The Black College Football Hall of Fame just released its list of the top 50 candidates to win the Black College Football Player of the Year award in the upcoming 2025 HBCU football season.
With all the talent that encompasses HBCU football, there are naturally going to be players that will be snubbed.
Here are nine of the most notable omissions from the Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List.
Ashton Grable OL, Florida A&M
One of the top returning offensive linemen in HBCU football, Ashton Grable, has been a consistent performer for Florida A&M since transferring to the team in 2023. He has made each of the last two All-SWAC teams, including a first-team selection last season. Grable was also named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.
Noah Miles DL, Howard
Another player named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 list who was omitted from the Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List was Howard defensive lineman Noah Miles. The Bison defender compiled 35 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in what was a breakout 2024 campaign.
Israel Nwokocha DL, Benedict
One of the more underrated performers in HBCU football last season, Israel Nwokocha, will play a pivotal role in Benedict returning to championship form. Nwokocha will be a top contender for the SIAC Defensive Player of the Year award, having posted 39 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss (led SIAC), 9.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in 2024.
Bruno Onwuazor OL, Virginia State
Completing the hat trick of East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List selections that were snubbed in the Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List is Virginia State offensive lineman Bruno Onwuazor. The only Division II HBCU player named to the East-West Shrine Bowl list, Onwuazor was named the CIAA’s Offensive Lineman of the Year last season, helping the Trojans reach their first CIAA championship game since 2017.
Malcolm Reed DB, North Carolina Central
The 2024 season was kind to North Carolina Central defensive back Malcolm Reed, who was named to the All-MEAC First Team. Reed finished the year with 60 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups. The junior defensive back is one of two HBCU players to be named to this year’s Buck Buchanan Award Watch List.
Travis Terrell Jr. RB, Jackson State
Coming off a transcendent freshman season for the HBCU national champion Jackson State Tigers, Travis Terrell Jr. will be essential in the team’s quest for a repeat. Terrell was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year after leading the SWAC with 1,405 all-purpose yards and scoring six total touchdowns.
Davion Watkins DL, Livingstone
Davion Watkins was a significant contributor to Livingstone’s improved performance, finishing last season with a 6-4 overall record, marking their first season above .500 since 2015. Watkins produced 47 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, being named to the All-CIAA First Team.
Jamill Williams WR, Albany State
After redshirting in his true freshman season in 2023, Albany State wide receiver Jamill Williams did not take long to make an impact in his first taste of college football action. He led his team with 43 receptions for 648 yards and nine touchdowns, being named to the All-SIAC Second Team.
Tiant Wyche RB, Albany State
Finishing the list of notable Black College Player of the Year Watch List snubs is another Albany State star, Tiant Wyche, who established himself as a top all-purpose back in his freshman campaign. He recorded 1,229 all-purpose yards and six total touchdowns, winning the SIAC Freshman of the Year award and an All-SIAC Second Team selection.
