The 2025 HBCU Legacy Bowl has concluded, with Team Robinson winning 17-14 over Team Gaither in the fourth installment of the Black College Football all-star event.
Here are the five biggest takeaways from Saturday’s game.
Treqwan Thomas has a dominant performance
The biggest star from this year’s HBCU Legacy Bowl was Alabama State defensive lineman Treqwan Thomas, who was all over the field for Team Robinson.
Thomas was disruptive in every area of the field, being named the Defensive MVP after recording a game-high four sacks.
.@BamaStateFB DL Treqwan Thomas is feeling all the emotions after winning defensive MVP at the @HBCULegacyBowl 🥹 pic.twitter.com/y1ZUWyC7Lb
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 23, 2025
His tremendous motor skills and relentless pursuit of making a play showed that he has what it takes to succeed at the next level.
A performance of this magnitude could be what Thomas needed to put himself in position for an NFL training camp roster.
Daniel Richardson wins Offensive MVP
The top offensive performer from the game was Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson, taking home the game’s Offensive MVP.
Richardson showed great poise in the pocket, completing 9-of-12 pass attempts for 110 yards and a touchdown.
The FAMU quarterback’s vision was excellent, making the right reads and throwing with precision to the open receiver.
Jada Byers continues to build momentum
Virginia Union running back Jada Byers had a spectacular performance for Team Gaither, showing why he was named the Deacon Jones Trophy winner for the 2024 season.
Byers’ talents were on full display, making moves in open space, running through tackles, and creating big plays to keep possessions alive.
Jada Byers snatching ankles for Team Gaither @Jada_byers7 pic.twitter.com/bTj0U7E0PQ
— HBCU LEGACY BOWL (@HBCULegacyBowl) February 22, 2025
His best play came on a screen pass, in which he eluded multiple defenders in the open field, pushing forward for the first down.
This was the performance Byers needed to further improve his stock, putting his name among the top sleeper prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.
Draylen Ellis connected with Jalal Dean
The Tennessee State pass duo of Draylen Ellis and Jalal Dean was huge for Team Gaither, connecting to produce each of the team’s two touchdowns in the game.
Team Gaither is not done…
TD no. 2 for Jalal Dean 🔥
📺: @HBCULegacyBowl on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/5rMNJl133C
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 22, 2025
Dean was the top receiver of the game, catching a pass from all three Team Gaither quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Ellis showed his versatility by being able to throw from and escape the pocket to connect on big plays downfield.
There were defensive stars all around
Treqwan Thomas was not the only defensive star in this game. Several players on each side made an impact.
Team Gaither defensive lineman Isaac Anderson, in particular, made his presence felt in the second half, breaking up multiple plays in different areas of the defensive line.
Amon Scarborough seals the deal game clinching INT. Team Robinson defeats Team Gaither 17-14. #HBCULegacyBowl champions! @AmonSca14 pic.twitter.com/CZNmZrlMbH
— HBCU LEGACY BOWL (@HBCULegacyBowl) February 23, 2025
This included a goal-line drive in which he forced a sack and broke up a run play, helping to limit Team Robinson to a field goal attempt.
His teammate, Elijah Williams, overcame a slow start to make a big sack down the stretch.
In the secondary, North Carolina Central’s Kole Jones and Alabama State’s Amon Scarbrough each had interceptions, the latter securing Team Robinson’s win.
