HBCU Football Stars Earn Preseason Honors
Conference Standouts Recognized Ahead of 2025 Season
As the summer winds down, anticipation for the 2025 college football season is building. The preseason All-America team for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) was announced Tuesday, spotlighting top talent, including three athletes from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
Offensive Recognition
On the offensive side, wide receiver **Brevin Caldwell** of Johnson C. Smith University was named to the prestigious list. A 2024 First-Team All-CIAA selection, **Caldwell** earned his spot following a standout junior campaign for the Golden Bulls.
Defensive Standouts Emerge
Virginia State University’s defensive line also garnered attention, with linemen **Cameron Davis** and **KJ McNeil** both receiving honorable mention. Their recognition highlights the defensive prowess within the CIAA.
2025 HBCU Preseason All-America Team Announced
OFFENSE
QB: Jacobian Morgan, Jackson State
RB: Thad Franklin, Jr., Florida A&M
RB: Kevon King, Norfolk State
RB: Jacorian Sewell, Alcorn State
OL: Charles Davis, Florida A&M
OL: Ashton Grable, Florida A&M
OL: Trevon Humphrey, North Carolina Central
OL: Noah McKinney, North Carolina Central
OL: Korion Sharpe, North Carolina A&T
OL: D’Andre Townes-Blue, Jackson State
TE: Marvin Landy, Jackson State
WR: Brevin Caldwell, Johnson C. Smith
WR: Nathan Rembert, Jackson State
DEFENSE
DL: Bryce Cage, Grambling State
DL: Ckelby Givens, Southern
DL: Davion Westmoreland, Florida A&M
DL: Jeremiah Williams, Jackson State
LB: Stemarion Edwards, Alcorn State
LB: Erick Hunter, Morgan State
LB: Max U’Ren, North Carolina Central
DB: Camani Cobbs, Tennessee State
DB: TJ Huggins, Florida A&M
DB: Michael King Jr., Tuskegee
DB: Keane Lewis, Alabama State
DB: Malcolm Reed, North Carolina Central
DB: Jarod Washington, South Carolina State
SPECIALISTS
P: Gerardo Baeza, Jackson State
PK: Johnny Schifano, Grambling State
PR: Travis Terrell, Jackson State
KR: Travis Terrell, Jackson State
Honorable Mentions Showcase Depth
Additional players earning honorable mention include:
- TE: Luke Bracey, North Carolina Central
- OL: Tim Artis, Jr., Howard; Desmond Daniels, Alabama State
- WR: Joanes Fortilien, Jackson State
- DL: Ishaun Abdul-Ali, Howard; Cameron Davis, Virginia State; Xavier Esquillen, Savannah State; Dashawn Fields, Morgan State; Nay’Ron Jenkins, Florida A&M; Daylan Long, Norfolk State; KJ McNeil, Virginia State; Noah Miles, Howard; Israel Nwokocha, Benedict
- LB: Vincent Paige, Southern
- DB: Jadon Carter, Morgan State; Horacio Johnson, Southern; Antwone Watts, Bethune-Cookman
- P: Mark Shenouda, Tennessee State
- KR: Jaxon Williams, Benedict
- PR: Malique Leatherbury, Morgan State
The preseason honors reflect the significant talent pool within HBCU football programs as teams gear up for the upcoming season. For example, in the 2023 season, HBCU teams collectively achieved a winning record against FBS opponents, showcasing the rising competitiveness of these programs (ESPN).
