As Washington, D.C.-based HBCU Howard University prepares for its season opener against Big Ten rival Rutgers, excitement is mounting within the program after winning the conference and representing the MEAC in the 2023 Celebration Bowl. The Bison enter 2024 with a roster loaded with veteran talent focused on team success, and coach Larry Scott is optimistic about what lies ahead for his team.

“We’ve always believed that with team success, individual accolades will follow,” said fourth-year Howard head coach Larry Scott, who emphasized the team-first mentality he instilled with the Bison.

This philosophy has shaped the culture at Howard University, creating an environment where players value collective achievement over personal glory. The Bison return several seasoned players who have earned preseason All-Conference and All-American honors, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.

The offense is led by standout running backs Jarett Hunter and Eden James, along with offensive lineman Darius Fox, providing a solid foundation for Howard’s offensive scheme. Hunter, who has earned a spot on the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list, is coming off a season in which he racked up nearly 900 total offensive yards and scored 11 touchdowns. His consistent performances have made him a focal point of Howard’s offense. James, another dynamic presence in the backfield, complements Hunter with his ability to break up big plays. On the defensive end, Kenny Gallop Jr. and Carson Hinton anchor a solid secondary. Gallop, the 2024 MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, has been recognized for his stellar defensive performance, including 65 tackles and three interceptions last season.

Despite these strong returning players, Coach Scott acknowledged during the first MEAC coaches call of the year that key battles are still being decided at other positions, highlighting the competitive environment he has created in his three full seasons at Howard. “We have some guys who are capable of stepping up and leading us,” Scott explained. “We’ve focused on developing leadership and maturity within our team, and it shows.”

The match against Rutgers is a huge challenge on the field and also offers the program an important opportunity to gain national exposure.

Looking back on last year’s near-sensation against Northwestern, in which Howard University lost by just three points, Scott is confident in his team’s ability to compete at the highest level. “We expect to win,” Scott said. “If we take care of the things that we can control, don’t be surprised if we find ourselves in the thick of a game.”

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 of 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 emphasizes leadership and character. “We’ve spent a lot of time on leadership development,” Scott noted. “It’s impressive to see our players embrace these roles, both on and off the field.”

As the new season begins, all eyes will be on how Coach Scott and the Bison 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 be looking to take on the Big Ten’s opening opponent and make a statement about his place in college football.

Watch the full MEAC coaches call media session from Howard HC Larry Scott in the video player attached to this post.

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HBCU Football: Howard ready for big test against Big Ten opponent

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