WASHINGTON (April 24, 2026) - Traditionally, the Howard University annual spring football game featured a glimpse of the upcoming season and who are some of the key returning and incoming players.
 
It drew a handful of fans and had little fanfare.
 
But new head coach Ted White vowed that things would be different with the football program. And if this year's turnout is an indication, then White's proclamation may mean more than just a hype.
 
Howard had its spring game Saturday (April 18) and it was unlike any that it has had in the past. It was a relative smorgasbord that featured guest celebrities, a bevy of former HU players in which some played in the NFL, the DMV community, a number of incoming freshmen and their parents and a group of supporters of the program.
 
"Back in February, I told our VP of Athletics Kery Davis that I had a vision of a Family, Friends Community and Alumni Day during the spring game," explained White, a former All-American and HU Hall of Fame quarterback for the Bison. "It would be a good time to bring family, friends, community and alumni together like we once had here. When I played here—and even before me—when Howard won on a consistent basis, the community was involved."
 
During the week leading up to the event, White had former Washington Commanders standout Santana Moss come in and speak to the team. White then followed with Marques Douglas, a former NFL standout and HU Hall of Famer, share some words of encouragement to the current team. Incidentally, White and Douglas were teammates on the 1996 Howard team that won the Heritage Bowl.
 
On Friday (April 17) before Saturday's game, White sponsored a golf tournament as a fund raiser, which featured and attracted several former players, including former NFL standout and HU Hall of Famer, Antoine "Deuce" Bethea, who has Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts.
 
During the game, there were Howard football alums from different eras, dating back the 1970s, showing their support. Among the group was HU Hall of Famer and ESPN broadcaster Jay "Sky" Walker, and former HU quarterback and current NFL and college offensive guru Pep Hamilton. Adding to the lineup of celebrities was Doug Williams, former Washington Redskins Super Bowl MVP.
 
And for those looking for entertainment, the Howard University Showtime Marching Band and cheerleaders got in on the fray and to top it off among those in attendance were local sports hero and boxing champion Lamont Roach Jr., along with D.C. music icons "Big G" and "Weensy" of the legendary Backyard Band.
 
Many local high school coaches and athletes were there, some who were invited and the University campus for the first time for the first time. Moreover, it was acceptance weekend at The Hilltop for the incoming freshmen, so many were in attendance to get a flavor of Gameday for Howard football.
 
The atmosphere was electric, the vent meaningful.
 
"The event exceeded all expectations and turned out to be a tremendous success," White continued. "The weather was great and it was a great turnout. It sets the tone for what we hope to accomplish in the future with the program."
 
Ray T. Rogers, the Co-Creator, Co-Producer and On-Air personality for the Urban Sports Scene podcast based out of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Rogers helped to create the segment known as "HBCU Corner" which highlights the excellence of athletic programs at Historically Black Institutions, who convers HBCU sports, local sports and has followed Howard over the years, offered his perspective:
 
"This was not just a football game—it was a cultural gathering, a celebration of community and a statement of intent. For White, that connection is essential to the program's future. By embracing the past and engaging the vibrant, influential city that surrounds the university, he is laying the foundation for sustained success.
 
That involvement was evident throughout the day. Vendors and food trucks lined the stadium, serving fans who came not just to watch football, but to be part of something larger. When the Bison took the field, they carried the energy of a community ready to propel them to new heights.
 
It is the kind of atmosphere that helps retain talent like men's basketball guard Bryce Harris and running back Eden James (Port St. Lucie, Fla.). James—the son of former NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James—is now in his fifth year at Howard and possesses the playmaking ability to attract interest from programs with larger budgets and more advanced facilities.
 
As for the spring game, there were a number of standouts, most notable James and junior wide receiver Antonio Hunter (Cincinnati).
 
In the entertaining affair, the Blue team prevailed, 36-34, over the White team.
 
"I was very pleased with the performance," noted White in evaluating the game. "It was a very clean game without a lot of penalties. It gives us something to build on."
 
The season officially kicks off Saturday (August 29) when the team takes on Alabama A&M in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta. The Bison kickoff the home slate when they host Richmond Saturday (Sept. 5) at Greene Stadium.
 
For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.