Remember the names of these top HBCU players in the run-up to this year’s NFL draft

Several senior football players from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) closed the 2025 season with résumés strong enough to earn national attention.

As they pursue opportunities in the NFL, many standouts hope to elevate their draft stock through showcases such as the HBCU Legacy Bowl. Here are several HBCU players to watch in advance of the NFL draft in April.

Curtis Allen, Virginia Union

Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen, the reigning Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Offensive Player of the Year, led Division II football last season in rushing touchdowns (30) and rushing yards (2,386). In December, he made history as the first player from an HBCU to win the Harlon Hill Trophy, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Allen was known as a patient and explosive running back. He broke the Panthers’ single-season rushing record, surpassing 2024 Harlon Hill finalist Jada Byers. Allen will play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl on Feb. 21 in New Orleans.

Ckelby Givens, Southern

Ckelby Givens completed his final season at Southern as one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in FCS football. In 2025, he ranked No. 1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in tackles for loss (18.5) and sacks (9.5). In 2024, he earned SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors and led the nation in total tackles for loss (27.5). His size (6-foot-2, 245 pounds), explosiveness and relentless motor made him a centerpiece of Southern’s defense and put him on NFL scouts’ radars. Givens will play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Ashton Grable, Florida A&M

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Ashton Grable is a versatile offensive lineman who alternated between the guard and tackle positions while also learning to play center. Since transferring from Jacksonville State in 2023, he has been selected for All-SWAC honors for three consecutive seasons (2023, 2024, 2025). Last season, Grable helped the Rattlers rush for 1,616 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Erick Hunter, Morgan State

Erick Hunter, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound linebacker, solidified himself as one of the top defensive players in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and in HBCU FCS football in 2025. Leading the conference with 102 total tackles (53 solo), the senior also added 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, five hurries and three forced fumbles while ranking second on Morgan State’s all-time tackles list. Hunter will play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Quincy Ivory, Jackson State

Quincy Ivory emerged as a dominant interior force for Jackson State during his final season, anchoring a defensive front that controlled the line of scrimmage in the SWAC. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive lineman earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors after finishing the 2025 season with 71 tackles, six sacks and one interception. Ivory will play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Chris Mosley, North Carolina Central

After spending the 2024 season behind running back J’Mari Taylor, Chris Mosley was North Carolina Central’s leading rusher last season. Combining power and vision in the backfield, Mosley finished No. 2 in the MEAC in total rushing yards (1,017) and tied for second-most rushing touchdowns in the conference (eight). Mosley earned All-MEAC honors and will play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Jordan Smith, South Carolina State

Wide receiver Jordan Smith capped his collegiate career as one of the most reliable and explosive offensive weapons in the MEAC. The graduate senior finished the 2025 season with a conference-leading 59 receptions for 943 yards and nine touchdowns. In the Celebration Bowl, Smith’s nine catches for 152 yards and three total touchdowns helped the Bulldogs secure their second Black college football national championship. Smith, who is 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, is training for his future while waiting to hear whether the NCAA will grant him an additional year of eligibility.

Jarod Washington, South Carolina State

Jarod Washington emerged as one of the premier defensive playmakers in HBCU football in 2025, anchoring an elite South Carolina State defense last season. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, the defensive back recorded 35 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble. Washington played in the East-West Shrine Bowl and will compete in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

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