2026 NFL Draft: Senior Bowl Watch List Raises Concerns For HBCU Football Players

An argument could be made against the Senior Bowl scouts for not including at least one or two prospects from HBCUs. However, one may question whether the inclusion was necessary for C'Kelby Givens (Southern) and Erick Hunter (Morgan State). They are two of the more recognizable names, being honored as the SWAC and MEAC Defensive Players of the Year.

Last season, Alabama A&M's offensive tackle, Carson Vinson, landed on the Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List. Vinson became the only HBCU player drafted. The Baltimore Ravens selected him as the 141st pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The advent of NIL funding, combined with the NCAA transfer portal, has created numerous new opportunities for HBCU players. Many of our star athletes have already transferred to Power 4 teams or FCS programs that offer more resources.

In contrast to the Senior Bowl, the East-West Shrine Bowl's 1000 List included six players from the SWAC and MEAC:

• Florida A&M - Ashton Grable, OT (SWAC)

• Howard - Eden James, RB (MEAC), Noah Miles, EDGE (MEAC)

• Jackson State - Joanes Fortillen, WR (SWAC)

• Morgan State - Erick Hunter, LB (MEAC)

• Norfolk State - Kevon King, RB (MEAC)

• Southern - C'Kelby Givens, EDGE (SWAC)

Erick Hunter and C'Kelby Givens could strongly advocate for why a player from an HBCU deserves recognition. However, does this imply that unless an HBCU player has an outstanding season in 2025, they may not be drafted?

Have we done enough as HBCU coaches, conferences, sports information departments, and media to promote our student-athletes and ensure they receive national exposure among scouts and decision-makers?

Most people assume that professional league scouts recognize and appreciate the talent present in Black football programs, given that events like the HBCU Combine and the HBCU Legacy Bowl serve as prominent platforms for the players.

Consider the case of undrafted rookie free agent Elijah Williams from Morgan State, who is impressing during this preseason with the Minnesota Vikings. His performance highlights that more can be done to market these young men and bring them to the attention of professional scouting departments.

The NFL stage is within reach for HBCU stars. Players like RB Ian Wheeler (Howard - Chicago), QB Shedeur Sanders (Jackson State/Colorado - Cleveland), and Rob McDaniel (Jackson State/Alcorn State - Washington), along with several other rookies and second-year players with HBCU ties, are making significant contributions during the NFL preseason.

As the new season kicks off on Saturday, we face an uphill battle. However, as these young student-athletes continue to develop, we — HBCU coaches, conferences, sports information departments, and media — must play our part in promoting their achievements through articles, broadcasts, and podcasts to advocate for them effectively.

Will our efforts succeed?

We shall see.