By Jasmine Jackson

ATLANTA — Howard University didn't just open its 2026 football season Saturday night — the Bison announced that they are ready to compete.

In a game that had everything a season-opening HBCU football showcase should have, Howard overcame a furious Alabama A&M comeback to escape Center Parc Stadium with a 31-24 victory in the 20th annual Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

The Bison built an early advantage, watched it disappear and then delivered when the game was on the line.

With just 2:41 remaining, Howard quarterback Ja'Shawn Scroggins connected with Se'Quan Osborne for a 51-yard touchdown, putting the Bison back in front. Howard then converted the two-point attempt to take a 31-24 lead.

Alabama A&M had one final opportunity, driving deep into Howard territory, but the Bison defense held firm and forced a turnover with 27 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

For Howard, it was a statement win.

Scroggins Delivers When Howard Needed Him Most

If there was one player who consistently gave Howard a chance to win, it was Scroggins.

The quarterback finished the night 19-of-36 passing for 315 yards and three touchdowns, while also leading the Bison rushing attack with 49 yards on 15 carries.

Scroggins' performance was especially important because Alabama A&M refused to go away.

Howard jumped out to a 13-0 lead and carried a 20-14 advantage into halftime. The Bison added a field goal in the third quarter to make it 23-14, but Alabama A&M came roaring back in the fourth.

The Bulldogs scored a touchdown to cut the deficit to two points before taking a 24-23 lead with 7:49 remaining.

That's when Scroggins and the Howard offense answered.

The Bison marched 83 yards in six plays, setting the stage for the game-winning connection with Osborne.

It was the type of drive that can define a season.

Osborne's 51-Yard Catch Changes Everything

Osborne's touchdown wasn't simply another score.

It was the moment that changed the game.

With Howard trailing by one, the Bison needed a big play — and Scroggins delivered a strike that Osborne took 51 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

The play immediately shifted the momentum back to Howard and gave the Bison the lead for good.

The Bison's passing attack finished with 322 yards, helping Howard overcome a relatively modest 114 rushing yards.

Nathaniel Clark also played an important role in the passing game, finishing with six receptions for 39 yards.

Howard's offense showed that it has the ability to stretch the field and make plays when the pressure is highest.

Alabama A&M Refused to Fold

While Howard ultimately walked away with the victory, Alabama A&M deserves credit for making the game a battle.

After falling behind 13-0, the Bulldogs found their rhythm offensively.

Quarterback Cornelious Brown IV finished with 254 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 25 of 41 attempts. He also rushed for 33 yards and another touchdown.

Brown helped lead Alabama A&M on an 80-yard fourth-quarter touchdown drive that pulled the Bulldogs within 23-21.

After forcing Howard to punt, Alabama A&M took advantage of the field position and eventually took its first lead of the night on David Faulk's field goal.

For nearly three minutes, it appeared the Bulldogs had completed the comeback.

Howard simply had one more answer.

Defense Makes the Final Stand

The Bison defense may not have produced a perfect performance, but it made the plays that mattered most.

Alabama A&M finished with 405 total yards, including 254 passing yards, and moved the football effectively throughout the second half.

But when the Bulldogs needed one final drive, Howard's defense delivered.

Alabama A&M drove from its own 20-yard line to the Howard 21-yard line in the final minutes. With the game hanging in the balance, the Bison forced the turnover with just 27 seconds remaining.

Ballgame.

Kaleb Gallup led Howard with seven tackles, helping anchor a defense that faced significant pressure throughout the night.

The ability to close out the game after surrendering the lead will be one of the most important positives Howard takes away from Atlanta.

More Than Just an Opening-Week Victory

The significance of this win goes beyond the final score.

Howard entered the game looking to establish a new identity under head coach Ted White, and the Bison showed resilience in a game that could have easily slipped away.

They built an early lead.

They lost it.

And then they took it back.

That's the kind of experience that can become valuable as the season progresses.

The Bison also helped the MEAC open the 2026 season in impressive fashion. Howard's victory contributed to a 5-1 opening-weekend record for MEAC teams, while improving the conference's all-time record in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge to 13-7.

But Howard's attention now turns toward what comes next.

The Bison will have to clean up areas of their game, particularly after allowing Alabama A&M to generate 405 total yards and mount a fourth-quarter comeback.

Still, there is something different about starting a season with a win — especially one earned under pressure.

Howard Has Momentum

Saturday night's game in Atlanta was never supposed to be easy.

It was a nationally televised showcase, a matchup between two proud HBCU programs and an opportunity for both teams to make an early statement.

Howard made its statement.

The Bison showed offensive explosiveness behind Scroggins, found a game-changing play through Osborne and, most importantly, found a way to finish.

There will be plenty for Howard to improve as the season continues.

But those improvements are easier to make at 1-0.

The Bison came to Atlanta looking for a fresh start.

They left with a victory — and perhaps something even more important.

Confidence.

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Howard Bison Rally Late to Defeat Alabama A&M in Thrilling Atlanta Showdown