Coach: Larry Harmon (2nd season). Starters returning O/D: 8/7. 2023: 6-4, 5-1 ASC

Mary Hardin-Baylor coach Larry Harmon chose to raise the competition level for the Cru in 2023. However, starting the season with three consecutive games against teams who advanced at least two rounds in the 2023 playoffs tested UMHB’s depth. But you won’t hear Harmon make excuses for last year’s record.

“Our kids have a lot of pride, and they’re realistic too because we were in every game,” Harmon said. “It was our execution, preparation, and decisions that created the 6-4 record. Everybody took a little ownership, and we’ve taken giant strides because everyone has taken accountability. It was a big-time reality check for us. We got hit square in the face.”

Expect the Cru to punch back when the season begins in September, which is terrible news for ASC teams that must play UMHB twice this year.