Howard University head football coach Larry Scott isn’t running from last season’s disappointing finish. In fact, he’s embracing it — and resetting everything from the ground up.
Coming off a 4–8 campaign in 2024, including a 1–4 mark in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play, the Bison were picked to finish fifth again in this year’s preseason poll. But Scott, entering his sixth year at the helm, is focused less on predictions and more on culture.
“This was a hard reset,” Scott said Thursday during MEAC media day. “We powered everything down and rebuilt from the bottom up; our standards, accountability, and everything inside and outside of the program.”
The Bison begin their 2025 season Saturday against Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The historic matchup between two of the most iconic HBCU brands kicks off at 4 p.m. on ESPN+.
A New Foundation
Despite the “reset,” Scott is optimistic about the blend of veteran returners and new talent on the roster.
“We’ve got a group of young men who’ve been in the program, who’ve matured from 18 to 22,” he said. “They waited their turn, and now they’re hungry to showcase who they are.”
Scott praised the continuity in player development at Howard, noting that many players remain committed through graduation — a rare feat in the modern transfer-heavy college football landscape.
The team’s identity, he emphasized, is grounded in discipline, energy, and accountability. “It’s our time,” he said. “We were brought here for a reason.”
Big Stage, Bigger Opportunity
Saturday’s season opener offers more than just a chance to start fresh — it’s an opportunity to represent HBCU excellence on a national stage. The Orange Blossom Classic, dating back to 1933, has become a staple for Black college football culture.
“To put two brands like Howard and FAMU in Hard Rock Stadium? It’s the epitome of what HBCUs stand for — excellence, culture, history,” Scott said. “It’s not just about football; it’s about the full experience.”
The Bison will open the year with a demanding non-conference schedule, including four games in NFL stadiums across major cities like Miami, Philadelphia and New York. It’s all by design, Scott said.
“This is about creating unforgettable moments,” he added. “Just like kids at PWI programs get those experiences, we want our student-athletes to have them at Howard, too.”
Preparing for the Unknown
Florida A&M poses a unique challenge in more ways than one. The Rattlers, known for their speed and physicality, have undergone offseason changes, including new personnel and potential scheme shifts.
“What you see on tape may not be what you get,” Scott said. “With the transfer portal, there’s a lot of new faces. That ambiguity forces you to fall back on fundamentals.”
In response, Howard has focused on self-discipline and execution. Scott reiterated that Saturday’s game is “as much about us as it is about them.”
Building a Brand — On and Off the Field
The Howard staff isn’t just shaping football players — they’re mentoring future leaders. Amid national headlines and local concerns in Washington, D.C., Scott stressed a consistent message of composure and focus.
“Control what you can control,” he said. “We remind our guys to stay focused on class, preparation, and the task at hand.”
Scott praised Howard’s tight-knit campus community for creating a safe and supportive environment in an urban setting. “It’s not just about being safe — it’s about feeling safe,” he said.
High Expectations, No Excuses
With star running back Eden James returning, Howard’s offense is expected to lean on his explosive playmaking ability — though Scott hinted at depth across the roster.
“There are some names people don’t know yet,” he said. “But they’ll emerge.”
Scott brushed off potential weather concerns in Miami, a nod to his Florida roots. Whether it’s thunderstorms or sweltering heat, his philosophy remains the same: “Put the ball down. No excuses.”
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Bison enter the new season with grit, depth, and a chip on their shoulder — and Scott wouldn’t have it any other way.
“This team has something to prove,” he said. “And we’re ready to go show it.”
This story was drafted using an AI tool based on the transcript of the MEAC weekly coaches’ conference and was then reviewed and edited by a journalist before publishing.
