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College Football Is Back In The DMV: UMD, Howard, Morgan State, And More Kickoff Week 1
College football is taking shape across the D.C, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, with week one kicking off this Labor Day weekend and setting the tone for the season ahead. From critical season openers to high-profile matchups, there's plenty for DMV football fans to look forward to as their teams take the field.
Here's everything you need to know about week one of DMV college football:
UMD Terps Open Pivotal Season Hosting Hampton Pirates
The 2026 season presents an important opportunity for Maryland's head coach Mike Locksley and the Terps football program. After consecutive 4-8 seasons, Maryland returns with a talented roster and plenty to build on. Their journey begins Saturday night when they host the Hampton Pirates at SECU Stadium.
Maryland enters the opener with sophomore quarterback Malik Washington, who set school freshman records for completions and passing yards last season, along with 17 transfers added during the offseason. The Terps have also won 15 consecutive non-conference openers and enter the season riding on an 18-game non-conference win streak.
Hampton opened their 2026 campaign with a 45-0 win over Virginia University of Lynchburg, marking the program's first shutout in 88 games. The Pirates enter their first season under head coach Van Malone after finishing with a 2-10 record last season. Hampton looks to continuing building towards their first winning season since 2018.
Terps-Pirates kickoff is set for 8 p.m. Saturday on the Big Ten Network.
Howard Bison Chase First Program Win Over Richmond Spiders
The Howard Bison enter week one with plenty of momentum, after opening the season with a statement 31-24 victory over the the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. The win marked Ted White’s first program win as the Bison's head coach, Howard’s first-ever MEAC/SWAC Challenge victory, and the program's first win of the 2026 season.
The Bison return to Greene Stadium on Saturday to host the Richmond Spiders at 6 p.m. Howard and Richmond have met three times since their first matchup in 2017, with Howard going 0-3 in the series. All three previous matchups have been played on the road. But Saturday marks the Spiders' first time playing at "The Mecca".
Howard has a rare opportunity to earns its first win over Richmond while opening the home portion of the 2026 season on a high note.
Morgan State Bears Take On Power Four Opponent
The Morgan State Bears launched their 2026 campaign on a strong note, overcoming an early deficit with resilient defensive effort to defeat the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 17-7, at Truist Stadium. Now the Bears face a much different challenge, as the team headed west for one of the biggest tests on their schedule.
On Saturday night, Morgan State will take on the Arizona State Sun Devils, a Power Four program of the Big 12, at Mountain America Stadium. The 10 p.m. ET matchup gives the Bears an opportunity to compete on a national stage against a program with significant football experience and depth.
For senior quarterback Cameron Edge, the matchup carries added significance. Edge began his football career at the Power Four level before transferring to Morgan State, giving him a unique perspective ahead on the road challenge ahead.
Head Coach Damon Wilson will look to use this opportunity, as a valuable experience that will keep developing his Bears team over the course of the season.
Georgetown Hoyas Host Lehigh Leopards For Patriot League Clash
The Georgetown Hoyas opened the 2026 season with plenty of promise last Thursday, taking a 13-7 halftime lead over the Lafayette Leopards. The Hoyas came out strong against the Patriot League contender and appeared poised for a statement victory. But it was a lightening delay that ultimately brought the season opener to an early end.
Now, the Hoyas turn their attention to the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, a team who is coming off a dominant 35-10 season-opening win over Holy Cross. Georgetown will return to Cooper Field to host the Mountain Hawks on Saturday, with kickoff set 1 p.m on ESPN+.
Saturday's matchup marks the 30th meeting between the Patriot League teams, with the Hoyas holding a 7-22 all-time record against the Mountain Hawks. Georgetown's last win against Lehigh came in 2024 on the road. However, the Hoyas are 1-10 against the Mountain Hawks at home. Georgetown will look to make a statement against the reining conference champions.
Bowie State Bulldogs Face Conference Opponent On The Road
The Bowie State Bulldogs enter a new era as they open the season on the road against a CIAA rival, the Virginia State Trojans at Rogers Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with both programs opening their CIAA schedules in the matchup.
Bowie State enters the season with plenty to prove after being selected eight in the CIAA Preseason rankings behind Elizabeth City State and ahead of the Bluefield State. The Bulldogs will look to turn that preseason ranking into motivation, as they look establish the program’s identity under new head coach Dawson Odums.
Standing in their way way is a Virginia State team that is already riding on momentum. The Trojans opened the season with a dominant 44-17 win over Barton College, recording 470 yards of offense in the victory. Virginia State will look to carry that offensive firepower into its first conference matchup, while Bowie State looks to open Odums' coaching tenure with a statement win.
