By Marley Anthony, Assistant Editor

The UMHB Crusaders emerged victorious at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s 2026 Homecoming game against the Howard Payne University Yellow Jackets on Oct. 10, 2026. After a 64-14 win against Keystone College, the Crusaders were eager to hold that momentum for Homecoming, and it showed on the field.

Coming into this game, the HPU Yellow Jackets had an undefeated 4-0 record in the 2026 season and put up a fight, but the Crusaders didn’t let the numbers get into their heads. 

“It’s confidence,” football Head Coach Larry Harmon said. “[The players] are doing everything they can to make sure we have a chance to play,” Harmon continued. 

UMHB swept the first half, ending with a score of 26-0. After a 26 yard field goal in the first quarter by kicker Dax Dunham, tight end Will McClintock scored the Cru’s first touchdown of the game after receiving a 16 yard pass from quarterback Carson Horton.

Along with McClintock, linebacker Joey Johnson and wide receiver BJ Stewart scored touchdowns for the Crusaders in the first half. Stewart caught a 23 yard pass from Horton and Johnson had a 21 yard fumble return. Both of these touchdowns had a successful kick from Dunham.

The Yellow Jackets got their first points on the board in the third quarter from a successful 37 yard field goal. However, later in the quarter, UMHB extended their lead as Stewart scored his second Crusader touchdown of the game after receiving a 14 yard pass from Horton, followed by a successful kick by Dunham. 

In the last quarter, HPU scored their first touchdown off a 47 yard pass, bringing the final score to 33-10.

Beyond good offense, the Crusader defense was strong too. With 18 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one intercepted pass, the Yellow Jackets were held 132 yards of total offense. 

“Everybody needs to be humble,” Harmon said regarding Cru defense during the game. “Everybody needs to take accountability for the cracks we have, and if we don’t look at it…we’re going down.”  

The UMHB football team is constantly working hard to hold a good record, and the hard work made itself apparent on the field. The Crusaders next game is Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. at Texas Wesleyan University. Fans can stream the game live through FloSports. For more information about UMHB football, go to cruathletics.com/sports/football.