More than 20 former Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) standouts will open the 2025 NFL season on 53-man rosters, showcasing the growing pipeline of talent from HBCUs as the league kicks off Thursday, Sept. 4.
Only one HBCU product was selected in this year’s NFL Draft, offensive lineman Carson Vinson of Alabama A&M, who landed with the Baltimore Ravens. But several others fought their way onto rosters through preseason performances and training camp battles.
High profile names such as quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, and two-way standout Travis Hunter were widely expected to secure roster spots after transferring from HBCUs earlier in their college careers. Still, dozens of lesser-known players from Historically Black programs also solidified their place in the league.
Below is a breakdown of HBCU alumni who made NFL rosters, listed by NCAA conference:
MEAC (Division I)
- DB Brandon Codrington, North Carolina Central — Buffalo Bills
- OL Torricelli Simpkins III, North Carolina Central — New Orleans Saints
- OL Corey Bullock, North Carolina Central — Baltimore Ravens
- CB Cobie Durant, South Carolina State — Los Angeles Rams
- DL Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State — Minnesota Vikings
- DB Bryan Cook, Howard — Kansas City Chiefs
CAA (Division I)
- RB Bhayshul Tuten, North Carolina A&T — Jacksonville Jaguars
SWAC (Division I)
- RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Alabama State — Washington Commanders
- OL Tytus Howard, Alabama State — Houston Texans
- OL Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M — Baltimore Ravens
- LB Claudin Cherelus, Alcorn State — Carolina Panthers
- P Jamie Gillan, Arkansas-Pine Bluff — New York Giants
- OL Trent Scott, Grambling State — Washington Commanders
- WR KhaDarel Hodge, Prairie View A&M — Atlanta Falcons
- QB Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State — Cleveland Browns
- WR/CB Travis Hunter, Jackson State — Jacksonville Jaguars
- DE James Houston, Jackson State — Dallas Cowboys
- S Markquese Bell, Florida A&M — Dallas Cowboys
- WR Xavier Smith, Florida A&M — Los Angeles Rams
SIAC (Division II)
- DL Grover Stewart, Albany State — Indianapolis Colts
CIAA (Division II)
- OL Kion Smith, Fayetteville State — Miami Dolphins
- CB Joshua Williams, Fayetteville State — Kansas City Chiefs
- DL Elijah Williams, Morgan State — Minnesota Vikings
- RB Emanuel Wilson, Johnson C. Smith/Fort Valley State — Green Bay Packers
