The 2025-2026 academic year will forever stand among the most successful in Howard University Athletics history. 

From championship celebrations and NCAA Tournament appearances to national awards and academic excellence, Howard University student-athletes and coaches delivered performances defined by excellence and achievement. Howard captured an unprecedented 10 conference championships across six sports, a feat that Vice President and Director of Athletics Kery Davis said is unmatched among the nation's mid-major athletic programs this year. 

“Winning 10 conference championships in one academic year speaks to the culture of excellence that exists across our department,” Davis said. “This success belongs to our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters who continue to believe in the vision of Howard University Athletics. To accomplish something that no other mid-major program in the country has achieved this year is truly remarkable and reflects the strength of our people and our commitment to excellence.” Davis added. 

The championship run began in the fall when the women's cross country team captured the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title, setting the tone for what would become a historic year. The momentum carried into the winter as both the men's and women's swimming and diving teams claimed Northeast Conference (NEC) championships, while women's indoor track and field added another MEAC crown to Howard's growing trophy collection. 

On the hardwood, both of Howard's basketball programs delivered unforgettable moments. 

The women's basketball team entered the MEAC Basketball Tournament as the No. 1 and came out victorious, earning a No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament — the highest ever seed for a Howard University team. The team, under the leadership of Ty Grace, who was recognized as both MEAC Coach of the Year and BOXTOROW HBCU Coach of the Year, ended the 2025-26 campaign with an impressive 26-8 record. The men's basketball team followed suit, also entering the MEAC Tournament as the No. 1 seed and ultimately winning the title and a berth into the NCAA Tournament. Once there, the men won the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament game, an 86-83 thriller over University of Maryland, Baltimore County. That play-in win set up a match against the No. 1 seed University of Michigan, a game in which Howard trailed the top-seed by just four points at halftime and was watched by a historic 12.5 million viewers. 

Spring brought even more history. 

Women's golf secured the first NEC championship in program history, while the men's golf team continued its dynasty with a third consecutive NEC title. Softball captured its second consecutive MEAC championship, and women's outdoor track and field closed the year with its fifth consecutive conference crown, bringing Howard's championship win total to 10. The wins not only showed the skill and competitiveness of our student-athletes, but also the dominance our teams have in their respective conferences year in and year out, a testament to the leadership of our coaches and their staffs. 

The success extended far beyond team accomplishments. 

Howard student-athletes earned some of the highest honors in collegiate athletics and conference competition. Bryce Harris was named MEAC Men's Basketball Player of the Year and received the prestigious Nolan Richardson Award, an honor named after the legendary Hall of Fame college basketball coach and given to a player who exemplifies leadership and athleticism. Harris’ teammate Cedric Taylor III earned both MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors. On the women's side, Zennia Thomas was named MEAC Women's Basketball Player of the Year and Arielle Hennigan was selected as MEAC Rookie of the Year. 

The accolades continued across sports. 

Maryn Jordan was named MEAC Softball Player of the Year, while Aiko Conaway earned MEAC Pitcher of the Year honors. Yahnari Lyons and Nilijah Darden were recognized as MEAC Outdoor Co-Outstanding Track Athletes after standout performances throughout the season, including Lyons’ 200 meters hurdles performance in April that earned her the second-fastest time in the nation. In the pool, Zion Wilson was named NEC Most Outstanding Diver and Zuilda "ZuZu" Nwaeze earned NEC Most Outstanding Swimmer honors. Women's golfer Marley Franklin capped a remarkable season for the team by claiming her first-ever career win, an individual victory that helped her team win its first NEC Women's Golf Championship. 

Howard's coaches also received widespread recognition for their leadership and success. 2008 Olympic medalist David Oliver (B.B.A. ‘04) was honored as the MEAC Women's Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Most Outstanding Coach. Sam Puryear earned both NEC Golf Coach of the Year and HBCU Golf Coach of the Year honors, while Courtenay Miller (B.B.A. ‘86, M.Div. ‘04) was named NEC Diving Coach of the Year. Howard's swimming and diving staff was recognized as the NEC Coaching Staff of the Year. Additional conference coach of the year honors included 2000 alumnus Nic Askew (women’s tennis), Tori Tyson (softball) and Sam Puryear (golf). Puryear was also named the 2025–2026 HBCU Coach of the Year by the Black College Golf Coaches Association and the Golf Coaches Association of America. 

While championships and awards defined much of the year, Howard's commitment to excellence extended beyond athletic competition. 

The department earned the MEAC Mary McLeod Bethune Women's All-Sports Award and the MEAC Graduation Success Rate Award, underscoring Howard's continued dedication to academic achievement and holistic student-athlete development. 

Taken together, the accomplishments from the 2025-26 athletic season represent more than a collection of championships and accolades. They reflect a department operating at the highest level across multiple sports while remaining committed to the university's mission of excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in the community. 

For Howard Athletics, the 2025-26 academic year was not simply successful — it was transformational. 

“This was more than a year with a lot of championships — It was a defining year for Howard Athletics,” Davis said. “Our student-athletes and coaches showed the nation what it means to compete with excellence and purpose. The achievements of this year have elevated the standard for what is possible at Howard and laid a foundation that future generations of Bison will be inspired to build upon.” 

Featured photo at the top: Howard University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams each captured Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament championships March 14, 2026 at the Norfolk Scope Arena, marking a historic moment for the Bison as both programs secured automatic bids to their respective NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments. (Photo courtesy of Howard Athletics)