Howard’s QB1 battle: Who gets the call in MEAC/SWAC Challenge?

Howard University head coach Ted White isn’t ready to reveal who will be under center when the Bison take on Alabama A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge next Saturday night.

In fact, White says the decision could come down to the moments before kickoff.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, White revealed that three quarterbacks remain in contention for the starting job: Isaiah Freeman, Ja’Shawn Scroggins and T.J. Russell.

“We’ve had three guys to really push for the starting position,” White said. “That is going to go down to pregame.”

White has watched the trio compete throughout spring and fall camp, but the first-year Howard head coach said no final decision has been made.

What will determine QB1

For White, the decision isn’t simply about who has the strongest arm or who has performed best in individual drills. The quarterback ultimately chosen must demonstrate the ability to lead the team and give Howard its best opportunity to win.

“When you talk about the starting quarterback position, you want to make the decision to where you know that guy has an opportunity first and foremost to have the leadership of his teammates to make sure that he’s able to lead the right way,” White said.

That leadership component could be especially important for a Howard team entering a new era under White.

Freeman, who is a Hampton transfer, started the first four games of the 2025 regular season before being red shirted.

Scroggins, who was a backup on the Bison MEAC championship team in 2023, appeared in six games last season and threw for 33 yards, though he compiled 1,192 yards and 8 TD passes — all in 2024 — at Howard.

Continuing with the theme, Russell took snaps in two games, throwing for a total of 49 and 1 TD on four pass attempts.

White, the former Howard quarterback returned to his alma mater this offseason after serving as Maryland’s quarterbacks coach, taking over a program that went 5-7 last season. Throughout his first fall camp, White has repeatedly stressed competition, consistency and building a new culture around the Bison.

The quarterback battle appears to be a reflection of that approach.

Rather than naming a starter early, White has allowed Freeman, Scroggins and Russell to compete for the job throughout camp.

“We feel like we have three guys that gives us an opportunity to do that,” White said.

Now, the competition is entering its final stage.

White also made clear that each quarterback brings something different to the table, making the decision even more difficult.

“Each of those guys brings something to the table that can definitely give us an opportunity to win the football game,” he said.

That means Alabama A&M likely will enter the MEAC/SWAC Challenge without knowing exactly which quarterback Howard will turn to until game day.