Coach: Jared Hudgins (1st season). Starters returning O/D: 8/6. 2023: 4-6, 3-5 SAC

Nelson spent the offseason undergoing multiple changes. On August 1, the school known as Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) will change its name to Nelson University, honoring its founder, P.C. Nelson. The Lions also have a new head coach, with alum Jared Hudgins promoted after spending the last three years as defensive coordinator.

“I lost my dad when I was 16, and there are people here who helped me fill that gap after I graduated high school,” Hudgins said. “Volleyball coach Hank Moore is a great mentor to me. This place fully embraced us, and we’ve fully embraced them.”

Hudgins said the Lions focused on ball security after finishing with a minus-18 turnover margin in 2023. He believes Nelson can compete for the Sooner Athletic Conference title with an improved turnover margin and stout defense.