The 2026 Howard Bison football schedule is set. Howard plays in the MEAC and runs a 12-game season. The Bison open August 29 vs Alabama A&M (Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge). Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Howard Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: MEAC (FCS)
- Home stadium: William H. Greene Stadium, Washington, DC
- Regular season: 12 games (4 home games, 6 on the road, and 2 neutral-site games)
- Conference games: 5
- Opener: August 29 vs Alabama A&M (Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge)
- Finale: November 21 at Norfolk State
2026 Howard Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Alabama A&M | Neutral (Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Atlanta) | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | vs Richmond | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Indiana | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Rutgers | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | vs Hampton | Neutral (Truth & Service Classic, Audi Field) | Non-conference |
| Oct 10 | at Penn | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 17 | vs Morehouse | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | at Morgan State | Away | MEAC |
| Oct 31 | at North Carolina Central | Away | MEAC |
| Nov 5 | vs South Carolina State | Home | MEAC |
| Nov 14 | vs Delaware State | Home | MEAC |
| Nov 21 | at Norfolk State | Away | MEAC |
Howard opens the season August 29 vs Alabama A&M (Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge) and closes the regular season November 21 at Norfolk State.
How the 2026 Howard Season Sets Up
Howard plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 7 non-conference dates and 5 MEAC games. The Bison play 4 home games, 6 on the road, and 2 neutral-site games. Howard opens August 29 against Alabama A&M in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a nationally televised game on ESPN, and meets Hampton in the Truth and Service Classic on October 3.
Howard, the MEAC Race, and the Celebration Bowl
The MEAC champion does not enter the 24-team FCS playoff. Instead the league winner plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, the recognized national title game of HBCU football. Because the MEAC is a straight round-robin, the title usually comes down to the final weekend. Follow it on our 2026 MEAC football schedule and standings page.
How to Watch Howard in 2026
Howard games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed in the weeks before kickoff, so bookmark this page and check back as the matchups firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Howard open the 2026 season?
Howard opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Alabama A&M (Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge). The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Norfolk State.
How many games do the Bison play in 2026?
Howard plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 4 home games, 6 on the road, and 2 neutral-site games, including 5 MEAC games.
Does the MEAC champion make the FCS playoffs?
No. The MEAC champion does not enter the FCS playoff. The league winner instead plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, the recognized national championship of HBCU football.
Is there a printable Howard schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Howard schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Howard football in 2026?
Howard games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 MEAC football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
