The 2025 NFL season will showcase an impressive wave of HBCU talent as alumni from schools across the country earned their place on official 53-man rosters. While only one HBCU player was drafted this year, the resilience, skill, and determination of HBCU athletes once again proved that they belong on football’s biggest stage.
This moment is more than just a sports milestone—it’s a powerful reminder that Historically Black Colleges and Universities continue to shape professional football. From Jackson State to South Carolina State, and from Howard to Florida A&M, HBCU athletes are leaving their mark across the league.
Drafted to Protect Lamar Jackson
The lone HBCU player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft was Carson Vinson of Alabama A&M, who joined the Baltimore Ravens. Vinson, an offensive lineman, now has the opportunity to protect superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. His selection is a reminder that even when draft numbers are small, the quality of HBCU football talent speaks volumes.