One of HBCU football’s premier rivalries is returning to the nation’s capital. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced in a statement on Wednesday that Howard University and Hampton University will once again meet at Audi Field for the annual “Battle of the Real HU” on Oct. 3 at 3 PM EST, with the game being broadcast on HBCU Go.
The matchup returns to the home of D.C. United, where the rivalry has become one of the marquee events on the HBCU football calendar.
“Audi Field exists to give this city’s biggest moments a stage and this rivalry has become one of them,” said Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United. “Hampton and Howard bring generations of pride into this building every time they meet here. Students, alumni, families, bands, all of it. We are honored to host it again and our job is to make sure the game gets the setting it deserves.”
Howard University Vice President of Athletics Kery Davis said the rivalry continues to showcase the traditions and excellence of both institutions.
“The Battle of the Real HU is one of the country’s most anticipated events in the college landscape,” Davis said. “This event brings together two prestigious institutions in Howard and Hampton that showcase tradition, pride, legacy and HBCU excellence. I look forward to seeing Bison Nation in full effect as we continue our bragging rights on the gridiron.”
Hampton University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. also played up the magnitude of the rivalry
“The Hampton–Howard game is one of the iconic rivalries in HBCU football and we are grateful to our partners at Audi Field for continuing to provide a premier stage for the Battle for the REAL HU in its 101st meeting. Hosting this historic HBCU rivalry in such a first-class professional venue underscores the significance of the game and our shared commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience. We appreciate Danita Johnson and her team for their continued collaboration in helping us showcase Hampton Football, our university and HBCU excellence to a broader audience from the nation’s capital this upcoming season.”
This will not be the first meeting between the longtime rivals at Audi Field. The series debuted at the venue in 2021 as the Truth and Service Classic, with Hampton defeating Howard 48-22 in the inaugural contest. The Pirates have enjoyed success at Audi Field, holding a 3-1 advantage in games played at the stadium.
However, Howard enters this year’s matchup with momentum after defeating Hampton 34-7 in last season’s edition of the rivalry.
One of HBCU football’s premier rivalries is returning to the nation’s capital. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced in a statement on Wednesday that Howard University and Hampton University will once again meet at Audi Field for the annual “Battle of the Real HU” on Oct. 3 at 3 PM EST, with the game being broadcast on HBCU Go.
