WASHINGTON (October 13 2026) - The Howard University women's basketball team, coming off a 26-win season, a MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament berth, announced its 2026-27 schedule.
 
It includes some intriguing nonconference matchups that includes Power 4 opponents, along with local rivals and the MEAC schedule.
 
"Each year, we try to be very strategic with our nonconference scheduling," explained head coach Ty Grace in her 12^th year at the helm. "We look at the strength of our schedule, but we also want to create opportunities where we can have success and continue to build confidence as we prepare for conference play."
 
The Bison open play on the road at Missouri (November 2) and Iowa State (November 12). Then, Howard travels to Connecticut to play at Fairfield (December 3), a Top 25 team that Howard defeated inside The Burr last season.
 
"We understand that playing Power 4 programs is always a tremendous challenge," Grace elaborated. "But those games are important for us because they allow us to measure where we are early in the season and, more importantly, identify where we need to grow. Opening at Missouri and then traveling to Iowa State will certainly challenge us, and our game at Fairfield will be another great test. We will be returning to Connecticut for what should be an intense rematch against a nationally ranked Fairfield team."
 
Howard defeated Power 4 opponent Cincinnati and Big East foe Providence on the road and played competitively in losses at Purdue from the Big Ten and Syracuse and Virginia from the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference).
 
"The success we had last season, including winning on the road against Cincinnati and Providence, showed our players that we can compete at that level," Grace explained. "We want to continue putting our team in environments that challenge us and prepare us for the postseason."
 
Beyond the opening schedule, the Bison will also face some local rivals in George Washington (November 20) and Georgetown (November 16).
 
"Crosstown rivals and traditional rivalries are some of the best parts of college basketball," noted Coach Grace, the second winningest coach in school history 184 wins. "Playing teams like GW (George Washington) and Georgetown gives us the opportunity to compete against really good programs in our region without spending a lot of time away from campus. It also allows our players to miss less class while giving our local fans, students, alumni and supporters the opportunity to travel and see us compete. We truly appreciate that support."
 
Howard also gears up for its annual Battle of the Real HU against Hampton (December 4) inside The Burr.
 
"The Hampton rivalry, though, is one of the best rivalries I have been a part of during my time at Howard," Grace stated. "There is a lot of history, pride and competitive spirit behind that matchup. I know some people may think Norfolk State is the rivalry, but in my opinion, nothing compares to the Battle of the Real HU! That game is always going to have a different level of intensity and meaning and we look forward to it every year."
 
One of the rewards for the players is when they can experience international travel and yet for others, the chance to return to play before family and friends. Such will be case when Howard travels to the West Coast.
 
"We are fortunate to recruit nationally and internationally, so traveling throughout the country and abroad will always be an important part of our program," Grace stated. "These trips provide tremendous value, not only from a basketball standpoint, but also in terms of exposure and the overall student-athlete experience."
 
Howard heads to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the Puerto Rico Clasico facing Texas Southern (November 26) and UTSA (November 27). 
 
"Our trip to Puerto Rico will be another great test for us competitively, but it is also an opportunity to broaden our players' experiences," said Grace. "Our trip to Portugal last summer showed us that international travel can go well beyond basketball. It exposes our student-athletes to different cultures, communities, and social and economic perspectives. Anytime our team has the opportunity to compete, learn, experience different parts of the world and positively represent Howard University in those spaces, that is win for our program and our university."
 
The attractive nonconference schedule creates a lot of interest, but it means nothing if you come up short in MEAC play.
 
"There are no games you can check off as a win in the MEAC," cautioned Grace. "We have great coaches and talented players throughout this league, so you have to be ready to compete every single game. Obviously, as the defending champions, we know we have a target on our backs, but that comes with the territory and we embrace it."
 
The Bison will defend their crown when they host South Carolina State Saturday (January 2, 2027).
 
The MEAC Tournament begins Wednesday (March 10, 2027) with the championship game Saturday (March 13) in Norfolk, Va.
 
"The expectation at Howard is to compete for a MEAC championship every year and to make a run in the NCAA Tournament," Grace concluded. "Our focus is on being prepared, competing at a high level and putting ourselves in the best position to win every time we step on the floor. We respect every opponent, but we are not shying away from the target—we are embracing the challenge."
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.