The countdown to the start of the 2026 HBCU football season wages on with Black College Football Hall of Fame’s announcement of the Black College Football Player of the Year watch list.
This award has been a showcase of the wide range of talent in HBCU football, with a Division II player taking home the honor in each of the past two seasons.
There is certainly enough talent to go around for a three-peat, with 16 Division II players featuring on the Black College Player of the Year watch list.
Here are 5 Division II stars that have the best chance of continuing the trend of Deacon Jones trophy winners.
Darius Cyprian WR, Kentucky State
In the midst of a historic 2025 campaign for the Kentucky State Thorobreds, in which they clinched their first Division II playoff appearance in school history, was a breakout performance from wide receiver Darius Cyprian.
Cyprian finished the year with 907 receiving yards on 43 receptions, scoring eight touchdowns (all ranking second in the SIAC).
His 254-receiving yard performance against Clark Atlanta was the second-highest individual single-game performance in all of Division II football last season.
As Kentucky State’s rise to contention continues, Cyprian will be a big part of that which could lend to him being a top candidate for the Deacon Jones trophy.
Xzavier Jackson QB, Clark Atlanta
Speaking of players who made their introduction to HBCU football last season, none were more unexpected than that of Clark Atlanta quarterback Xzavier Jackson.
With injuries to the Panthers’ quarterback room calling for him to step on the field, the then freshman made the most of his opportunity, being named the SIAC’s Newcomer of the Year.
He made an immediate first impression in relief of Zy McDonald against Allen, recording 244 passing yards on 15-of-23 passing, scoring four touchdowns with no interceptions.
This carried over into his first career start against eventual SIAC runner-up Benedict, throwing for 388 yards (his first of three 300-yard games) and three touchdowns.
With Clark Atlanta entering the season under new head coach Terry Sims, this could be an opportunity for Jackson to make an impact in his first full season as the team’s starter.
Rahsaan Matthews QB, Virginia State
Another quarterback who introduced himself to HBCU football with a spectacular freshman season is Virginia State star Rahsaan Matthews.
Like Jackson, the Trojans’ made his mark out the gate, recording a season-high 343 passing yards on 78% completions and scored two touchdowns in the team’s season opener against Barton.
He continued his momentum for the remainder of the season, averaging 236.1 passing yards per game with 20 touchdowns.
In what will in all likelihood be a strong bounce back year for Virginia State, Matthews will be a legitimate Black College Football Player of the Year candidate.
Bobby Smith RB, Johnson C. Smith
Johnson C. Smith’s bid for a CIAA championship repeat will hinge in large part on the development of reigning CIAA Freshman of the Year Bobby Smith.
Smith finished second in the conference with 1,042 rushing yards on 236 attempts, scoring nine touchdowns.
This included a strong end to the regular season in which he averaged 126.3 rushing yards per game and scored four touchdowns in the final three games.
With almost an entirely different offensive unit entering the 2026 season, Smith will have an opportunity to be the focal point of the Golden Bulls’ offense, lending himself to being in the discussion for postseason honors.
David Smith RB, Benedict
Another team that went through wholesale changes during the offseason was Benedict, with the offense accounting for a majority of its turnaround.
The Tigers lost its leading passer, rusher, and receiver from last season to either graduation or the transfer portal, meaning they will be looking elsewhere for someone to continue their ascent into the championship picture.
One player who will see an increased role that could have an impactful breakout season is running back David Smith.
Smith was solid for the Tigers as a backup running back in 2025, averaging 5.0 yards per carry on 105 attempts, and scoring three touchdowns.
