WASHINGTON (August 27, 2026) - When the Howard University football team kicks off the 2026 season, it will have a new look. For the past six seasons, the Bison were under the leadership of head coach Larry Scott. Scott led the team to two MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Titles and a berth in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. He has moved on as he will serve as an assistant at Auburn.
 
The new sheriff in town is no stranger to the program. During the 1990s, Ted White had a phenomenal career as quarterback. In his career, Sweet Flight set several school records with the highlight being a Black National Championship, defeating Southern in the 1996 Heritage Bowl.
 
Following his career as a player at the collegiate level, White spent time in the NFL before transitioning to coaching where he paid his dues with stops at Texas Southern, Howard, UCLA and most recently at Maryland.
 
The Louisiana native does not hide on his plans to bring something special to his alma mater.
 
"The overall goal this year is to participate in the postseason," declared White, cutting to the chase. "With regards to postseason, it starts with preseason training and preparation. I have been pleased with the attitude and energy throughout the preseason process."
 
Incidentally, the strength and conditioning coach is former Howard standout linebacker and Hall of Famer Keith Pough.
 
"Our goal is to become bigger, stronger and faster as a program," White said. "Based upon the summer camp, it appears we have accomplished that goal."
 
The success of any winning program is the play of the quarterback position and it is no secret in college football circles that White is especially effective in that area.
 
"I am really excited about our quarterback room as each of the three individuals bring something different in that room," noted White in assessing the status of the position.
 
A graduate and one-time starter, Scroggins could get the nod. He played sparingly last year but in 2024, he earned All-MEAC Second Team honors. Entering this year, Scroggins is a Preseason All-MEAC Second Team selection.
 
Freeman is also a seasoned veteran. The transfer from Hampton led the Pirates last year and had a productive season during limited play. For Lincoln (Pa.) in 2023, he amassed almost 1,000 yards and 13 TDs of total offense.
 
"Iron sharpens iron through the competitive process," noted White referring to the competition.
 
Whoever gets the starting nod at quarterback will be throwing to up-and-coming sophomore receiver Antonio Hunter (Cincinnati), who came on strong late in the season with 26 catches for almost 300 yards.
 
Senior wideout Zaden Jackson (Mansfield, Texas) had 17 receptions, including two TD catches. Sophomores Se'Quan Osborne (Charlotte, N.C.) and John Simmons III (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) could both make contributions as they have experienced.
 
To balance the attack, the Bison will depend heavily on the talents of Eden James (Indianapolis). A graduate, James is one of the premier running back on the FCS level when he is healthy. Son of Pro Football Hall of Famer standout Edgerrin James, he appeared in only two games due to injury, but he picked up 422 yards for three TDs and displayed his versatility as a receiver, grabbing 23 passes for another 148 yards. He is a Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection.
 
"I am excited about the season," commented James. "After last season, I cannot wait to put on the helmet, shoulder pads, cleats and get out there again. This is my last season and it is a chance to finish strong to close out my career and journey here at Howard."
 
James will share the rushing load with junior Travis Kerney (Sebring, Fla.), who rushed for 318 yards and three TDs.  Fellow classmate Billy Roberson II (Lake Orion, Mich.) could also see some action.
 
The offensive line will feature a number of new faces, but a major plus is what Bob Whitfield brings to the team.  A former outstanding offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons, he will have the task of developing it into a solid unit. Up front the offense line will be led by versatile Tavaris Ross (Baltimore).
 
The tight end position also features newcomers, but the effectiveness of the unit is bolstered by the hiring of Howard former tight end Jimmie Johnson, who also serves as the squad's offensive coordinator. He will be working with an experienced Nathanial Clark (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Jorim Bangue (Yaoundé, Cameroon).
 
On the defensive of the ball is where Howard figures to be solid. The Howard defense had an outstanding season and Kedrick Green (Winston-Salem, N.C.) was one of the more consistent players on the unit, finishing as one of the top defensive players in the MEAC with a team-leading 60 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.
 
"The atmosphere is definitely different," noted Green of the difference due to the coaching change. "Coach White and Coach Scott have different personalities and their approach to coaching, so we had to make the adjustment. I like what I have seen so far. We feel good about the season and cannot wait to get started."
 
The secondary again could be the team's strongest unit, featuring Green and one of the top defensive backs in the FCS. Kaleb Gallop (Portsmouth, Va.) also had a spectacular season, registering a career-high 47 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and a sack. Another important member of the unit is D.C. native Ben Chandler IV, who collected 40 tackles last season.
 
Upfront, Howard returns senior defensive lineman Ishaun Abdul-Ali (Charlotte, N.C.).  Abdul-Ali, an all-conference selection in 2024, had a down year last season after a spectacular 2024 campaign where he collected 29 tackles that included seven tackles for losses and five sacks. Graduate Reggie Reed Jr. (Nashville, Tenn.) brings experience, along with fifth-year defensive lineman Jason Seraphin (North Miami Beach, Fla.), who brings 25 tackles and a couple of sacks to the mix.
 
The linebacking core has always been staple of the Howard teams, led by Rodney Roane (Richmond, Va.) and Gabe Stephens (Charlotte, N.C.).
 
The special teams should be solid with the return of junior placekicker Matt Conord (Lithia, Fla.) and sophomore punter Liam Allen IV (Sanford, Fla.).
 
Entering the year, Conord was a Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection. Last season, he hit the game-winning field goal in the win over Florida A&M at the Orange Blossom Classic.
 
Allen played a huge role in the success of the defense, producing high booming kicks, which allowed Howard players to get downfield in coverage, but more importantly, it effectively pinned opponents deep in their own territory.
 
The team again had some outstanding scholars as 17 members of the team were named to the MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team, including Green and Scroggins.
 
The schedule gets underway early again when Howard travels to Atlanta to take on Alabama A&M in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Saturday (Aug. 29) at 7:30 p.m.
 
Then, Howard takes on always tough Richmond in the home opener Saturday (Sept. 5) at Greene Stadium.
 
It then gets interesting when the Bison travel to Indiana to play defending national champion Indiana Saturday (Sept. 12), followed by another Big 10 opponent in Rutgers (Sept. 19).
 
Other nonconference opponents include Hampton, Penn and Morehouse for homecoming (Oct. 17).
 
MEAC play starts Saturday (Oct. 24) at rival Morgan State with the Cricket Celebration Bowl scheduled for Dec. 12 in Atlanta.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.