NFL Legacies Collide as Eden James and Chaz Portis Meet in 101st Howard-Hampton Rivalry
Eden James of Howard and Chaz Portis of Hampton bring famous NFL pedigree to the 101st meeting between the two institutions. The sons of Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis clash on October 3 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. According to reporting by HBCU Gameday, both players are forging distinct college paths in one of HBCU football's premier rivalries.
When Howard University and Hampton University clash for the 101st time, football fans will spot two very familiar last names on the roster sheets. Eden James and Chaz Portis are set to represent opposing sides of one of the most storied rivalries in college athletics. According to reporting by HBCU Gameday, the matchup highlights a new generation of athletic heritage entering the historic debate over which school holds the true claim to the HU title.
According to HBCU Gameday, the game is scheduled for October 3 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET and live broadcast coverage on HBCUGO. While the rivalry itself dates back to 1908, the inclusion of second-generation talent adds a national talking point to the annual contest. Eden James serves as a graduate running back for Howard after initially committing to the Bison in 2021.
HBCU Gameday reported that out of high school, the three-star prospect chose Howard over offers from Miami, Indiana, and Wake Forest, drawn by early interest from coaches and professional opportunities in the Washington area. James earned All-MEAC honors during his first two seasons and helped guide Howard to its inaugural Celebration Bowl appearance in 2023. During the 2024 game against Hampton, James rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown. After injuries limited him to just two games in 2025, he returned to form last week with a 75-yard touchdown run against Rutgers.
On the Hampton sideline, freshman wide receiver Chaz Portis is carving out his own path on the outside. HBCU Gameday noted that Portis completed his high school career at Myers Park High School in Charlotte after playing at Indian Land in South Carolina. During his senior prep season, he recorded 22 receptions for 394 yards and five touchdowns. Transitioning to the college game under quarterback Tre'Von Taylor, Portis has compiled 12 catches for 167 yards and a touchdown entering Saturday's contest.
HBCU Gameday reported that Portis remains in daily communication with his father, discussing practice routines and playbook studying. The historical overlap extends to their fathers' collegiate careers as well. Edgerrin James starred at the University of Miami from 1996 through 1998 before entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Clinton Portis followed closely behind at Miami from 1999 through 2001, capping his college career with a national championship. Now, their sons carry those ties into an HBCU platform with deep tradition of its own.
Both teams enter the contest looking for momentum. HBCU Gameday reported that Howard comes in with a 1-3 record, having defeated Alabama A&M before falling to Richmond, Indiana, and Rutgers. Hampton stands at 1-4, seeking its first victory since an opening win over Virginia-Lynchburg. Howard broke an eight-game losing streak against Hampton last year with a 34-7 win, and both programs view Saturday as a crucial opportunity to establish dominance.