Howard University excelled at the fifth annual HBCU Makeda Excellence Awards, with nine Bison athletes recognized for their achievements in the 2025-26 season. Announced on August 10, the awards honor top performers from HBCUs in athletics and leadership. Howard led the way with a total of 10 awards, including four Coach of the Year honors and five Athlete of the Year titles across various sports.

By the Numbers
  • Howard University secured 10 awards, the highest among all institutions.
  • Four coaches were recognized as Coach of the Year in different sports categories.
  • Five student-athletes won Athlete of the Year in their respective sports.
Yes, But

Despite the accolades, the competition voting was described as highly competitive, even resulting in a tie in certain categories, highlighting the depth of talent across HBCUs.

State of Play
  • The awards celebrate exceptional contributions by athletes and coaches from HBCUs, reflecting a commitment to excellence.
  • Upcoming season games begin with women's soccer facing George Washington on August 19.
What's Next

As the new athletic season commences, Howard aims to build on this recognition by continuing to foster talent and possibly securing more awards as teams compete in various sports.

Bottom Line

Howard University's strong showing at the HBCU Makeda Excellence Awards underscores its leadership in collegiate athletics, setting a high bar for future performances and recognition in the HBCU community.