Norfolk, Virginia — Howard University’s women’s and men’s basketball programs were in the spotlight Wednesday at the 2025 MEAC Basketball Media Day, presented by Wells Fargo, at the Waterside District in Norfolk, Virginia. 

The annual event, which was streamed live on ESPN+, brought together all MEAC coaches and select student-athletes for back-to-back shows introducing the 2025-2026 season. Representing the Bison are senior forward Nile Miller and senior forward Zennia Thomas for the women’s team and graduate guard Bryce Harris and junior guard Cedric Taylor III for the men’s program. Coaches Ty Grace, head coach of the women’s team, and Kenny Blakeney, head coach of the men’s team, were also in attendance.  

Preseason Outlook and Honors 

Women’s Basketball 

Howard was selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2025–2026 MEAC women’s title, earning 118 points and 10 first-place votes from coaches and sports information directors throughout the MEAC. Both Miller and Thomas were named Preseason All-MEAC First Team while North Carolina Central graduate forward Morgan Callahan was named MEAC Preseason Player of the Year.  

Men’s Basketball 

The Bison have been picked to finish second in the MEAC behind Norfolk State with 97 points and four first-place votes. Three Bison earned preseason honors: Bryce Harris (First Team), Cam Gillus (Second Team), and Cedric Taylor III (Third Team).  

“Our teams continue to represent the excellence, resilience, and competitive spirit that define Howard University,” said Vice President of Athletics Kery Davis. “Media Day is a special moment to showcase that tradition to fans across the country and build excitement as our teams prepare for the season. And it’s always good to see our program receive accolades like this as we prepare to begin the season.”  

The women’s team looks to build on a 2024-2025 season that elevated Howard’s national profile. Led by Grace, who is in her 10th season at the helm, the team made history last season by hosting the program’s first-ever WNIT home game, a contest in which they beat Siena 72-62 in Burr Gymnasium. The Bison women finished 12-2 in MEAC play last season, earning runner-up honors in the regular season and falling short of the tournament crown to Norfolk State University 68-56.  

On the men’s side, Blakeney guided the Bison through a competitive 2024-2025 campaign that featured several marquee non-conference wins. The men had an early exit during the 2025 MEAC Tournament but are looking to rebound with key newcomers joining the roster and become one of the MEAC’s most exciting programs. 

Looking Ahead to 2025-2026 

Both programs enter the new season with renewed focus and championship aspirations. Led by Grace, the Bison women seek to reach the postseason once again, while the men aim to return to tournament contention behind a deep roster and Blakeney’s culture-driven leadership. The 2025-2026 schedule for the women includes an exciting home opener against Florida A&M University Saturday, Nov. 8, and the men’s 2025-2026 schedule includes early season contests against NCAA powerhouses Duke University and the University of Missouri. Both teams begin MEAC play in January 2026. 

The 2026 MEAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament returns to the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, March 11-14, 2026. Additional information can be found at meacsports.com.