In preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft, some of the best and brighest stars in HBCU football will have an opportunity to put their names on the map, showcasing their talents in the fifth edition of the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
In its five-year history, the HBCU Legacy Bowl has helped launch the pro careers of some of the top talents to participate in the exhibition.
Most notably, former Florida A&M wide receiver Xavier Smith, MVP of the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl, propelled his performance into an undrafted free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams. Also in the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl was Fort Valley State running back Emanuel Wilson, who eventually signed with the Green Bay Packers after making the most of his opportunity in that year’s NFL preseason.
Former North Carolina Central defensive back Brandon Codrington parlayed his performance into a contract with the Buffalo Bills. Former Morgan State defensive lineman found a spot on the Minnesota Vikings’ 53-man roster, playing a starring role in last year’s game.
These are just a few of the success stories that this year’s participants are hoping to replicate, finding their way on to NFL roster as well.
Here are some key names you will want to have an eye on in this year’s HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Offense
Walker Harris QB, North Carolina Central
We begin with arguably the top quarterback in this year’s game, reigning MEAC Player of the Year Walker Harris.
In each of his two seasons as the full-time starting quarterback at North Carolina Central, Harris was named to the All-MEAC team.
This includes a 2025 season in which he earned the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year award, setting a program record with 3,214 passing yards.
While Harris has shown an ability to make plays on the move or in the pocket, he, like every other quarterback in the draft, will need to they can command a huddle.
Curtis Allen RB, Virginia Union
Curtis Allen comes into the HBCU Legacy Bowl following what was a historic 2025 season, putting his name in the history books in his only year as Virginia Union’s full-time starting running back.
Allen set a CIAA record, rushing for 2,409 yards on 297 attempts and scoring 30 touchdowns (both led Division II). His dominant display led to him becoming the first HBCU player to win the Harlon Hill Trophy (the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy).
Some of Allen’s strengths that have led to his success include his size, strength, and quick burst. It also helps that he is patient in more ways than one.
The question he is looking to answer in this game and moving forward is how he will adapt to the speed and athleticism in the professional ranks.
Armone Harris WR, Clark Atlanta
Armone Harris is a proven big-play receiver who has shown he can carry the weight of an offense as the team’s number one option.
In his career, across stints with Allen and Clark Atlanta, Harris amassed 229 receptions for 3,085 yards and scored 34 touchdowns.
Skills that Harris possesses that will bode well in his bid for a career in the pros are adjusting to the football and making contested catches.
There is no questioning the talent of the Panthers’ receiver; he will have a nationally televised audience watching him go out and prove what he is capable of on Saturday.
Defense
Quincy Ivory DL, Jackson State
Quincy Ivory has the opportunity to add his name to the lineage of Jackson State players to make it to the NFL, beginning with this game.
Transferring to JSU from the University of Florida, Ivory was productive in his lone season with the Tigers, claiming the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Leading a Tigers defense that led the SWAC in scoring defense, Ivory compiled 71 total tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
Having entered the college ranks as a quarterback recruit, the Tigers defender has a decided advantage that most defenders don’t have: seeing the game from the perspective of arguably the most important player on the field.
Erick Hunter LB, Morgan State
Arguably, the most anticipated player participating in the HBCU Legacy Bowl is Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter.
Returning in 2025 after an injury-riddled 2024 season, Hunter picked up where he left off, posting a MEAC-leading 102 total tackles on his way to being named to the All-MEAC First Team.
His speed, matched by his relentless motor, makes him a highly sought-after prospect, with many experts raving about his potential at the pro level.
Chief among them is NFL Network analyst and former offensive lineman Brian Baldinger, who called Hunter “the best HBCU player out there right now” while breaking down his game footage ahead of his appearance in the American Bowl.
Carlos Dunovant DB, Morehouse
One of the more under-the-radar players in this year’s HBCU Legacy Bowl who has a great chance to make a name for himself is Morehouse defensive back Carlos Dunovant.
Dunovant was a bright spot for a promising Morehouse team, making his mark as a lockdown corner in the Maroon Tigers’ secondary. His best season came in 2024, recording three interceptions and four pass breakups.
The Morehouse defender is already making an impression at the Legacy Bowl practices, showcasing his great recovery speed and athleticism.
If the plays he is making in practice come anything close to his production come this Saturday, Dunovant will pique the interest of many pro teams looking to fill any needs in their secondary.
