A Century of Pride and Rivalry: The Real HU Returns to Washington, D.C.
Legends, Legacies, and the Future of HBCU Athletics Collide as Hampton and Howard Rekindle Their Storied Football Rivalry
Washington, D.C. — September 20, 2025, marks a landmark moment for HBCU football as the Battle of the Real HU—the nation’s most enduring college football rivalry between Howard University and Hampton University—returns to the nation’s capital. The game, officially known as the Truth and Service Classic, will feature another iconic showdown at Audi Field, where generations of alumni, students, and fans will gather to celebrate more than just a game: they will be part of a living legacy of competition, culture, and community.
The stakes are always high when these two historic institutions meet, and this year’s matchup is no exception. Hampton, currently riding a three-game winning streak in the Truth and Service Classic, enters as the favorite. The Pirates claimed a thrilling 27-20 victory last season, but Howard always comes prepared to challenge, as both schools know how much this game means to their communities. The all-time series is a testament to the competitive spirit of these schools, with Hampton leading by a substantial margin—57 wins to Howard’s 41, with one tie—but every chapter in this rivalry has added a new layer of drama, passion, and pride. Dating back to 1908, the Real HU is not just a game but a yearly referendum on tradition, excellence, and ambition.
For the players and coaches, the Real HU is the pinnacle of their regular season. “This game means everything to our program, our alumni, and our city,” says Hampton Head Coach Trenton Boykin. “We carry the weight of history with us every time we step on the field, but our job is to write the next chapter. The Bison are always ready for us, and we expect nothing less than their best.” Howard’s head coach echoed similar sentiments: “Our young men understand the significance of this rivalry. They know what’s at stake, and we’re preparing with championship-level focus. The Real HU is what college football is all about—pride, tradition, and excellence.”
The return to Audi Field underscores the growing national profile of HBCU classics, which have long served as cultural touchstones for the Black community. Large crowds, electrifying halftime shows, and the presence of celebrity alumni are just some of the elements that make this event unique. “There’s nothing like the energy at the Real HU,” one longtime season ticket holder says. “You can feel the history in the air. It’s a reunion, a celebration, and a battle all at once.”
Beyond the spectacle, both schools are navigating a new era in college athletics. The landmark House v. NCAA settlement, approved in early June 2025, has fundamentally changed the landscape for all Division I programs—including HBCUs. Starting July 1, 2025, schools like Howard and Hampton can now officially pay their student-athletes, thanks to a system that allows up to $20.5 million in annual revenue-sharing payments. This transformative shift is expected to help HBCUs attract and retain top talent, but it also brings new challenges, particularly for institutions with more limited budgets.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this new era brings for our student-athletes,” says an athletic director at one of the participating HBCUs. “But we also have to be strategic. The decision to opt into the settlement is a big one, and we’re working hard to ensure that our student-athletes are supported in every possible way, both on and off the field.”
The impact of these changes is felt across every sport, not just football. The new rules mean that athletes in basketball, track and field, baseball, volleyball, and other sports will also have access to direct compensation and NIL opportunities. For HBCUs, this represents a chance to compete more fairly with larger programs, but it also raises questions about resource allocation and long-term sustainability. “Most of the revenue will go toward football, but we have to find ways to support all our athletes,” says a conference commissioner familiar with the challenges facing HBCU athletics.
The Real HU also highlights the broader cultural significance of HBCU sports. Weekends like this are more than games—they are homecoming events, alumni reunions, and showcases for the legendary marching bands, step teams, and dance squads that define the HBCU experience. The pageantry around the game is as much a part of the tradition as the football itself, drawing fans from across the country and even inspiring future generations of student-athletes.
Statistically, Hampton’s recent dominance in the series is notable. The Pirates have won the last eight meetings dating back to 2015, and hold a 14-game streak from 1997 to 2010, the longest in rivalry history. But Howard has had its moments, too, including a 12-game winning streak between 1969 and 1980. The largest victory margins belong to both sides—Hampton’s 52-2 win in 2002 and Howard’s 51-0 triumph in 1973—proving that either school can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
For fans and recruits, this year’s Truth and Service Classic is a must-see event. “This is the game you want to be part of,” says a five-star recruit who has offers from both schools. “The atmosphere, the history, the energy—it’s like nothing else in college football. You can feel the pride of the community in everything that happens on and off the field.” The game is also a recruiting tool, as both programs use the exposure and tradition of the Real HU to attract top talent from across the country.
Looking ahead, the future of HBCU football is brighter than ever. The ability to directly compensate student-athletes, combined with the continued growth of classics and rivalry games, positions HBCUs for a new era of success. “We’re not just competing for today—we’re building for tomorrow,” says one longtime HBCU coach. “The Real HU is a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together as a community.”
As the 2025 season kicks off, all eyes will be on Washington, D.C., where tradition and innovation collide. The Battle of the Real HU is more than a football game—it’s a celebration of history, a showcase of talent, and a beacon for the future of HBCU athletics. For alumni, students, and fans, it’s a reminder of why these institutions matter, and why their stories deserve to be told, now and for generations to come. The stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the saga of the Real HU.