A storied rivalry, games on national stages, and a Homecoming showdown sure to attract large numbers headline Howard University football’s 2026 schedule, featuring an Oct. 17 matchup against Morehouse College as the centerpiece of the annual Homecoming celebration for Bison Nation.

Howard will return to the national spotlight to open the season in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, facing Alabama A&M University on Aug. 29 at Centre Parc Stadium in Atlanta. The nationally televised matchup, airing live on ABC, continues the longstanding showcase between two of the nation’s premier HBCU conferences and sets the tone for a season built on visibility, opportunity, and competition.

“This schedule reflects exactly what Howard football should represent — tradition, national exposure, and meaningful games that prepare our student-athletes to compete at the highest level,” said Ted White (B.A. ’98), one of Howard’s most accomplished football players and recently named as Howard’s head football coach. “From the MEAC/SWAC Challenge to Homecoming and conference play, every week presents an opportunity to grow, compete, and represent the university with pride.”

Following the season opener, the Bison return to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 5 for their home opener against the University of Richmond, before embarking on an early nonconference road stretch that includes matchups against Indiana University on Sept. 12 and Rutgers University on Sept. 26.

The game at Indiana University marks a meeting with the reigning college football[SL1]  national champions, while the contest at Rutgers University provides another Big Ten stage as Howard continues to expand its national footprint.

“Our football program continues to elevate its profile nationally while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions that define Howard University,” said Kery Davis, vice president and director of Athletics. “This schedule balances elite competition, historic rivalries, and conference games that matter — all while creating memorable experiences for our student-athletes and fans.”

Marquee Moments on the National Stage

One of the season’s signature moments arrives at the Truth and Service Classic on Oct. 3, when the Bison face Hampton University at Audi Field for the annual “Battle for the Real HU,” bringing HBCU football back to one of the region’s premier professional sports venues. Howard snapped its eight-game skid against Hampton University last season with a decisive 34-7 victory, renewing momentum in the historic series.

A week after the Truth and Service Classic, the Bison travel to Philadelphia to face the University of Pennsylvania on Oct. 10 at historic Franklin Field, home of the world-renowned Penn Relays.

October road matchups continue with trips to Morgan State University in Baltimore on Oct. 24 and North Carolina Central University in Durham on Oct. 31.

Homecoming Takes Center Stage

The centerpiece of the 2026 schedule is the  Oct. 17 homecoming game, when Howard hosts Morehouse College at Greene Stadium.

The matchup renews one of the most celebrated rivalries in HBCU football — one that has  defined the HBCU New York Classic — and now returns to campus for a Homecoming atmosphere expected to draw thousands of alumni from Howard, Morehouse, and Spelman College.

“There’s nothing like Homecoming at Howard,” said White, who engineered a definitive 27-19 Homecoming win over Morehouse on Oct. 28, 1995, when the homecoming game was played at RFK Stadium. “I remember the excitement of playing Morehouse for Homecoming and I know that, for our young men, playing Morehouse on the Homecoming stage, in front of our alumni and students, is exactly the type of environment that builds culture, pride, and championship expectations.”

MEAC Play and Championship Push

Conference play intensifies following Homecoming, beginning with consecutive road contests at Morgan State and North Carolina Central, before the Bison return home for a two-game homestand against 2025 MEAC champion South Carolina State on Nov. 7 and MEAC runner-up  Delaware State on Nov. 14.

Howard closes the regular season on Nov. 21 at Norfolk State, a matchup that could carry significant postseason implications.

“MEAC football is built on rivalries and resilience,” Davis added. “Every conference game matters, and this schedule positions our program to compete for championships while continuing to build momentum year over year.”

2026 Howard Football Schedule

• Aug. 29 – Alabama A&M (MEAC/SWAC Challenge) – Atlanta, Georgia.
• Sept. 5 – University of Richmond – Washington, D.C.
• Sept. 12 – at University of Indiana – Bloomington, Indiana.
• Sept. 26 – Rutgers – Piscataway, New Jersey.
• Oct. 3 – Hampton – Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
• Oct. 10 – University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Pa.
• Oct. 17 – Morehouse (Homecoming) – Washington, D.C.
• Oct. 24 – Morgan State – Baltimore, Maryland.
• Oct. 31 – North Carolina Central – Durham, North Carolina.
• Nov. 7 – South Carolina State – Washington, D.C.
• Nov. 14 – Delaware State – Washington, D.C.
• Nov. 21 – Norfolk State – Norfolk, Virginia.

Looking Ahead

With nationally ranked opponents, iconic venues, historic rivalries, and a Homecoming showcase at the center, Howard’s 2026 football schedule offers Bison Nation a season defined by opportunity, visibility, and momentum.

Kickoff times and television designations will be announced later. For ticket information, visit hubison.com.