Jordan Brand Strengthens Commitment to HBCU Excellence with New Howard University Air Jordan 1 Low OG

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Jordan Brand's long-standing partnership with Howard University, one of the nation's premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is set to reach new heights with the reported release of a second retail Air Jordan 1 Low OG collaboration.

According to a recent report from SneakerNews.com, the global sportswear giant is preparing to unveil a brand-new Howard University-inspired colorway of the iconic Air Jordan 1 Low OG silhouette. Scheduled to hit stores on October 1, 2026, this highly anticipated sneaker drop is expected to build upon the success of the previous Howard University Air Jordan 1 Low OG release in 2024.

The upcoming Howard University Air Jordan 1 Low OG is rumored to feature a striking "Midnight Navy" base color, complemented by a vibrant mix of hues that are likely to pay homage to the university's iconic school colors. This fresh colorway could represent a more home-inspired look, contrasting with the predominantly white aesthetic of the previous release, which many interpreted as a nod to Howard's away uniforms.

The continued collaboration between Jordan Brand and Howard University underscores the significant and long-term commitment the global brand has made to supporting HBCU athletics and culture. In 2022, the two entities signed a landmark 20-year partnership, making the Jumpman logo the official athletic outfitter for the Howard Bison.

Under the terms of the deal, Jordan Brand provides uniforms, apparel, footwear, and exclusive Player Edition (PE) sneakers for all of Howard's varsity sports teams. This has included the release of unique iterations of models like the Air Jordan 4 and Air Jordan 6, often featuring custom university branding and colorways.

"This new Air Jordan 1 Low OG release not only celebrates the rich heritage and pride of Howard University, but it also serves as a powerful symbol of Jordan Brand's unwavering support for HBCU excellence," said HBCUConnect.com Editor-in-Chief, John Smith. "As the premier online community for HBCU alumni and supporters, we are thrilled to see this continued investment in our institutions and the student-athletes who represent them on the national stage."

While sneaker collaborations have become commonplace in major college athletics, retail releases dedicated to HBCUs remain relatively rare. This makes each new Howard University Air Jordan 1 Low OG drop a truly significant event, reinforcing the university's status as Jordan Brand's flagship HBCU partner and highlighting the growing commercial footprint of HBCU athletics.

As the world eagerly awaits more details, including official images and pricing information, the HBCU community can take pride in the continued visibility and support their institutions are receiving from global brands like Jordan. This latest collaboration is a testament to the enduring legacy and bright future of Howard University and the entire HBCU ecosystem.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.