HBCU Legends Making NFL Rosters

Beyond Vinson, a long list of undrafted free agents and proven veterans secured roster spots this season. Here’s a look at the standout names:

• Shedeur Sanders (Jackson State) – Quarterback, Cleveland Browns
• Travis Hunter (Jackson State) – Wide Receiver/Cornerback, Jacksonville Jaguars
• James Houston (Jackson State) – Defensive End, Dallas Cowboys
• Markquese Bell (Florida A&M) – Safety, Dallas Cowboys
• Xavier Smith (Florida A&M) – Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams
• Cobie Durant (South Carolina State) – Cornerback, Los Angeles Rams
• Bryan Cook (Howard) – Defensive Back, Kansas City Chiefs
• Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State) – Cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs
• KhaDarel Hodge (Prairie View A&M) – Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
• Javon Hargrave (South Carolina State) – Defensive Lineman, Minnesota Vikings
• Elijah Williams (Morgan State) – Defensive Lineman, Minnesota Vikings
• Emanuel Wilson (Johnson C. Smith / Fort Valley State) – Running Back, Green Bay Packers
• Claudin Cherelus (Alcorn State) – Linebacker, Carolina Panthers
• Grover Stewart (Albany State) – Defensive Lineman, Indianapolis Colts
• Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt (Alabama State) – Running Back, Washington Commanders
• Brandon Codrington (North Carolina Central) – Defensive Back, Buffalo Bills
• Bhayshul Tuten (North Carolina A&T) – Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tytus Howard (Alabama State) – Offensive Lineman, Houston Texans
• Corey Bullock (North Carolina Central) – Offensive Lineman, Baltimore Ravens
• Kion Smith (Fayetteville State) – Offensive Lineman, Miami Dolphins
• Jamie Gillan (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) – Punter, New York Giants
• Trent Scott (Grambling State) – Offensive Lineman, Washington Commanders
• Torricelli Simpkins III (North Carolina Central) – Offensive Lineman, New Orleans Saints

The Bigger Picture

The continued presence of HBCU athletes in the NFL is bigger than football. Their success demonstrates the competitive level of HBCU programs and the commitment of players who often enter the league overlooked but not underestimated.

Players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, who once dominated at Jackson State, are carrying forward the legacy of HBCU excellence while inspiring younger generations. Veterans such as Javon Hargrave from South Carolina State and Grover Stewart from Albany State prove that longevity and leadership also run deep in HBCU DNA.

Every roster spot claimed is a win not only for the individual athlete but for their families, their universities, and the entire HBCU community.

Why This Matters

• Representation: HBCU athletes are showing the world that their talent and hard work are just as deserving as those from larger programs.
• Inspiration: Their stories encourage future HBCU athletes to dream bigger and push harder.
• Legacy: With every successful season, HBCUs reaffirm their historic role in producing NFL-caliber talent.

As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL season, the message is clear: HBCU athletes are here, and they are here to stay.