With Coach Trenton Boykin returning for his second season as the head coach of the Pirates, it's clear that there has been progress and the expectations are raised for the upcoming season. The 2024 edition of the Pirates showed dramatic progress on both sides of the football. As excitement is starting to build, here are some key matchups to circle on your calendar.
 
Week 1: Jackson State (Aug. 30)
Going into Week 1, the Pirates will be tested by Jackson State. The Tigers posted an 12-2 record a year ago and won the SWAC crown with a perfect 8-0 mark. Jackson State finished the season with a 28-7 triumph over South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl. Coach Boykin had previously stated that he likes getting to play a strong opponent in the beginning of the season because it challenges his team. A tough first game can set the tone of the entire season. Hampton has a perfect 3-0 record against the Tigers. The last matchup ended in a 17-13 win for the Pirates on Aug. 31, 2008 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
 
Week 4: Battle of the Real HU vs. Howard (Sept. 20) 
One of Hampton's biggest rivals is Howard. The game is known as The Battle of the Real HU and always brings a ton of entertainment to both the fans and the teams. For the third straight year, the game will be played in Washington, D.C. The series dates back more than a century but the Pirates have dominated in recent years winning the last eight match-ups and 22 of the last 26.
 
Week 6: Battle of the Bay vs. Norfolk State (Oct. 4)
The Battle of the Bay is the name of the rivalry between Hampton and Norfolk State. This is a big game for the two longtime rivals separated only by the James River. The game attracts throngs of followers for both teams and will be played at Armstrong Stadium this season. This will be the 60th matchup between the teams with the Spartans holding a slim 30-28-1 advantage. In 2024, the Pirates dominated with a lopsided 37-7 win in Norfolk. With the hype surrounding the game it will be a game you won't want to miss.
 
Week 9: Homecoming vs. Monmouth (Oct. 25) 
Homecoming is always an important game to win, no matter who you are playing. Homecoming is a big tradition at Hampton dating back to 1928 when the Pirates whitewashed Virginia Union 25-0. Hampton boasts a 59-36-2 record in Homecoming games including a 41-21 win over Elon in last year's game. Playing in front of a raucous crowd of alums, fans and students lifts the players energy and morale. The pride that comes with winning the Homecoming game is unmatched. The experience of being at Armstrong Stadium on Homecoming week is one you can't miss.
 
Week 12: Senior Day vs. William & Mary (Nov. 15) 
 This game could play a big role in how Hampton finishes the season. William & Mary is always one of the tougher teams in the CAA and facing them in November could have a big impact on the playoff picture. It's also the final home game of the year, so the energy at Armstrong Stadium will be sky-high as the team's seniors play in their final home game. The Tribe will be moving to the Patriot League for football next season (William & Mary will remain a member of the CAA for other sports) and the Pirates hope to give the Tribe something to remember.