Howard University's football team delivered one of the most electrifying performances of Week 1, nearly completing an improbable upset against No. 23 Richmond before falling 28-21. The Bison erased a 20-point halftime deficit to make the final score far closer than it appeared at intermission, showcasing the kind of resilience and competitive fire that defines HBCU football at its best.
Trailing by two full touchdowns at halftime, Howard came out of the locker room with a different energy and execution. The second-half surge brought the Bison within striking distance, turning what looked like a blowout into a genuine contest. By the final whistle, the seven-point margin told only part of the story—the momentum shift and the yards gained in the comeback attempt revealed a team that refused to quit against a nationally ranked opponent.
This kind of performance carries weight in HBCU circles. Facing a ranked FCS program is never easy, and doing so in the season opener adds another layer of difficulty. Teams often struggle with rhythm and cohesion in Week 1, yet Howard's second-half adjustments and execution suggested a squad capable of competing at a high level. The fact that the Bison came so close to pulling off the upset speaks to both their talent and their coaching staff's ability to make halftime corrections.
The game also underscores the competitive landscape that HBCU programs navigate. Playing against ranked opponents—whether in the FCS or other divisions—remains a crucial part of building credibility and testing roster depth. These matchups provide valuable film, expose weaknesses, and build confidence when teams perform well, even in defeat. For Howard, the near-upset is a statement that this team belongs in conversations about competitive HBCU football.
The Bison will take lessons from this game into their next contest. The ability to mount a 20-point comeback demonstrates that the team has the talent and mental toughness to compete. At the same time, the halftime deficit suggests areas where early-game execution and focus need improvement. How Howard responds in Week 2 and beyond will be telling—teams that show this kind of fight often use close losses as motivation to finish games they nearly won.
Why this matters: Howard's near-upset of a ranked opponent reminds the HBCU community that our institutions continue to produce competitive football programs capable of challenging any opponent. While the loss stings, the comeback effort validates the investment in HBCU athletics and demonstrates that talent, coaching, and determination at HBCUs can compete on any stage. This is the kind of performance that builds program momentum and attracts attention to Black college football.