5 Shocking Facts And The Unstoppable Legacy Of Permian High School's 'Mojo' In 2025

Permian High School, the legendary Texas institution immortalized by the book and film Friday Night Lights, continues its decades-long tradition of dominance and high-stakes drama into the 2025-2026 school year. As of this current date, December 15, 2025, the Odessa Panthers are gearing up for a high-profile season, proving that the spirit of "Mojo" is far from fading in the West Texas desert. This deep dive explores the school’s enduring legacy, its most recent news, the academic profile, and the individuals who have carried the Permian name onto the national stage.

The Permian Panthers are not just a high school football team; they are a cultural phenomenon, representing the heart and soul of Odessa, Texas. From the thunderous roar of the crowd at Ratliff Stadium to the rigorous academic standards set by the Ector County Independent School District (ECISD), Permian remains a powerhouse in both athletics and education, constantly making headlines with fresh updates and achievements.

The Legacy of Mojo: Permian High School's Biography and Football Dominance

Permian High School, often simply called "Permian" or "Mojo," is a public high school located in Odessa, Texas. Its fame is intrinsically linked to the intense culture of Texas High School Football, a subject famously documented in H.G. Bissinger's 1990 non-fiction book, Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream. The book chronicled the Panthers' 1988 season, solidifying their place in American sports history.

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The school is a foundational part of the Ector County ISD and competes in the highly competitive District 2-6A. The team’s nickname, "Mojo," is a term that has become synonymous with the school’s winning spirit and mystique, reportedly becoming widespread among the seniors by 1976.

The Permian Panthers boast an impressive record of six UIL State Championships, including a co-championship in 1973. This tradition is maintained through practices and events like the annual Black vs. White game, a key tradition held at Ratliff Stadium that pits graduating seniors against the next year's squad, drawing large crowds of parents, students, and football fans.

Permian High School: At a Glance

• Location: Odessa, Texas, Ector County
• Mascot: Panthers
• Nickname: Mojo
• District: Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) / UIL District 2-6A
• UIL State Championships: 6 (1965, 1972, 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991)
• Home Field: Ratliff Stadium (shared with Odessa High)

Beyond the Lights: Permian's Notable Alumni and Academic Profile

While the football program draws the most attention, Permian High School has produced influential figures across a variety of fields, from government and literature to professional sports. The alumni network is a rich tapestry of success that extends far beyond the gridiron.

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The school’s influence was highlighted when it was ranked inside the Top 50 most influential public high schools in the nation.

Notable Permian High School Alumni

The following individuals represent just a fraction of the talent that has emerged from the halls of Permian. This extensive list of entities showcases the school's broad impact:

• Roy Williams: NFL first-round draft pick and former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears.
• Mike Conaway: Former United States Congressman, serving Texas's 11th congressional district.
• Raymond Benson: Thriller novelist, most famous for authoring the official James Bond novels from 1997 to 2003.
• Stoney Case: Former NFL quarterback who played for the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens.
• Bront Bird: Former NFL linebacker for the San Diego Chargers.
• Jim J. Bullock: Actor and comedian, known for roles in television sitcoms.
• Mike Flynt: Former football player who famously returned to college football at age 59.

Current Academic Achievements (2024-2025)

The Ector County ISD, which includes Permian, was named the K12 Dive District of the Year in 2024, a major recognition of the district's commitment to educational excellence.

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The school's focus on academics is reflected in recent statistics. The Class of 2023 saw 88.9% of students receive their high school diplomas on time or earlier. Furthermore, the 2024 STAAR Statistics show strong performance across various student groups, with Asian students achieving an 84% passing rate and White students achieving a 79% passing rate, underscoring the commitment to rigorous standards for all students.

Permian also regularly celebrates its academic stars, with the "Awards for Excellence" program recognizing top students who achieve Academic All-State honors and graduate in the Senior Top Ten, such as Faith Fulbright and Sneha Kesavan from recent classes.

The 2025 Permian Panthers: Season Outlook and Key Players

The Permian Panthers are set to continue their storied history with a highly anticipated 2025 football season. The team, which finished the 2024 campaign with a solid 8-4 record, is once again in the spotlight.

The excitement for the 2025 season kicked off with a major announcement: the Panthers are scheduled to launch their season in a nationally-televised game, a high-profile matchup held at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium (Jerry Jones Classic). This national exposure is a testament to the enduring appeal and high expectations surrounding the Permian program.

The team is expected to be a strong contender in District 2-6A, facing traditional rivals like the Odessa High Bronchos and the Midland Legacy Rebels. The Panthers are known for their high-scoring offense, averaging 32 points per game through the first seven games of the 2025 season.

Key Panthers Players for the 2025 Season

The success of the 2025 campaign rests on the shoulders of several key players who are carrying the torch of the "Mojo" tradition. These athletes are the newest entities adding to the Permian legacy:

• Duran Rice
• Zadrian Mata
• Bryson Gonzales
• Tyler Bingham
• Dominic Daughtery
• Elijah Marquez
• Iniubong John

In a recent update from December 3, 2025, the school was also in the news for a non-sports-related incident where a student was unfortunately hit by a car on campus, a reminder that the daily life of a high school continues even amid the national spotlight.

Whether it’s the intense rivalry with Odessa High, the pursuit of another UIL State Championship, or the drive for academic excellence, Permian High School remains a vibrant and dynamic institution. The enduring spirit of "Mojo" ensures that every Friday night is a spectacle, and the legacy of the Panthers continues to captivate the nation.