Howard Payne University Athletics

Howard Payne competes in NCAA Division III, where sports focus on personal development rather than big-time athletics with no athletic scholarships available. The Yellow Jackets field 12 varsity teams in the American Southwest Conference. With 345 total athletes out of 716 students, nearly half the campus participates in varsity sports. This high participation rate creates a tight-knit athletic community where students balance competition with academics. The university has historically emphasized football and basketball, though all sports receive strong institutional support. Division III athletics at Howard Payne means student-athletes compete for the love of the game while pursuing their degrees. The American Southwest Conference provides regional rivalries with schools like East Texas Baptist and Sul Ross State. Athletic facilities serve both varsity teams and the broader campus community in this close-knit environment.