Black College Football Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2025 WATCH LIST
Atlanta, GA (August 12, 2025) – The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) today unveiled the 2025 Watch List for the prestigious Black College Football Player of the Year Award, presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU). The recipient will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy, a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and leadership.
This year’s Watch List features 50 student-athletes representing programs across HBCU conferences: SWAC (18), MEAC (11), SIAC (10), CIAA (8), OVC (2), and CAA (1). Candidates were selected based on past performance and future potential, with additions possible as the season progresses.
Since its inception in 2016, the Award has honored some of the game’s brightest stars, including inaugural winner Tarik Cohen (North Carolina A&T/NFL), Amir Hall (Bowie State), Chris Rowland (Tennessee State/NFL), Aqeel Glass (Alabama A&M), Shedeur Sanders (Jackson State/NFL), Davius Richard (North Carolina Central), Jeremy Moussa (Florida A&M), and most recently, Jada Byers (Virginia Union) in 2024.
Four finalists will be announced at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The winner will be revealed during halftime of the 2026 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, and broadcast live on NFL Network.
“The Black College Football Player of the Year Award honors the talent, dedication, and spirit of today’s HBCU football players,” said Doug Williams, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. “These young men uphold a proud legacy and inspire future generations to dream bigger and aspire for greatness.”
“In HBCU football, no accolade carries greater meaning than the Deacon Jones Trophy,” added James Harris, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2012 Inductee. “Deacon’s greatness wasn’t just in his dominance on the field, but in the way he inspired others through leadership and integrity. His legacy continues to set the standard for Black College Football.”
About Deacon Jones
David “Deacon” Jones (South Carolina State/Mississippi Valley State) was one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. A six-time unanimous All-NFL selection, eight-time Pro Bowler, and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Jones remains a cornerstone of Black College Football history.
About the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl
The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, presented by the BCFHOF, is a postseason all-star game showcasing the top 100 NFL draft-eligible players from HBCUs. Beyond football, the week-long celebration in New Orleans includes the nation’s largest HBCU Career Fair, providing invaluable opportunities for students.
Learn more at www.HBCULegacyBowl.com or follow on social media @HBCULegacyBowl.
About the Black College Football Hall of Fame
Founded in 2009 by quarterback pioneers James Harris and Doug Williams, the BCFHOF is located at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. With 124 Inductees, the Hall preserves the history and celebrates the contributions of players, coaches, and contributors from HBCUs. The BCFHOF has awarded more than $450,000 in support to HBCUs and scholarships and leads initiatives including the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, the Ozzie Newsome GM & Quarterback Summit, and the BCFHOF Classic.
📍 Media Contact:
DEZ BARNES
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
MEDIA@PGLOVESPORTS.ORG
