College Sports Established
1867
Location
Washington, D.C.
College Name
Howard University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1970 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1970 - Present / Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Nickname
Bison - The Howard Bison is a beloved and iconic mascot representing the athletic teams of Howard University. However, the origins of this nickname are not widely known. The nickname can be traced back to the early 1920s when the university's football team was known as the "Bison." This name was chosen to honor the American bison's strength and resilience, symbolizing freedom and independence for African Americans at the time.
Howard Bison's nickname gained even more significance during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The bison symbolized pride and determination for the university's students, who were fighting for equal rights and opportunities. The strength and power of the bison resonated with the students and represented their fight for justice and equality. As a result, the nickname became deeply ingrained in the university's culture and continues to be a source of pride for students and alumni.
Today, the Howard Bison nickname not only represents the university's athletic teams but also embodies the spirit of the entire university community. It serves as a reminder of the university's history and the struggles that its students have overcome. The bison's strength and resilience continue to inspire and unite students, faculty, and alumni, making it a fitting and enduring symbol for Howard University. The origins of the Howard Bison nickname may have started with a simple choice of a mascot, but it has become a powerful representation of the university's values and legacy.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Hockey 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1971
- 2017
- 2022
- 2024
-
Men’s Historic Soccer Championships
The Howard Bison men’s soccer team is an associate member of the Northeast Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I. Howard’s first men’s soccer team was fielded in 1965. Howard achieved much of their success in the early to mid-1970s and in the late 1980s, where they would win two NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer ... -
Bison’s football Milestone
The Howard Bison football team represents Howard University in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). On September 2, 2017, Howard football reached a milestone by defeating their first FBS opponent in program history. The Bison defeated the UNLV Rebels 43–40 in Sam Boyd Stadium. As ... -
Bison Women’s MEAC Ruling
The Howard Bison women’s basketball team competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Howard has won the MEAC Tournament 11 times, and competed in six NCAA Tournaments most recently in 2022. They have appeared in the WNIT twice (2012 and 2013). -
Bison’s Basketball Progress
The Howard Bison men’s basketball team currently competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Bison have appeared in the NCAA tournament four times; most recently appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2024. The Bison have appeared in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) once in 2019. They are Conference regular season champions in 1980, 1983, 1987, 1992 and 2023.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Bison
The Howard Bison sports team has a rich and storied history, dating back to the late 1800s when the university was founded. The team has consistently succeeded in various sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. One of the most notable moments in the team's history was in 1993 when the football team won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship, marking the first time in the school's history that a team had achieved such a feat. This victory solidified the Bison's place as a dominant force in the MEAC and set the stage for future successes.
In addition to their on-field achievements, the Howard Bison sports team has significantly impacted off the field. The team has a vital community service and giving back tradition, with players regularly participating in volunteer activities and charity events. This commitment to serving others has not gone unnoticed, as the team has been recognized with numerous awards for their contributions to the community. The Bison's dedication to excellence on and off the field has earned them a reputation as a successful sports team and as leaders and role models in their community.
The Howard Bison sports team has remained resilient and determined despite facing challenges and adversity. They have continued to represent their university proudly and have inspired generations of athletes to strive for greatness. The team's history is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and teamwork. As the Howard Bison continue to make their mark in the world of sports, their legacy will continue to inspire future generations and solidify their place in history as one of the nation's most respected and accomplished sports teams.
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