The Division II ranks stocked with offensive talent that could lay claim to being the top in HBCU football at all levels at their respective position.
Here are some names fans should have their eye on entering the 2025 season.
Isaiah Knowles QB, Albany State
An argument could be made that Isaiah Knowles is not only the top returning quarterback in Division II HBCU football, but in HBCU football in general. Last season, Knowles ranked 12th in the country in passing yards per game (255.5) and tied for fourth in passing touchdowns (32). This included four games with at least 250 passing yards and four touchdowns, two of which he did without throwing an interception.
Zy McDonald QB, Clark Atlanta
The man tasked with filling the void left by David Wright’s departure is Jackson State transfer Zy McDonald. McDonald showed great some promise in his two seasons as a backup quarterback for Jackson State. His first two games at JSU in 2023 saw him throw for 222 yards on 71% completions with three touchdowns and no interceptions. McDonald famously helped the Tigers bring home the SWAC championship last year, filling in for Jacobian Morgan after he went down with an injury.
Darius Ocean QB, Benedict
Another transfer looking to make an impact in the SIAC is former Johnson C. Smith quarterback Darius Ocean. Ocean had a strong, efficient performance for the Golden Bulls last season, resulting in the school’s best start in program history. He finished the year with 2,301 passing yards on 57% completions and 16 touchdowns. Through his first five games, he averaged 245.2 passing yards per game and scored 10 touchdowns without an interception.
Curtis Allen RB, Virginia Union
Zy McDonald is not the only person tasked with filling in for a transcendent offensive talent as that will also be the reality of Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen. After playing the role of backup to two-time CIAA Player of the Year Jada Byers, Allen will now get his shot at being the number one guy on the depth chart. In two previous starts in 2023, he averaged 153.0 rushing yards per game and scored two touchdowns. He also notably helped Virginia Union reach the Regional Finals of last year’s Division II playoffs, rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns in their second-round win over Lenoir-Rhyne.
Micah Robinson RB, Bowie State
After a strong freshman season for Bowie State, Micah Robinson is expected to take a leap in his sophomore campaign. Robinson rushed for 656 yards yards and five touchdowns while also scoring two receiving touchdowns. The Bulldogs’ back ended the season strong, averaging 128.8 rushing yards per game in his final four contests, scoring all five of his touchdowns on the year.
Tiant Wyche RB, Albany State
Speaking of HBCU running backs making an immediate impact in their freshman season, Albany State’s Tiant Wyche did that and then some. Wyche did it all for the Golden Rams, averaging 122.9 all-purpose yards per game and scoring six total touchdowns. He was the only freshman in Division II football last year to rank in the top 50 in all-purpose yards.
Brevin Caldwell WR, Johnson C. Smith
With the weight of Johnson C. Smith’s passing game on his shoulders, Brevin Caldwell made it look light as a feather. Caldwell accounted for 46% of the team’s receiving yards last season and scored each of the team’s first six receiving touchdowns. He recorded at least six receptions and 90 receiving yards in seven of 10 games, including five games with over 120 receiving yards.
Armone Harris WR, Clark Atlanta
Now on to the man that came fairly close to becoming Caldwell’s teammate, Clark Atlanta wide receiver Armone Harris. Like Caldwell, Harris finished the 2024 season with over 1,000 receiving yards, adding 14 touchdowns. From game one, the Panthers’ receiver showcased why he is one of the top receivers in Division II football, catching eight passes for a season-high 152 yards and three touchdowns.
Zyaire Tart WR, Virginia Union
Transferring to Virginia Union from Lincoln (PA) Zyaire Tart was one of the more underrated talent in the CIAA last season. Tart played a significant role in the Lions’ offense, compiling 1,166 all-purpose yards, including 697 kickoff return yards. Transitioning to a team with championship aspirations, it will be interesting to see how the rising junior adapts to his new surroundings.
Jaxon Williams WR, Benedict
Another top HBCU performer on special teams last year was Jaxon Williams, who established himself as a big-time playmaker as a freshman. Williams ranked second in the country with 39.1 yards on 17 kickoff returns and scored two touchdowns.
