Adjusting to the New Era of College Athletics: How HBCU Football Programs are Navigating NIL and the Transfer Portal

The landscape of college athletics is rapidly changing, and HBCU football programs are no exception. With the NCAA now allowing student-athletes to profit off their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal providing players with more flexibility in choosing their schools, coaches are adapting their recruiting strategies to stay competitive.

At the recent SWAC Media Day event in Birmingham, Alabama, coaches from various HBCU football programs shared their thoughts on how these changes are impacting their recruiting approaches. Southern head coach Terence Graves emphasized the importance of sticking to the traditional recruiting formula of high school, junior college, and transfers, while also acknowledging the need to adjust to the evolving landscape.

Florida A&M’s James Colzie and Jackson State’s T.C. Taylor highlighted the success of their programs in attracting top talent, with Colzie pointing to the Rattlers’ recent championship win as a key factor in their recruiting efforts. Meanwhile, Taylor emphasized the importance of selling the program to both players and their parents, ensuring that recruits understand the opportunities available to them at Jackson State.

First-year Alcorn State head coach Cedric Thomas emphasized the importance of earning NIL opportunities, prioritizing players who have contributed to the program over time. Alabama A&M’s Connell Maynor expressed concerns about the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on recruiting, noting the challenges of competing with Power 5 programs for top talent.

As HBCU football programs navigate this new era of college athletics, coaches are finding ways to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.