From Miami to the DMV, Bison pride was on full display Aug. 25–31 as Howard University’s Athletics Department opened the fall season with goals, grit, and gridiron gusto. From women’s soccer commanding the field to volleyball looking like the team predicted to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and football earning a last-minute win in the 2025 Orange Blossom Classic, Bison student athletes were showing their 2025 campaigns are full of promise. Here’s your quick look at the wins, work, and wow-moments fueling Howard University Athletics this week.

Bison make Miami magic. Bison Football opened the season with a statement win at the 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic, edging Florida A&M 10–9 on a walk-off 43-yard field goal by Matt Conord as time expired. The winning field goal, which earned Conord MEAC Specialist Player of the Week honors, came after quarterback Tyriq Starks led the Bison down the field in a fourth quarter two-minute drill. The thrilling end at Hard Rock Stadium set the tone for what the team hopes will be a successful fall, allowing the Bison to exact revenge on the team that dashed their hopes for a national title during the 2023 Celebration Bowl. The Bison (1-0) travel to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection for a game against Temple University at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, September 6. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. and the game will air on ESPN+.

Volleyball: Fast start, tough tests. The Bison opened the season with a 3–2 win over George Washington at Burr Gymnasium behind freshman Alexys James’ 12 kills/12 digs. Her dominant performance was enough to earn her MEAC Rookie of the Week honors. Despite 17 kills by three-time MEAC Player of the Year Rya McKinnon, the team fell to George Mason 1-3 on Saturday and 0-3 to Virginia on Sunday. The ladies look to bounce back this weekend in Jacksonville, Fla. in the University of North Florida Invitational September 5-7. They face the Harvard Crimson in opening action on Friday, Presbyterian College on Saturday, September 6, and the University of North Florida on Sunday, September 7, with Sunday’s game airing on ESPN+ at 2 p.m.

Women’s Soccer: The reigning Northeastern Conference champions earned a 1–1 draw vs. Richmond at Greene Stadium to close the week, moving to 2–2–1 ahead of a game against crosstown rival George Washington on Thursday, September 4. The game will air on ESPN+ at 3 p.m.

Men’s Soccer: The Howard University men’s soccer team lost a hard-fought match against the University of Maryland-Baltimore County 1-0 in Baltimore. Junior Onarae Rice led the Bison with three shots and sophomore forward Daniil Kaban registered a shot in the loss. The Bison (0-3-1) look to register their first win of the season when they travel to Radford, Virginia to face Radford University. The match is scheduled for 2 p.m. and will air on ESPN+.

Cross Country: Bison claim podium spots at the Mount 5K Duals. Both the men’s and women’s teams earned third place finishes during the Mount St. Mary’s 5K Duals in Emmitsburg, Maryland over the weekend. On the men’s side, freshman Sayid Shakur finished ninth overall with sophomore William Shepherd, an All-MEAC selection, taking 12th place. Sophomore Paul Robinson and freshman Ashton Thomas finished in 18th and 19th place, respectively.

The women were led by sophomore Mira Martin and freshman Alexis Jones, who finished third and ninth overall, with times of 18:48.31 and 19:12.13, respectively. Sophomore Ester Kirk registered a 19:37.97 mark, taking 20th place. Her teammates Kendall Robinson and Tiffany Mugubi rounded out the top half of the field, finishing 35th (20:11.75) and 41st (20:34.75), respectively. Both the men’s and women's teams will travel to Charlottesville, Virginia for the Virginia Invitational on Friday, September 12. 

Department Highlights

Softball Celebrated by the Nationals – Softball Head Coach Tori Tyson and the Bison softball team were special guests of the Washington Nationals during the team’s HBCU Day on Friday, August 29. The team, which won the 2025 MEAC Tournament last May, earning a bid to the 2025 NCAA playoffs, is excited about defending its championship in the 2026 season. 

Volleyball Retires Khaila Donaldson’s Jersey – During a special ceremony at Burr Gymnasium on Friday, August 29, the Bison volleyball team retired Khaila Donaldson’s #10 jersey. A two-time MEAC Player of the Year and three-time MEAC champion, Donaldson won back-to back-to-back MEAC Volleyball Tournament Outstanding Player 2015-1017.