WACO, Texas (Dec. 20) – The California University of Pennsylvania football team ranked No. 21 in the final American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Top 25 poll on Monday afternoon, as the program was featured in the final ranking for the first time since 2016.

The Vulcans closed the season with a 9-1 overall record after opening the campaign with eight-consecutive victories. Cal U also tied for first place in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West standings with a 5-1 mark in divisional play. The Vulcans were one of three teams in the final AFCA Top 25 poll to not be selected for the 2021 NCAA Playoffs.

Cal U was ranked in the national poll for eight-straight weeks during the regular season after debuting in the poll at No. 25 on Sept. 27. The Vulcans then vaulted into the top-five just three weeks later and reached as a high as No. 3 in early November to match the highest ranking in program history. Following its lone loss of the season, Cal U dropped 12 spots and later finished the regular season at No. 14 in the national poll.

Ferris State (Mich.) captured its first NCAA National Championship and closed the year ranked No. 1 in the country with a 14-0 record. Valdosta State (Ga.) (12-2) climbed three spots to No. 2 after advancing to the National Championship, while Colorado School of Mines (12-2) vaulted six positions to No. 6. Northwest Missouri State (11-2) slipped one slot to No. 4 and Shepherd (13-2) climbed three positions to No. 5 after playing in the national semifinals.

The Vulcans were one of four PSAC teams featured in the final AFCA Top 25 poll with league-champion Kutztown sitting at No. 8. Additionally, Super Region One boasted eight programs in the final national poll and two additional teams were among 'other receiving votes.'

This fall, Cal U recorded its winningest season since 2016 and finished the year with only one loss for just the third time in over half a century. The Vulcans ranked among the top 10 in the country in total defense, scoring defense and rushing defense, plus featured both the PSAC West Offensive Athlete of the Year and PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year for the first time in school history.