Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a monumental role in shaping the landscape of college football in the United States. It has long been the cornerstone for academic excellence, and community development. These sports teams have been established to promote and establish higher education opportunities for African Americans while nurturing some of the greatest talents in football. HBCUs have consistently been at the heart of American football, both on the field and off it. 

Its rich history and tradition deserve the recognition that it has today fostering some of the best players of today. Still to this day, HBCUs continue to contribute and enrich sports across the US. 

The Rich History of HBCU Football

The roots of HBCU football date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when African American colleges sought to establish their own athletic programs to promote unity. Pride and competitive spirit drove young people to show the world that they are worthy of education and success. Many of these schools were created in response to segregation and exclusion from predominantly white colleges only to become one of the most prestigious schools in the nation. There’s no denying that these colleges contributed to the growth in popularity of seeking education among African American youth, as well as being the top-tier athletes. 

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), founded in 1912, and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), founded in 1913, were trailblazers for other institutions to organize and compete at a high level that ultimately led to the acknowledgment and appreciation for HBCU football teams competing at the high level. Many made their mark in the NFL, further promoting football in the African American community. Online bettors picked up on the appeal of the HBCU, largely playing NCAA betting, with the rise of the recognition of HBCU football. 

Key Teams in HBCU Football History

It’s impossible to name so many schools that produced numerous football talents over the years, but some do stand out in the crowd. Despite the challenges of funding and limited resources these institutions managed to support the young athletes in their path of becoming prominent in academics and sports alike while encouraging their heritage. Today, the colleges are symbols of resilience and determination that continue to produce outstanding football players who make an impact both on the college level and in the NFL.

Grambling State University (GSU)

Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is perhaps the most well-known HBCU for producing NFL talent. Its predecessor was the North Louisiana Colored Agriculture Relief Association founded in 1896. In just three decades the school evolved into a college as we know it today named in honor of a white sawmill owner, P. G. Grambling, who donated a parcel of land for the school. Under the legendary coaching of Eddie Robinson, who served as the head coach for 57 years (1941-1997), the team won 9 national championships and numerous Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles. In 2024, the team finished in fifth place in the Western Conference. 

Southern University (SU)

One of the best-known colleges is Southern University, with their football team SU Jaguars finishing first in the west conference last year. The institution is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has produced many famous football players like Claude Humphrey who entered the Hall of Fame. Being the strongest team in the West, it drew a lot of sports enthusiasts who took part in online sports betting, rooting for the team and engaging in the HBCU community. The SU and Grambling rivalry is a well-known and highly anticipated match every year in the Bayou Classic bringing large crowds and bettors to Stake.com that support and boost the popularity of the African American athletes and football in general. 

Morehouse College

Morehouse is a very unique institution being a private, historically black, men’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1867 as a response to liberating African American men after the Civil War using the opportunity to educate young men while nurturing religion and promoting the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Even though the school’s academics revolve around the liberal arts, the college still has a notable football team that fostered some great talents in the past. The Morehouse College has not won any HBCU championships; it has been consistently good, placing in the top ten teams regularly. 

Florida A&M University (FAMU)

Based in Tallahassee, Florida, the University is another prominent school featuring fierce football players – The Rattlers. The team won several championships and promoted several players into the NFL, one of them being in 1978 led by the legendary coach Jake Gaither who secured his spot in the Hall of Fame. The Rattlers’ band, the Marching 100, is also widely recognized as one of the top college bands in the nation. 

Howard University

Howard University is a private, historically black, research university in Washington, D.C. Other than highly developed research programs, and with the location in the nation’s capital,  the University is famous for its political engagement and support for social justice. The school offers a wide variety of studies including business, law and medicine. Howard University’s football team, known as the Bison, is the key member of the HBCU. As part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the Bisons have an intense rivalry with Hampton Pirates and Morgan State Bears. 

Jackson State University (JSU)

Located in Jackson, Mississippi, the University is known for its football team, the Tigers. Since its founding in 1958, Jackson State has won many championships, including 18 times winning the Southwest Athletic Conference. In 2024, the Tigers received the Black College football national championship under the new coach TC Taylor, who joined one year earlier. Long-time foes have been numerous, but the college historically has rivalries with Rust College and Tougaloo. 

Some of the most famous football players from HBCUs

Many athletes sprouted in HBCUs only to continue their stellar careers as professional football players in the NFL. The top HBCU football programs include Grambling State University, Jackson State University, Florida A&M University, Alabama State University, and Southern University. However, many players also came from smaller schools and universities showing off their talents in the professional league while maintaining close connection with their alma mater colleges. 

• Walter Payton (Jackson State University) is considered to be one of the best running backs ever in the NFL. He made his career with the Chicago Bears and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He got his BA in communications and in 1973 was named Black College Player of the Year. 
• Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State University), was often considered the greatest receiver in NFL history, played for the San Francisco 49ers and set numerous records during his career. 
• Doug Williams (Grambling State University) made history as the first African American quarterback to win the Superbowl with his team Washington Redskins. He paved the way and broke the stigma for future black athletes in the sport and is one of the most praised quarterbacks to play in the NFL. 
• Willie Brown (Grambling State University) is another talent coming from the same university. He played in the position of safety and found his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Playing cornerback and safety, he was one of the most valuable players on the field. 
• Steve McNair (Alcorn State University) is one of the most famous African American players who was named the MVP while playing for the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. If you know nothing about football, you know about Steve McNair. His name is embedded in sports history, not only as an African American player but as one of the greatest athletes of all time. 

Last season, we saw some new talents emerging from the HBCU. These are the players who made their mark in the 2024 season and are well on their way to making history in the NFL. 

• QB – Eric Phoenix | South Carolina State
• RB – Irv Mulligan | Jackson State
• RB – J’Mari Taylor | North Carolina Central
• WR – JaVonnie Gibson | Arkansas-Pine Bluff
• WR – Nathan Rembert | Mississippi Valley State
• WR – Caden High | South Carolina State
• TE – Keshawn Toney | South Carolina State 
• OL – Nick Taiste | South Carolina State
• OL – Darius Fox | Howard
• OL – Carson Vinson | Alabama A&M
• OL – Ashton Grable | Florida A&M
• OL – Connor Meadows | Tennessee State
• AP – Jaden Sutton | Delaware State

FAQ About HBCU Football

How does HBCU football help players get into the NFL?

African American Universities have been nurturing football players for decades, bringing the love for the sport to local communities. Black students got their chance to showcase their talents on the big stage with HBCU becoming one of the strongest and well-respected schools across the country. Scouts from the NFL are always on the lookout for the next superstar to grab them for their teams. 

What challenges do HBCU football programs face today?

Even though HBCUs are working very hard to expose their talents as new prospects for the NFL, there are still many hurdles that the students and staff face daily. Rich history and cultural significance can only take the young players so far, but some doors remain closed or barely cracked for them to make an impact in the sport. 

One of the primary obstacles faced by HBCU football programs is the significant financial disparity between these institutions and their predominantly white counterparts in the NCAA. Small budgets often hamper students’ motivation and affect the possibility for them to go beyond college football. Great coaches will often overlook the HBCU teams and go for the ones that are able to cut them fatter checks. Players, even the best ones, are having difficulties getting scholarships from the colleges considering their limited financial funds. This is why the graduation rate is lower, and some students are forced to drop out of college due to lack of financial support. Consequently, universities are in a constant struggle to attract new talents who will sometimes choose better-funded institutions regardless of their need to promote their history and heritage. 

Recruitment is another major issue for HBCU football programs. It’s been a huge challenge for colleges to convince young players to join their limited-budget teams when they can choose from some of the best programs in the nation. High school athletes, particularly those with aspirations to play in the NFL, often overlook HBCUs and go for the bigger ones that have more potential to launch them straight to the NFL. Colleges with large resources draw a lot of media that can give young athletes more exposure and broaden their possibilities for success in the future. HBCUs do not have widespread television contracts or major broadcasting deals that can help them attract more young talents. This has a great impact on the HBCUs bankroll since sponsors are looking for better opportunities. Fans attendance is also dampening the schools’ budget, with low numbers of visitors and enthusiasts. 

Underdeveloped facilities are one of the biggest problems universities face. Players are looking at the conditions, with top talents requiring the best possible terms and environments. However, many schools were struggling to update their early 20th-century fields and facilities, driving the players further away from their programs. Outdated stadiums, weight rooms and fields can sway the recruiters the other way. Paired with the low budgets, lack of media exposure and unavailability of the top coaches in the country, it’s easy to see why young African Americans are looking for better opportunities. 

Still, HBCUs made an impact in the NFL and are continuing to support their local communities by endorsing their heritage. Regardless of all the hurdles, African American universities fostered some of the best players in the nation. Sure, the problems will remain, but the resilience and will to expand and emphasize the importance of education and athleticism in youth remains. Some programs invested more in their football talents, like Grambling State University, Howard University, and Jackson State University, drawing attention from the media and the coaches alike, opening the door for others to gain more contacts and further develop their agenda.