Howard University defeated Morehouse College 38–10 in the 2025 HBCU NY Classic at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, securing its sixth straight victory in the annual showcase of HBCU football and culture.
With 16,248 fans in attendance, the Classic brought together students, alumni, Divine Nine organizations and supporters for a celebration that was about more than football. The event started in 2011, highlighting the culture and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Graduate quarterback Tyriq Starks led the Bison offense with 270 total yards and three touchdowns, earning Verizon Player of the Game honors.
Howard’s offense tallied more than 425 yards of total offense while the defense held the Maroon Tigers to just 182 yards.
“My mindset wasn’t that this was a rivalry, more that it was just another game on the schedule,” said Starks, a public safety major. “As a team, we focused on executing to our standards and avoiding self-inflicted mistakes. We had a few, but we did enough to get out of there with a win.”
Freshman wideout John Simmons III opened the scoring with a 19-yard touchdown reception from Starks in the first quarter. Starks later connected with junior receiver Zaden Jackson on a 52-yard strike to send Howard into halftime with a 14–3 lead.
For the halftime performance, Howard’s “Showtime” and Morehouse’s “House of Funk” Marching Bands lit up the field with a showcase of blended sounds and synchronized moves, embodying school pride and the rich traditions of HBCU history.
Afterwards, sophomore running backs Anthony Reagan Jr. and Travis Kerney dominated the ground game. Reagan scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and finished with 48 rushing yards, while Kerney added 53 yards on the ground. Graduate receiver Andre Cooper II paced the passing game with 80 yards on four catches.
Defensively, graduate linebacker Jay Jones II recorded five tackles, including stops behind the line of scrimmage and secured the Bison’s first interception of the year.
For Head Coach Larry Scott, the win was less about the score and more about the ability to grow and play as a complete team, he said.
“We played complementary football. The defense gave us short fields in which our offense was able to capitalize,” Scott said. “We celebrate this win but will remain tactical in what we do to steadily improve in a process-driven way each day.”
As the game wrapped up, many fans carried their high energy outside the stadium, where tailgate festivities continued late into the evening. Joyful reunions filled the lots, with smiles and hugs exchanged between long-time friends, families and peers.
For attendees like Breanna Green, a Texas native and 2014 Prairie View A&M University alum now living in Westchester County, the HBCU NY Classic was a reminder of home.
“This is the first time since leaving Texas five years ago that I’ve truly been surrounded by so many people who look like me,” Green said. “It has been such a touching experience and it reminded me of what I’ve missed.”
Howard’s season will continue with the annual Truth & Service Classic against rival Hampton University on Sept. 20 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.