Division II HBCU Football: Offensive Stars to Watch in 2025
Division II football is loaded with offensive standouts who could easily make the case as the best across all levels of HBCU competition. As the 2025 season approaches, here are some names fans should be watching closely.
Quarterbacks to Know
Isaiah Knowles – QB, Albany State
Some argue that “Isaiah Knowles is not only the top returning quarterback in Division II HBCU football, but in HBCU football in general.” In 2024, Knowles ranked 12th nationally in passing yards per game (255.5) and tied for fourth in passing touchdowns (32). He had four games with at least 250 passing yards and four scores, twice doing so without a single interception.
Zy McDonald – QB, Clark Atlanta
Jackson State transfer Zy McDonald now carries the torch for Clark Atlanta after David Wright’s departure. McDonald flashed promise during his two years as JSU’s backup. In his first two appearances in 2023, he completed 71% of his throws for 222 yards, three touchdowns, and no picks. He also stepped up big when it mattered most, helping the Tigers win the SWAC title after Jacobian Morgan went down.
Darius Ocean – QB, Benedict
Benedict has its own transfer to watch in former Johnson C. Smith signal-caller Darius Ocean. Ocean led the Golden Bulls to their best start in program history last year, finishing with 2,301 yards, 16 touchdowns, and a 57% completion rate. In his first five outings, he averaged 245.2 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Running Backs on the Rise
Curtis Allen – RB, Virginia Union
Replacing a star isn’t easy, but Curtis Allen gets his chance after backing up two-time CIAA Player of the Year Jada Byers. Allen proved capable when called on, averaging 153 yards in two starts last season. He also rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns in Virginia Union’s playoff win over Lenoir-Rhyne.
Micah Robinson – RB, Bowie State
Bowie State’s Micah Robinson impressed as a freshman and is expected to take another leap in 2025. He finished with 656 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, and two receiving scores. Down the stretch, he averaged 128.8 yards per game over his final four contests, scoring all five of his rushing TDs during that run.
Tiant Wyche – RB, Albany State
Few freshmen made an impact like Albany State’s Tiant Wyche, who averaged 122.9 all-purpose yards per game with six total touchdowns. He was also the only freshman in Division II to finish inside the top 50 nationally in all-purpose yards.
Wide Receivers Making Noise
Brevin Caldwell – WR, Johnson C. Smith
With Johnson C. Smith’s passing game on his shoulders, Brevin Caldwell delivered. He accounted for 46% of the team’s receiving yards and scored the first six passing TDs of the season. Caldwell posted at least six catches and 90 yards in seven of 10 games, with five 120-yard performances.
Armone Harris – WR, Clark Atlanta
Clark Atlanta’s Armone Harris put together a dominant 2024 campaign, racking up over 1,000 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He set the tone early, opening the season with eight catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns.
Zyaire Tart – WR, Virginia Union
One of the CIAA’s most underrated playmakers, former Lincoln (PA) standout Zyaire Tart now joins Virginia Union. He tallied 1,166 all-purpose yards in 2024, including 697 on kick returns. His speed and versatility should give the Panthers’ championship hopes an extra boost.
Jaxon Williams – WR, Benedict
Benedict’s Jaxon Williams was a special teams star as a freshman, averaging 39.1 yards on 17 kick returns—second in the nation—and scoring twice. His explosiveness makes him a weapon every time he touches the ball.
The Bottom Line
Division II HBCU football is stacked with talent at every position. From proven veterans like Knowles to rising stars like Wyche and Williams, these players are set to light up the 2025 season. Keep an eye on them—because they might just define the future of HBCU football.
