Howard University closed its regular season with its most complete performance of the year, overpowering Norfolk State 44–15 at Audi Field in Southwest D.C. The Bison shined in all three phases, snapping a three-game losing streak and finishing the season on a high note.
The game didn’t open in Howard’s favor, as Norfolk State marched 78 yards on the opening drive to take a 7–0 lead. The Bison answered with a promising drive of their own, but a trick-play pass was intercepted in the end zone, ending the scoring opportunity.
From there, Howard locked in.
The Bison defense—one of the MEAC’s best—began to impose its will, forcing turnovers on downs and shifting momentum. Howard tied the game on a 4-yard rushing touchdown by sophomore running back Travis Kerney, though the Spartans quickly reclaimed the lead by blocking the extra point and returning it the length of the field for two points, making it 9–6.
That would be the last bright moment for Norfolk State.
Howard’s offense exploded from that point forward. Sophomore running back Anthony Reagan Jr. took control of the game, scoring back-to-back touchdowns: a tough 4-yard run and a 7-yard reception from graduate quarterback Tyriq Starks. Sophomore kicker Matt Conord added a 27-yard field goal to close the half, giving Howard a 23–9 advantage—its highest-scoring half of the season.
The Bison kept their foot on the gas in the second half. Tight end Montrell Walker, who put together a career-best outing, hauled in a 4-yard touchdown from Starks, extending the lead to 30–9. Minutes later, Reagan delivered the knockout blow: a 56-yard sprint untouched down the sideline to make it 37–9.
Norfolk State responded late in the third with a long touchdown pass, but Howard closed the door with an 11-yard scoring strike from Starks to Andre Cooper II, pushing the final score to 44–15.
Reagan led the way with the finest performance of his young career, racking up 222 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. Starks delivered his most efficient outing of the season, completing 24 of 34 passes for 279 yards and three scores. Walker added six receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown, while freshman Antonio Hunter continued his late-season surge with four catches.
In total, Howard piled up 434 yards and converted an impressive 11 of 15 third downs.
Defensively, the Bison dominated, holding the Spartans to just 2-for-12 on third down and recording six sacks. Standouts included Derrick Brown Jr. with two sacks, Ja’Quavion Smith with 1.5, and strong contributions across the secondary and defensive line.
In their final appearance of 2025, the Bison delivered a complete, confident, and convincing win—one that sets a strong tone for the future.
