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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Homecoming returns to The Mecca on Saturday, Oct. 17, as Howard University welcomes Morehouse College to William H. Greene Stadium for one of the signature events of Howard’s 2026 Homecoming celebration.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, and the game will stream on ESPN+.
Morehouse last visited Howard for Homecoming on Oct. 18, 1997. That afternoon, Howard quarterback Ted White threw three touchdown passes as the Bison routed the Maroon Tigers 52-0.
Nearly three decades later, White returns to the rivalry in a different role, as Howard’s first-year head coach.
Howard (2-4) competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, while Morehouse (3-4) represents Division II and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Yet for alums of these two historic institutions, the records and divisional classifications take a back seat to something bigger.
It’s about Homecoming, tradition, lifelong bonds, and the chance to watch two of the nation’s premier HBCUs compete on the football field.
Howard and Morehouse share a history extending well beyond athletics.
Howard Homecoming remains one of the most celebrated traditions in HBCU football and culture. Bringing Morehouse back to campus adds another dimension to the festivities. Especially, after the Maroon Tigers celebrated their homecoming victory against Savannah State last weekend in Atlanta. Another week of fun and entertainment in D.C. makes for a deep cultural experience.
Alums from Howard, Morehouse and Spelman are expected to converge on Washington for a weekend celebrating their shared traditions, friendships and institutional pride.
The Greater Washington, D.C. Morehouse College Alumni Association is helping anchor the visiting alum presence.
For White, the occasion carries personal significance. As a 1998 Howard graduate, White established multiple school and MEAC passing records during his playing career, finishing with 9,808 passing yards and 92 touchdown passes.
When Howard released its 2026 schedule in March, White emphasized the significance of bringing Morehouse back to the Hilltop.
“There’s nothing like Homecoming at Howard,” White said.
He also said the matchup “builds culture, pride, and championship expectations.”
Now, White has an opportunity to lead the Bison from the sideline in a rivalry he once dominated as a quarterback.
Both teams allowed five sacks in their previous games.
Howard struggled to protect Scroggins against Penn, while Morehouse encountered similar problems against Savannah State.
A better offensive line should give its quarterback more opportunities to sustain drives and create scoring chances.
For Morehouse, protecting the quarterback is especially important against a Division I defense.
White identified the running game as a major problem following the loss to Penn.
Howard needs to establish Billy Roberson II and its backfield early against the Maroon Tigers.
A productive rushing attack would ease pressure on Scroggins, help the Bison control possession, and create opportunities through play-action passes.
Morehouse allowed just 12 rushing yards against Savannah State, but that statistic reflected its own offensive production, not its rushing defense.
Howard’s ability to run against the Maroon Tigers’ defensive front will be a critical matchup.
Morehouse scored 21 points in the opening quarter against Savannah State.
A similar start Saturday could quiet the Homecoming crowd and put pressure on Howard.
However, the Maroon Tigers cannot afford to surrender momentum after halftime.
Howard, meanwhile, must demonstrate it can protect a lead through the fourth quarter.
After allowing Penn to rally from a 10-point deficit, the Bison have an opportunity to show improvement in an area White has emphasized.
The HBCU Legends BC+ predictive model heavily favors Howard.
The projected 34.3-point margin of victory reflects the difference in divisional competition and the strength of Howard’s schedule, which includes two Big Ten opponents. Also, history favors the Bison.
Still, Morehouse’s recent improvement under head coach Brad Sherrod will make this game closer than expected in the early quarters. Should the Maroon Tigers create turnovers and quickly start the game quickly, the contest will be competitive. Forcing Bison miscues and making special teams plays will be the X-factors for Morehouse.
Quarterback Miles Scott completed 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing the 6,000-yard career passing mark. Scott enters Saturday with 6,156 career passing yards, extending his Morehouse school record.
However, Howard has the overall depth, athleticism, and experience to outlast the Maroon Tigers.
Expect Coach White to emphasize the running game often and early, establish control at the line of scrimmage, and challenge his team to finish the game decisively against Morehouse.
Howard’s offense has been inconsistent, but the Bison should have enough talent to control the matchup.
Morehouse may generate early momentum, but its pass-protection problems and defensive vulnerabilities present significant challenges against an FCS opponent.
The Bison should extend their winning streak against the Maroon Tigers to nine games while giving White a memorable Homecoming victory in his first season as head coach.
Kyle T. Mosley’s Prediction: Howard LOSES. Yes, I’m biased. Morehouse '89.
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