2025 HBCU NFL Draft Watch: Top 10 Prospects to Know
The 2025 college football season is almost here, and HBCU play kicks off with the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Saturday night, as North Carolina Central faces Southern at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN App).
The NFL has been making a bigger push to showcase players from historically Black colleges and universities, creating events like the HBCU Legacy Bowl and the Reese’s Senior Bowl HBCU Combine to give more exposure. After no HBCU players were drafted in 2024, Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson changed that trend in 2025 when the Baltimore Ravens picked him in the fifth round — the highest HBCU selection since Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State, Chiefs) and Cobie Durant (South Carolina State, Rams) in 2022.
So who’s next in line? After conversations with coaches, scouts, and evaluators this summer, here’s a look at the Top 10 draft-eligible HBCU prospects for 2026.
1. Bruno Onwuazor, OT, Virginia State
- HT/WT: 6-7, 351 | Class: RS Senior
Onwuazor climbed from No. 8 on last year’s list to one of the most-watched HBCU linemen in the country. The 2024 CIAA Offensive Lineman of the Year has NFL scouts impressed with his size and mobility.
“I don’t think he’s quite as polished with his hands as [Carson] Vinson from last year, but he’s a better overall athlete,” said an AFC scout. “I went to a practice earlier this year and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone took a chance on him late.”
Originally a basketball player from Nigeria, Onwuazor walked on at Maryland before transferring to Virginia State. With an 86-inch wingspan and rare athleticism, he could follow Vinson’s path into the fifth-round conversation next April.
2. Joanes Fortilien, WR, Jackson State
- HT/WT: 6-4, 212 | Class: RS Junior
Fortilien is the go-to weapon for a Jackson State squad chasing back-to-back HBCU national titles. He posted 41 catches, 627 yards, and 11 touchdowns last season, often overwhelming defenders with size and physicality.
“I watched him in the bowl game and [South Carolina State] had no answer for him,” one AFC scout said. “Speed will be the big question … but I liked his hands, frame and mentality.”
Scouts want to see him expand his route tree, but his red-zone dominance makes him a legitimate draftable receiver.
3. Erick Hunter, LB, Morgan State
- HT/WT: 6-3, 218 | Class: RS Senior
Hunter missed nearly all of 2024 with injury but returns healthy and ready to anchor the Bears’ defense. In 2023, he led the MEAC with 75 tackles, adding 9.5 tackles for loss.
“His range and ability to cover ground really stand out,” said a Northeast scout. “I believe he’s one of those guys that could shine in someone’s camp next fall.”
A versatile linebacker with strong instincts, Hunter could play his way onto NFL radars again if he bounces back to 2023 form.
4. Ashton Grable, OL, Florida A&M
- HT/WT: 6-3, 306 | Class: RS Senior
After transferring from Jacksonville State, Grable became a dominant force inside for FAMU. With 25 career starts, he’s known for his powerful hands, steady base, and ability to move defenders.
Scouts project him as an interior lineman — potentially a center — at the next level. He’s viewed as a priority free agent but could rise with another strong season.
5. Ckelby Givens, Edge, Southern
- HT/WT: 6-2, 245 | Class: Senior
Givens exploded late in 2024, racking up 27.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, including a monster performance vs. Prairie View A&M.
With quickness and violent hands, he’s a nightmare for linemen. However, scouts want him to improve against the run.
Despite size concerns, his pass-rushing numbers make him hard to overlook. Givens projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the pro level.
6. Noah Miles, Edge, Howard
- HT/WT: 6-3, 250 | Class: Senior
Miles was a rare bright spot for Howard in 2024, posting 11.5 TFLs and 8 sacks. Scouts love his length and deep pass-rush arsenal, but they want to see more consistency against bigger competition.
Week 2 vs. Temple will be a key measuring stick.
7. Jeremiah Williams, DT, Jackson State
- HT/WT: 6-2, 315 | Class: RS Senior
Williams had a disruptive 2024 season with 50 tackles, 11 TFLs and 7 sacks. While he’s versatile enough to play inside or on the edge, scouts believe his NFL future is at 3-technique DT.
He’s viewed as a late-round hopeful with upside if he improves at creating quick wins in the trenches.
8. Kevon King, RB, Norfolk State
- HT/WT: 5-10, 221 | Class: Senior
King was a workhorse in 2024, rushing for 944 yards and 10 touchdowns at nearly six yards per carry. With Michael Vick now leading the Spartans, King should attract more attention.
Scouts want to see him used more in the passing game (14 career catches), but his physicality and balance make him a name to watch.
9. Malcolm Reed, S, North Carolina Central
- HT/WT: 6-3, 180 | Class: Senior
Reed emerged as a star in 2024 with 60 tackles, 11 PBUs and 2 interceptions. At 6-3, his range and versatility allow him to line up all over the secondary.
“Trusting what his eyes see in coverage, Reed is quick to react,” one evaluator noted. His combination of size and instincts could elevate him on draft boards this year.
10. Eden James, RB, Howard
- HT/WT: 5-10, 180 | Class: Senior
The son of Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, Eden is ready to break out after flashing explosiveness in 2024 with 570 total yards on limited touches.
Now Howard’s featured back, James is expected to be a major weapon for a MEAC contender. If he lives up to the hype, he could boost his stock beyond the undrafted range.
