WACO, Texas  -  Henderson State was among the teams listed as receiving votes in the 2024 American Football Coaches Association's Division II Preseason Poll.

The Reddies 56 votes in the first poll of the 2024 season - the second-most of any team not ranked in the top 25. HSU's football team is coming off a 2023 season where it earned nine wins and clinched an NCAA DII Playoff bid for the first time since 2015.

Defending DII National Champion and Great American Conference (GAC) foe Harding claimed the No. 1 spot in the national poll after finishing in that same position last year. Across the street, rival Ouachita Baptist took the No. 19 spot in the nation after tallying nine wins in 2023. GAC members Southern Arkansas (24 votes) and Oklahoma Baptist (11 votes) were also listed amongst the other teams receiving teams.

HSU begins a new era in 2024 as Greg Holsworth takes over for all-time Reddie wins leader Scott Maxfield. With Holsworth at defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, the Reddies' defense finished top four in the Great American Conference in points allowed (second), total yards allowed (second), rushing yards allowed (second), passing yards allowed (fourth), interceptions (fourth), sacks (first), and forced fumbles (first) in 2023. His 2024 Henderson State squad was picked fourth in this year's GAC Preseason Poll and No. 22 in Lindy's Preseason DII Football Poll.

Arkansas natives Gary Lewis (Fordyce) and Andrew Edwards (Bentonville) lead the way on defense and offense, respectively. Both men were recently named to D2Football.com's Elite 100 Watch List for the upcoming season.

Henderson opens up its season on the road against East Central on Thursday, September 5, at 6:00 p.m. in Ada, Oklahoma. The Reddies start the home portion of their schedule with a matchup against Southeastern Oklahoma State on Saturday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium.