As Washington DC-based HBCU Howard University gears up for their season opener against Big Ten opponent Rutgers, excitement is building within the program after winning the conference and representing the MEAC in the Celebration Bowl in 2023. The Bison enter 2024 with a roster full of veteran talent focused on team success, Coach Larry Scott is optimistic about what lies ahead for his team.
“We’ve always thought that with team success, individual accolades will follow,” said fourth-year Howard head coach Larry Scott, emphasizing the team-first mentality he has instilled in the Bison.
This philosophy has shaped the culture at Howard University, fostering an environment where players prioritize collective achievement over personal glory. The Bison return with several seasoned players who have earned preseason All-Conference and All-American honors, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.
The offense will be led by standout running backs Jarett Hunter and Eden James, along with offensive lineman Darius Fox, providing a solid foundation for Howard’s offensive game plan. Hunter, who has earned a spot on the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list, is coming off a season where he amassed nearly 900 yards of total offense and scored 11 touchdowns. 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 big plays. On the defensive side, 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 performances, including 65 tackles and three interceptions last season.
Despite these strong returning players, Coach Scott acknowledged during the first MEAC coach’s call of the year that important battles are still being decided at other positions, highlighting the competitive environment he has cultivated at Howard in his 3 full seasons. “We’ve got a couple of guys capable of stepping up and leading us,” Scott explained. “We’ve focused on developing leadership and maturity within our team, and it’s showing.”
The game against Rutgers presents a formidable challenge on the field as well as a significant opportunity for the program to get some national exposure.
Reflecting on last year’s near-upset against Northwestern, where Howard University lost by only three points, Scott is confident in his team’s ability to compete at the highest level. “We expect to win,” Scott stated. “If we take care of the things we can control, don’t be surprised if we find ourselves in the middle of a ball 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 from playing a Big Ten team like Rutgers will showcase the strength of Howard’s program and the broader HBCU football community.
Beyond physical talent, Scott emphasizes leadership and character. “We’ve spent a lot of time on leadership development,” Scott noted. “Seeing our players embrace these roles, both on and off the field, has been impressive.”
As the new season kicks off, 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 aims to compete against its opening Big Ten opponent and make a statement about its place in college football.
Watch Howard HC Larry Scott’s full MEAC coaches call media session in the video player on this post.