COTY
HPU Sports Information

Football

Yellow Jackets Bring Home the Hardware

Yellow Jackets Earn Multiple ASC Honors Following Standout Individual Seasons
COTY

Howard Payne University football was well represented in this year's American Southwest Conference postseason awards, as several Yellow Jackets earned major honors following impressive individual performances throughout the 2025 campaign. Leading the way was first-year head coach Coby Gipson, who was named ASC Coach of the Year. His leadership and rapid program development were recognized by coaches across the conference.
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Freshman quarterback Bryce Still claimed ASC Freshman of the Year, emerging as one of the league's most promising young offensive players. Still completed 90 of 141 passes for 991 yards and 7 touchdowns, providing stability and efficiency while showing poise beyond his years. His development and decision-making were central to HPU's offensive identity all season.
ASC Awards ASC Awards
On special teams, junior specialist Eli Cobos earned Co-Special Teams Player of the Year, reinforcing his status as one of the most impactful punters in the conference. Cobos totaled 1,769 punting yards on 47 punts, averaging 37.6 yards per kick while consistently flipping field position and pinning opponents deep. His reliability and versatility also earned him a spot on the All-ASC Second Team.
ASC Awards ASC Awards
 ASC Awards ASC Awards

HPU landed multiple players on the ASC First Team, highlighted by four standouts from the offensive unit. Chance Hehman, one of the Jackets' most reliable playmakers, secured first-team honors after recording 16 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns, providing key production in crucial moments. Offensive linemen Behn Marin and Dominik Reed were also named to the First Team, both anchoring the line with consistent protection and physical play throughout the season. Blessing Ngene rounds out the First Team Honors leading the ASC in attempts at 173, second in rush yards, touchdowns and average yds/game tallying over 1100 total yards. On the First Team Defense,
ASC Awards

Defensively, sophomore defensive back KD Bookman earned First Team All-ASC recognition following a breakout year in the secondary. Bookman posted 41 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, and one interception, establishing himself as one of the conference's top coverage defenders. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and limit big plays was instrumental to HPU's defensive efforts.
ASC Awards ASC Awards ASC Awards
ASC Awards ASC Awards ASC Awards
ASC Awards ASC Awards

Several Jackets also earned Second Team All-ASC honors, including, Javier Mendez, Jamel Toney-Black, Cameron Hall, Cade Rochinski, Derrick Lewis, Michael Brown, Justin Kay, and Kadarius "KD" Carr, all of whom provided critical contributions on both sides of the ball.
ASC Awards
Jesus Mendoza was also named to the Outstanding Sportsman Team of the Year.

The conference awards reflected the strong individual performances that helped define the 2025 season. With key returners such as Still, Bookman, and Cobos, along with the steady leadership of Coach Gipson, the Yellow Jackets enter the offseason with momentum and a growing core of recognized talent. Sting 'Em!
 
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Players Mentioned

KD Bookman

#8 KD Bookman

DB
5' 11"
Junior
Cameron Hall

#3 Cameron Hall

DE
6' 2"
Sophomore
Justin Kay

#26 Justin Kay

FS
5' 10"
Junior
Jesus Mendoza

#40 Jesus Mendoza

LB
5' 10"
Junior
Blessing Ngene

#3 Blessing Ngene

RB
5' 10"
Sophomore
Dominik Reed

#63 Dominik Reed

OL
6' 2"
Junior
Cade Rochinski

#41 Cade Rochinski

LB
5' 11"
Junior
Behn Marin

#52 Behn Marin

OL
6' 2"
Senior
Chance Hehman

#37 Chance Hehman

TE
6' 1"
Freshman
Javier Mendez

#73 Javier Mendez

OL
6' 2"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

KD Bookman

#8 KD Bookman

5' 11"
Junior
DB
Cameron Hall

#3 Cameron Hall

6' 2"
Sophomore
DE
Justin Kay

#26 Justin Kay

5' 10"
Junior
FS
Jesus Mendoza

#40 Jesus Mendoza

5' 10"
Junior
LB
Blessing Ngene

#3 Blessing Ngene

5' 10"
Sophomore
RB
Dominik Reed

#63 Dominik Reed

6' 2"
Junior
OL
Cade Rochinski

#41 Cade Rochinski

5' 11"
Junior
LB
Behn Marin

#52 Behn Marin

6' 2"
Senior
OL
Chance Hehman

#37 Chance Hehman

6' 1"
Freshman
TE
Javier Mendez

#73 Javier Mendez

6' 2"
Freshman
OL