Football | 9/19/2025 10:30:00 AM

It's not just a game. It's a century-long saga of pride, passion, and purpose — the "Battle of the Real HU," a living testament to HBCU excellence, culture, and community that transcends competition.
 
Whenever Howard University and Hampton University meet each other, no matter the sport, everybody is eager to witness another chapter in the storied "Battle of the Real HU." It's a classic HBCU rivalry that enhances the legacy of both historic institutions, igniting a celebration of tradition, brilliance, and pride.
 
Both schools have long embraced this rivalry because it illuminates Black heritage, culture, and community on a national stage. Founded just a year apart — Howard in 1867 and Hampton in 1868 — their athletic competition began in 1908, fueled by proud traditions and a shared claim to the "HU" nickname. More than a century later, that fire still burns as the rivalry continues to thrive across every sport, carried by athletes who wear their school colors with pride in every snap, sprint, and score.
 
"An important part of our strategic goal for this year was to play Hampton in several different sports, not just football and basketball," Howard Vice President and Director of Athletics Kery Davis said. "Getting the opportunity to play them in soccer, where our soccer team emerged victorious, and getting an opportunity to do the doubleheader with both men's and women's basketball programs is significant. Our women's basketball team hadn't played Hampton since Hampton left the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 2018, so that makes this a very special event."
 
Howard defeated Hampton in women's soccer, 4-1, on Aug. 17. Howard sophomore forward Gabriella Garcia-Terrell was named the match MVP after scoring two goals in the second half. The P&G Truth and Service Classic will light up Audi Field with the 100th meeting on the gridiron between the two schools Sept. 20. 
 
A men's and women's basketball doubleheader between the two schools will be at CareFirst Arena Dec. 13. Howard is partnering with Events DC, which is sponsoring all of these events.
 
"Events DC is proud to continue our tradition of supporting Howard and Hampton Universities in the Battle for the Real HU, one of the most anticipated showdowns of the year," Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates said. "This isn't just a football game, it's a powerful celebration of HBCU excellence, tradition and pride. Major sporting events like this one underscore that Washington, D.C., is the sports capital." 
 
Yet, the pulsating roar of the crowd and blaring bands tell only part of the story. 
 
"The battle of the real HU may be considered as the biggest rivalry in not only athletics, but HBCU culture," Howard senior football player Cam Dyson said. "Ever since the Institute wanted to be considered as HU, the flame only got greater. Thanks to both Howard and Hampton's rich cultures and legacies. Personally, from a football perspective, Hampton is just another obstacle in the way of the main goal."
 
Generations of alumni from both institutions have left indelible marks on the world, from classrooms to courtrooms, from labs to global stages, and in the communities, they've uplifted.
 
Among Howard's distinguished graduates are Thurgood Marshall, the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice whose legal victories redefined civil rights; Kamala Harris, vice president of the United States; and Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize–winning author whose words gave voice to generations. Today, that legacy continues through leaders like Mariah Cooley, who leveraged her Howard education to create a platform for nonprofit leadership in gun violence prevention, and a growing cohort of alumni driving innovation in technology, entrepreneurship, and public service.
 
Hampton's roll call of honor features Booker T. Washington, whose vision for education reshaped opportunities in America; Mary Jackson, NASA's first Black female engineer and a central figure in the film "Hidden Figures"; and Wanda Sykes, an Emmy-winning comedian and cultural commentator. That tradition of impact lives on in alumni like Wesley "Wes" Coleman, whose recent gift is fueling STEM scholarships and labs for future innovators.
 
"The Howard-Hampton game is a tradition that brings people together," Davis said. "It instills a sense of school spirit and camaraderie, provides unforgettable moments of excitement and, quite frankly, passion. The rivalry between Hampton and Howard continues to be a special and meaningful part of the experience for our student body at large."
 
This is why the "Battle of the Real HU" resonates far beyond the sidelines. When Howard and Hampton collide, the rivalry itself becomes a statement of purpose. It symbolizes the economic mobility HBCUs have helped create for families, the diverse stories they have elevated, and the fairer society they continue to shape. 
 
For today's student-athletes, the rivalry is about carrying forward a legacy of resilience and standing on the shoulders of those who came before them. The impact stretches far beyond the final score, even as the bragging rights matter, too. 
 
Playing against Hampton is always special because it's more than just a game — it's about pride, tradition, and the chance to represent Howard in the 'Real HU' rivalry," Howard senior women's soccer player and captain Rachel Shuttle said. "Both schools have such rich histories, and every time we meet, it feels like we're carrying on something much bigger than ourselves. For me, the 'Battle of the Real HU' matters because it serves as a reminder of legacy and community. It's about showing up for those who came before us, setting the standard for those who will come after, and continuing to prove that Howard's excellence is unmatched both on and off the field. 
 
"There's a deeper sense of pride because Howard and Hampton both stand as pillars of Black excellence. At the end of the day, we're all family — and that shared value of excellence only fuels our competitive spirit. The rivalry stems from something bigger than soccer, and while we've been fortunate to come out on top, that only makes it more important to us to keep setting the tone and taking care of business."