding factor in the narrow win.

Oct. 17: Maryville College defeated Trinity University 16-12.
Oct. 24: Trinity plays an away game against Millsaps College.
Oct. 31: Trinity hosts The University of the South.

Season Trajectory

This unexpected loss disrupts the momentum of Trinity's season and complicates their path toward a high seed in the post-season. The result forces a re-evaluation of the team's standing within the American Football Coaches Association Division III poll.

Trinity must now overcome this loss to maintain their standing for potential playoff consideration. The team will look to adjust their strategy on both special teams and passing defense before their upcoming matchups against Millsaps College and The University of the South.

The takeaway

Upsets in Division III play demonstrate that a high ranking provides no immunity against individual mistakes. Teams looking to sustain an undefeated season must prioritize ball security to avoid letting narrow leads slip away in competitive conference matchups.

What happens next

Trinity University will look to recover when they face Millsaps College on Oct. 24, followed by a home game against The University of the South on Oct. 31.