Howard opened the 2026 HBCU football season with a thrilling comeback victory, defeating Alabama A&M 31-24 Saturday night in the 20th Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta.
The Bison overcame a second-half rally by the Bulldogs and scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter to escape with the victory.
Howard quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins delivered a career-best performance, completing 19 of 36 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns while adding 49 yards on the ground.
Howard Takes Early Control
The Bison jumped out to a 13-0 lead behind Scroggins and the Howard offense.
Scroggins accounted for the first touchdown of the game, while the Bison added a pair of field goals to build the early advantage.
Meanwhile, the Alabama A&M offense struggled to find its rhythm. The Bulldogs punted on their first three possessions and came up short on fourth down on their fourth drive of the game.
A&M finally broke through with a spectacular 26-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Cornelious Brown IV to Jarel Williams. Williams made an impressive catch while managing to keep both feet in bounds for the score.
Williams led the Bulldogs with 72 receiving yards on four catches.
Howard responded with another touchdown pass from Scroggins, extending the Bison’s advantage and giving him the second of his three touchdown passes on the night.
The Bulldogs answered just before halftime when Brown connected with freshman Imari Conley for a touchdown, cutting Howard’s lead to 20-14 at the break.
Alabama A&M Takes Its First Lead
The Bulldogs continued their comeback in the second half.
Brown put Alabama A&M ahead with a four-yard touchdown run before David Faulk converted a 32-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 24-23 lead with 7:49 remaining in the fourth quarter.
After trailing for most of the night, Alabama A&M had seized control and appeared to be in position to complete the comeback.
But Howard had one more response.
Scroggins Delivers the Game-Winning Play
With the Bison needing a touchdown, Scroggins came through when Howard needed him most.
With 2:41 remaining, Scroggins connected with Se’Quan Osborne on a 51-yard touchdown pass, putting Howard back in front.
The Bison then converted the two-point attempt to extend the lead to 31-24.
Alabama A&M still had an opportunity to force overtime.
Starting at its own 20-yard line, the Bulldogs drove down the field behind Brown’s arm. Brown completed 25 of 41 passes for 241 yards and two passing touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown.
The Bulldogs reached the Howard 38-yard line and appeared to be within striking distance of tying the game.
However, the potential game-tying drive ended when Brown connected with receiver Mekhi Maddox, who caught the pass but fumbled the ball. Howard recovered the fumble, sealing the Bison’s 31-24 victory.
The win gives Howard a 1-0 start to the 2026 season, while Alabama A&M falls to 0-1.
For the Bison, it was a dramatic opening-night victory and a strong debut for first-year head coach Ted White.
