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As Washington DC-based HBCU Howard University prepares for its season opener against Big Ten foe Rutgers, excitement is building within the program after winning the conference and representing the MEAC in the 2023 Celebration Bowl. The Bison enter 2024 with a roster full of experienced talent focused on team success, and coach Larry Scott is optimistic about what awaits his team.
“We have always believed that with team success, individual accolades will follow,” said Larry Scott, Howard’s head coach for four years, emphasizing the team mentality he has instilled in the Bisons.
This philosophy has shaped the culture at Howard University, creating an environment where players value collective accomplishments over personal glory. The Bison return several veteran players who earned preseason All-Conference and All-American honors, creating high expectations for the upcoming season.
The offense is led by standout running backs Jarett Hunter and Eden James and offensive lineman Darius Fox, who provide a solid foundation for Howard’s offensive game plan. Hunter, who earned a spot on the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl candidate list, is coming off a season in which he rushed for nearly 900 yards and scored 11 touchdowns on offense. His consistent performance has made him a focal point in Howard’s attack. James, another dynamic presence in the backfield, complements Hunter with his ability to break up big plays. On defense, Kenny Gallop Jr. and Carson Hinton form a solid secondary. Gallop, the 2024 MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, was recognized for his outstanding defensive performances, including 65 tackles and three interceptions last season.
Despite these strong returnees, Coach Scott acknowledged at the first MEAC coaches’ meeting of the year that key battles are still being decided at other positions, emphasizing the competitive environment he has created in his three full seasons at Howard. “We have a few guys who are capable of stepping up and leading us,” Scott explained. “We’ve focused on developing leadership and maturity on our team, and it’s showing.”
The game against Rutgers represents a tremendous challenge on the field and also a great opportunity for the program to gain national attention.
Looking back on last year’s near-loss to Northwestern, where Howard University lost by just three points, Scott is confident his team can compete at the highest level. “We expect to win,” Scott explained. “If we take care of the things we can control, we shouldn’t be surprised if we find ourselves in the middle of a ballgame.”
Playing on a national stage is also a chance to highlight the talent and competitiveness of HBCU football. “Opening the season on ESPN is a fantastic opportunity for us to represent Howard and the MEAC,” Scott said. The exposure we will receive from playing against a Big Ten team like Rutgers will showcase the strength of Howard’s program and the broader HBCU football community.
In addition to physical talent, Scott values leadership and character. “We’ve invested a lot of time in developing leadership skills,” Scott noted. “It’s been impressive to see our players embrace those roles both on and off the field.”
As the new season begins, all eyes will be on how Coach Scott and the Bisons can translate their preparation and talent into performance on the field. With standout players like Hunter, James, Gallop and Hinton leading the way, Howard will look to prevail against his first Big Ten opponent and make a statement about his place in college football.
Watch MEAC coach Howard HC Larry Scott’s full media session in this post’s video player.
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