| Year: | 1996 |
| Team: | Howard Bison |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference |
| Short Conf: | MEAC |
| Record: | 10–2 |
| Conf Record: | 6–1 |
| Head Coach: | Steve Wilson |
| Hc Year: | 8th |
| Stadium: | William H. Greene Stadium RFK Stadium |
| Champion: | Black college national champion |
| Bowl: | Heritage Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | W 27–24 vs. Southern |
The 1996 Howard Bison football team represented Howard University as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 1996 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by eighth-year head coach Steve Wilson, the Bison compiled an overall record of 10–2, with a conference record of 6–1, and finished second in the MEAC. At the conclusion of the season, the Bison were also recognized as black college national champion after they defeated Southern in the Heritage Bowl.