ATLANTA (August 28, 2026) – Howard University football team opens its 2026 campaign Saturday (Aug. 29) against Alabama A&M in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (ET) at Center Pac Stadium in Atlanta.
 
GAME INFO
 
EVENT: Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge
PARTICIPANTS: Howard Bison vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs
DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2026
LOCATION: Center Pac Stadium in Atlanta
TIME: 7:30 p.m. (ET)
 
FOLLOW THE ACTION
 
Saturday's showdown will be carried on nationally televised ABC. The venerable duo of Tiffany Greene-Berry will be doing play-by-play and Jay "Sky" Walker on color commentary. Greene-Berry is a graduate of FAMU (Florida A&M) alum and Walker is a Howard alum.
 
MATCHUP PREVIEW
 
SERIES RECORD
 
This is the second meeting between the two institutions. In their only meeting, Howard prevailed, 28-7, in 1992. "Sky" Walker was the quarterback for Howard and it was the first win of his Hall of Fame career.
 
HOWARD
 
Howard comes into the game following a 5-7 season (2-3 MEAC).
 
ALABAMA A&M
 
Alabama A&M is coming off a 4-8 season overall (SWAC East).
 
THE COACHES
 
Howard is coached by Ted White (Howard, 1998), who is his first year at the helm. The Bulldogs are coached by Sam Shade (Alabama, 1995), who is in his second full season.
 
KEY PLAYERS
 
HOWARD
 
Howard will be led on offense by Eden James (2024: 97 carries for 422 yards & 3 TDs; 23 receptions for 146 yards), Ja'Shawn Scroggins (2024: 14 carries for 446 yards & 3 TDs; 123-of-231 for 1,262 yards & 9 TDs) and Antonio Hunter (Cincinnati).
 
Defensively, the Bison are led by senior defensive back Kedrick Green (Winston-Salem, N.C.), a Preseason All-MEAC First Team selection, and Ishaun Abdul-Ali (2024: 29 total tackles).
 
The special teams should be solid with the return of junior placekicker Matt Conord (Lithia, Fla.) and sophomore punter Liam Allen IV (Sanford, Fla.).
 
Conord converted on 7-of-13 field goals while finishing second on the team in total points (48). He was named to the Preseason All-MEAC Second Team selection, hitting the game-winner in the win over Florida A&M.
 
Allen played a huge role in the success of the defense, booming kicks that allowed Howard players to get downfield in coverage, but more importantly, it effectively pinned opponents deep in their own territory. He averaged almost 41 yards per punt with nine punts of 50+ and nine inside the opponents' 20-yard line.
 
ALABAMA A&M
 
The Bulldogs are led by All-SWAC First Team performers sophomore defensive lineman Arenza Davis and redshirt senior linebacker Wyatt Wright. Sophomore wide receiver Jordon Chambers-Smith is a threat in the passing game and sophomore David Faulk is one of the top placekickers in the FCS. Talented graduate quarterback Cornelius Brown will be calling signals.
 
WHAT THE COACHES ARE SAYING
 
HOWARD HEAD COACH TED "SWEET FLIGHT" WHITE
 
"For us to win this game, we got to be consistent in our preparation," White stated. "Offensively, we got to take care of the football. Defensively, we must force turnovers and play our best brand of football. We must be discipline, play smart and just give ourselves an opportunity to win the game."
 
ALABAMA A&M HEAD COACH SAM SHADE
 
"Coach White was a great hire," said Shade. "With him being an alum and his track record, he is a really good coach and football mind."
 
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
 
Green and James have received several preseason awards.
 
Green is a candidate for the Aeneas Williams Preseason Award Watch, the Deacon Jones Black College POY Watchlist and the Phil Steele FCS All-Conference First Team.
 
James has been named first team and player of the year by Phil Steele FCS Preseason All-Conference Team.
 
Allen has been named to the FCS Preseason Punter of the Year Watch List and to the Phil Steele All-Conference First Team.
 
Conord, Scroggins and Gabe Stephens (Charlotte, N.C.) all received recognition.
 
SCOUTING REPORT
 
BISON HOOVES
 
Two current members of the Bison team are sons of former Howard players: Glen Vinson III (Upper Marlboro, Md.), son of former offensive lineman Glen Vinson, and running back Rufus Ferguson II (Tampa, Fla.), son of the former Howard running back Rhadi Ferguson.
 
This is Howard's second appearance in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
 
NEXT UP
 
Howard takes on Richmond in its home opener Saturday (Sept. 5) at Green Stadium. The Bulldogs host Miles College Saturday (Sept. 5).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.