The “Battle of the Real HU” college football game between Hampton University and Howard University is set for Saturday, Oct. 3 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.
Formerly known as the “Truth and Service Classic,” the game has been rebranded as the “Battle of the Real HU,” aligning the event’s official name with the rivalry’s long-standing and widely recognized identity.
The rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied in HBCU football, dating back to 1908. It stems from the friendly debate between Howard and Hampton over which institution is the “Real HU,” a tradition that has fueled generations of school pride among students and alumni.
The game celebrates the legacy and culture of two historic programs that have helped shape college football and advance the tradition of HBCU excellence. Hampton holds a 58-44-1 advantage in the all-time series, while Howard won the most recent meeting, 34-7, on Sept. 20, 2025.
“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,” said Hampton Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. “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.”
The matchup debuted at Audi Field in 2021 as the “Truth and Service Classic,” with Hampton defeating Howard, 48-22, in the inaugural game on Sept. 18, 2021. The Pirates currently hold a 3-1 record against the Bison at Audi Field, winning in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
“The Battle of the Real HU is one of the country’s most anticipated events in the college landscape,” said Howard University Vice President of Athletics Kery Davis. “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.”
Howard has long been recognized as one of the premier programs in HBCU football, competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) since its founding in 1970. The Bison have built a legacy that includes multiple conference championships, Black College National Championships and appearances in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs.
Howard won back-to-back MEAC championships in 2022 and 2023 and has continued to elevate the program with nationally televised appearances. The Bison opened the 2026 season on Aug. 29 against Alabama A&M in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta.
Hampton has competed in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) since 2022, continuing the program’s growth after four seasons in the Big South Conference. The Pirates moved to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision in 1995 after more than eight decades in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
Hampton has claimed seven Black College National Championships, most recently in 2006. The Pirates enter a new era in 2026 under first-year head coach Van Malone, who was hired in December 2025.
The game will stream live on HBCU GO, as well as in broadcast syndication in major U.S. TV markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, and more (check local listings).
Locally, a watch party for the game is being held at The Fox Harlem (2224 Frederick Douglas Blvd.) hosting by both the Howard University Alumni Club-Greater NYC and the New York Hampton Alumni Club.
