Howard Payne University issued the following press release Monday:

The Howard Payne University football team aims to start the 2024 campaign with a bang this Saturday versus Hardin-Simmons University at Gordon Wood Stadium, a 6:00 pm kickoff.

The Yellow Jackets, who finished 6-4 overall and 3-3 in American Southwest Conference action, will rely on their experienced defensive unit in 2024.

Despite losing All-American safety, Korey Kelley to graduation, Howard Payne returns most of the secondary and some experienced linebackers.

HPU has returning 2nd Team All-Conference DB KD Bookman, 3rd Team All-Conference LB Peyton Lowe, DB KC Cornelious, and HM All-Conference DB Kadarius Carr all anchoring the defensive unit.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Yellow Jackets return 1st Team All-Conference receiver Gus Charles who led the Yellow Jackets in receiving yards last season with 948 on 55 catches and 10 TDs.

Last season, the Yellow Jackets had one of the top offensives in the nation. New offensive coordinator, Brandon Houston, looks to continue that in 2024 keeping the Yellow Jackets as one of the top offenses in the ASC.

Howard Payne will have four home games in the 2024 season. All home games are played at Gordon Wood Stadium. Ticket prices are $5 – Adults, $3 – Senior Citizens, $2 – Kids ages 12-18, Kids under 12 – Free.