Potential HBCU NFL Draft Prospects for 2025

The 2024 NFL Draft may not have been kind to HBCU prospects, with no players selected during the 259-pick event, but there is hope on the horizon for the 2025 draft class. Several Black College football players are poised to make an impact and potentially hear their names called next year.

One standout prospect to keep an eye on is Malachi Bailey from Alcorn State. The defensive lineman is expected to be a frontrunner for the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, boasting an impressive stat line of 74 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 18.5 sacks in his two seasons with the team. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, Bailey has the size and skills needed to excel at the pro level.

Jada Byers from Virginia Union is another player to watch. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-7, Byers is a threat in the backfield and as a return specialist, showcasing his speed and playmaking abilities. With 1,186 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in a shortened 2023 season, Byers has the potential to make a big impact in the NFL.

Howard University also has two potential draft picks in Kenny Gallop and Kasey Hawthorne. Gallop, a defensive back, was a key player in Howard’s MEAC championship season, while Hawthorne, a wide receiver, has shown versatility and playmaking ability on the field.

Other players to watch include Terrell Allen from Tennessee State, Erick Hunter from Morgan State, Daniel Richardson from Florida A&M, and Elijah Williams from Morgan State. These HBCU standouts have the talent and potential to make waves in the 2025 NFL Draft, showcasing the depth and skill present in Black College football programs.