INDIANAPOLIS --- The Tusculum Pioneers are listed in eight team categories with the release of this week's NCAA Division II football statistics.

Tusculum has accounted for three defensive touchdowns in its first five games which are the second-most in the nation. Only Benedict's four defensive touchdowns are better.

The TU defense has recorded eight interceptions this season, which are tops in the South Atlantic Conference and listed 12th nationally. Offensively, Tusculum has yet to throw an interception, one of only six programs in DII to boast that feat.

The Pioneers are also listed 17th in passing yards per completion (15.20 – 2^nd in SAC), 20th in rushing offense (208.8 ypg – 3^rd in SAC), 23^rd in fewest sacks allowed (1.00 spg – 4^th in SAC), 37^th in punt return defense (4.31 ypr – 2^nd in SAC) and 44^th in time of possession (31:11 – 4^th in SAC).

Dayquan Diston's 0.75 interceptions per game average is first in the league and sixth-best average in the country. He has amassed three picks in his four appearances this year. He is also best in the conference with his 1.50 passes defended average (10^th in NCAA II).

DJ Dailey has three interceptions in his five outings in 2025 (0.60 avg), which are second in the SAC and 11^th in NCAA II.

Xavier Gunn has been credited with seven passes defended in his five contests (1.40 avg), which ranks second in the conference and 17^th in the country. Tre Mobley and Dailey are averaging 1.20 passes defended per outing, which ranked fifth in the SAC and 36^th in NCAA II.

Rashad Watson is mentioned in three categories including 29^th in total tackles per game (9.2 tpg – 3^rd in SAC), 38^th in solo tackles per game (5.00 – 2^nd in SAC) and 38^th in tackles for loss per game (1.30 tpg – 4^th in SAC).

The Pioneers return to action this Saturday when they host Newberry for a 2 p.m. contest at Pioneer Field. It's Family Weekend as well as TU's annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game.