Are HBCU Draft Prospects Being Overlooked? Media Coverage Says Yes

HOUSTON — The are nearly 50 HBCUs fielding intercollegiate football programs at all competition levels—including NCAA Divisions I and II, the NAIA, and key independent conferences. This weekend in Ashburn, VA, the NFL hosted the HBCU Showcase, where 48 HBCU and 11 International Player Pathway Pro Day prospects participated in rigorous drills, meetings, and interviews at the Training Center at Commanders Park.

Daniel Van Norton, NFL Director of Football Development, declared the showcase was about “combining the Pro Days for often overlooked players” and was designed to "create more value for these athletes.”

Pro football prospects ready themselves to be featured at 2026 HBCU Showcase!@hbculegends | #NFL | #HBCU | @wyche89 | @blacksportsinc | @HBCULegacyBowl | @BCFHOF | @ladylib1922 | @ErickHunter04 | @KC1400mg

The HBCU rundown: https://t.co/ZV8gEenfLY pic.twitter.com/UoF39PtHwv
— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) March 28, 2026

In recent draft cycles, highly talented HBCU players have often been overlooked. For example, Alabama A&M left tackle Carson Vinson was selected as the 141st overall pick in the 5th round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Out of 1,035 overall draft picks from 2022 to 2025, the six HBCU players drafted — Joshua Williams, Cobie Durant, James Houston IV, Ja’Tyre Carter, Isaiah Bolden, and Carson Vinson — represent just 0.58% of the draftees in that time period.

Building on this, former Jackson State and Colorado players, cornerback Travis Hunter (2nd overall pick) and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (144th overall, Round 5), were two notable HBCU alumni selected by NFL teams in 2025.

Yet, it is important to also recognize the contributions of running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt with the Commanders. Notably, all of these players who left HBCU programs to join Power 4 schools were considered as draft prospects.

Congrats to our client, Erick Hunter @ErickHunter04 on an exceptional performance at the HBCU Showcase. @MSUBearsFB pic.twitter.com/s2cAxaAEkC
— Rasheeda Liberty (Lady Lib Sports) (@ladylib1922) March 31, 2026

This highlights that, even after Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, draft analysts primarily viewed him as a Colorado product rather than a Jackson State one. Nevertheless, both Hunter and Sanders remain strong advocates for the foundational training they received at Jackson State under Coach Deion Sanders.

The evolution of the HBCU Combine further shows the shifting landscape. The event, which began in Birmingham in 2023, moved to open HBCU Legacy Bowl Week in New Orleans and has now relocated to Virginia, largely for logistical reasons: Mardi Gras limited accommodation and travel for scouts and officials, whereas the District of Columbia area offers three airports and ample hotels. According to Van Norton, Commanders Park is a “great place” for the HBCU Showcase.

A primary reason players are recognized by team officials is through the workouts and meetings. The direct player-to-scout interaction is invaluable. Instead of using local Pro Days as a vehicle to gather young athletes that scouts consider “draft worthy,” the challenge for HBCU players has been finding a way to do so. In this case, the HBCU Showcase resolves some of those issues.

Still, the NFL must find a way to be more inclusive, because there are several players who fall outside the NFL's scouts' checkboxes but can play football at a high level.

Media coverage also plays a critical role in this process. Chatter about players—through articles, video highlights, and interviews—serves as an important medium for HBCU athletes navigating the draft. This raises the question of who is being discussed among HBCU football standouts like Erick Hunter, JaCobian Morgan, and Jacorian Sewell, and what is being said about them.

Andscape's Mia Berry considers Erick Hunter as the "Most likely to be drafted, best defensive prospect, and best all-around performance" at the HBCU Showcase. NCCU running back Chris Mosley has the "best interview" while Alcorn State rusher, Jacorian Sewell, had the best offensive performance. FAMU's offensive lineman, Ashton Gable, left the event as a "fan favorite."

I constructed a heatmap using AI to showcase the following insights: The analysis revealed that media coverage of HBCU draft prospects is highly concentrated among a small group of star athletes. Several talented prospects from smaller HBCUs are receiving minimal national attention despite strong performances. This data underscores the need for a broader media focus to help level the playing field for underrepresented HBCU athletes.

Coverage heatmap — Jan 1 to Apr 1, 2026 · 57 articles · 13 outlet categories

HBCU Players Covered by media for 2026 NFL Draft | Credit: HBCU Legends

HBCU Players covered by media outlets and number of articles for the 2026 NFL Draft. | Credit: HBCU Legends

Here are a few interested sidenotes:

No articles from SWAC, SIAC, of CIAA, but the MEAC had 3 articles.

ESPN's Jordan Reid and CBS Sports analyst, Emory Hunt have written articles on their respective outlets. Also, Mia Berry (andscape, an ESPN affiliate) has articles on the NFL Draft prospects from HBCUs. FOX Sports and NBC have no HBCU coverage since Jan. 1.

🐻🏈🌟Erick "E40" Hunter Set for 2026 HBCU Showcase & International Player Pathway Pro Day

▶️ https://t.co/jhfB8HKYHu @NFL @BCFHOF @MEACSports | @UnderArmour #GoBears🔷🔶 pic.twitter.com/KLOhefPZVJ
— Morgan State Bears (@MorganStBears) March 24, 2026

Mentions Used for Heatmap

2026-01-05 · Morgan State Athletics

Hunter's All-American season continues at inaugural FCS Showcase in Nashville

2026-01-06 · MEAC (meacsports.com)

Hunter's All-American season continues at FCS Showcase — MEAC syndication

2026-01-16 · X (Twitter)

@TheAmericanBowl reveals 2026 American Bowl linebacker roster — Hunter listed for Team Warhawks

2026-01-21 · Morgan State Athletics

Unleash the Hunter: American Bowl impact incoming

2026-01-21 · SI / HBCU Legends

NFL draft steal: Morgan State LB Erick Hunter wows Baldinger & scouts at American Bowl

2026-01-21 · X (Twitter)

@BaldyNFL breakdown: "E40; the only HBCU player in Thursday night's All-American Bowl. Put E40 on your radar."

2026-01-27 · SI / HBCU Legends

East-West Shrine Bowl: HBCU coaches Berry, Gray, Flowers on staff

2026-02-04 · X (Twitter)

@MorganStBears posts Hunter's American Bowl highlights and Legacy Bowl selection clips

2026-02-05 · Andscape

Remember the names: top HBCU players in the NFL Draft run-up — Allen, Givens, Hunter, Ivory, Mosley, Grable

2026-02-10 · SI / HBCU Legends

No HBCU player on 2026 NFL Combine list — editorial on the systemic scouting gap

2026-02-11 · HBCU Gameday

No current HBCU football players invited to 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

2026-02-12 · X (Twitter)

@ladylib1922 — statement on HBCU absence from 2026 NFL Combine goes viral

2026-02-14 · HBCU Gameday

2026 HBCU Legacy Bowl rosters set: full team breakdown

2026-02-16 · Yahoo Sports

2026 HBCU Legacy Bowl rosters revealed — complete list and draft implications

2026-02-17 · SI / HBCU Legends

HBCU Legacy Bowl: creating opportunity 5 years later — impact, pipeline, what comes next

2026-02-17 · NFL.com

NFL Network "The Insiders" — Erick Hunter joins for exclusive interview 4 days before Legacy Bowl

2026-02-18 · X (Twitter)

@zachmckinnell: "Been super impressed with Morgan State LB Erick Hunter… His stock continues to 📈📈📈"

2026-02-19 · Morgan State Athletics

Four Bears headed to the national stage at HBCU Legacy Bowl (Feb. 21)

2026-02-19 · HBCU Sports

HBCU Legacy Bowl media day: scouts weigh in on Hunter, Ivory, Allen, Harris and Mosley

2026-02-20 · HBCU Sports

Players to watch in the 2026 HBCU Legacy Bowl — Hunter #1, full prospect guide

2026-02-20 · HBCU Sports

Draft prospects turned heads at HBCU Legacy Bowl practices — Hunter, Ivory, Mosley standouts

2026-02-21 · SI / HBCU Legends

HBCU Legacy Bowl: how to watch, key players & team rosters

2026-02-21 · Yahoo Sports

Where to watch HBCU Legacy Bowl 2026: channel, live stream, time, TV schedule, rosters

2026-02-22 · SI / HBCU Legends

Team Gaither edges Team Robinson in best-ever HBCU Legacy Bowl

2026-02-22 · HBCU Sports

HBCU Legacy Bowl: standout performances, rising stock, and NFL eyes watching

2026-02-22 · Instagram

@flyyboyy.ej Legacy Bowl game post; @HBCULegacyBowl IG recap tags multiple prospects

2026-02-27 · Andscape

The HBCU spirit lives at the NFL Combine — J'Mari Taylor (NCCU) and Kevin Coleman Jr. (JSU)

2026-02-28 · SI / HBCU Legends

Tennessee Titans honor franchise's 50+ all-time HBCU draft picks

2026-03-03 · HBCU Gameday

Post-Combine HBCU draft stock report — attention turns to March HBCU Showcase

2026-03-10 · SI / HBCU Legends

2026 HBCU NFL Draft tracker: team visits, Zoom calls, pro day invites

2026-03-17 · Andscape

Ahead of HBCU Showcase: every HBCU player with confirmed NFL team contact

2026-03-18 · Norfolk State Athletics

Spartans showcase talent at Norfolk State football Pro Day

2026-03-24 · Morgan State Athletics

Hunter set for 2026 HBCU Showcase & International Player Pathway Pro Day

2026-03-25 · HBCU Gameday

NFL HBCU Showcase 2026: players, format, pro day details

2026-03-25 · HBCU Sports

NFL to hold new draft prospect showcase for HBCU players — Hunter quoted: 'a premier stage'

2026-03-25 · X (Twitter)

@HBCULegacyBowl and @NFL announce full HBCU Showcase participant list

2026-03-25 · MEAC (meacsports.com)

MEAC announces 2026 HBCU Showcase participants — Hunter leads 11 MEAC representatives

2026-03-26 · MEAC (meacsports.com)

Hunter set for 2026 HBCU Showcase & IPP Pro Day — MEAC syndication

2026-03-26 · HBCU Sports

Jackson State's Quincy Ivory holds pro day ahead of HBCU Showcase

2026-03-26 · Washington Commanders

Commanders to host HBCU Showcase & IPP Pro Day at team facility

2026-03-29 · SI / HBCU Legends

NFL 2026 HBCU Showcase: dozens of prospects ready for pro football — Hunter No. 1 player to watch

2026-03-30 · X (Twitter)

Live Showcase dispatch: Hunter's bench reps (16), 40 split and measurements from Ashburn

2026-03-30 · Instagram

@flyyboyy.ej — Showcase workout day at Commanders facility

2026-03-31 · Andscape

HBCU Showcase puts prospects on scouts' radars before NFL Draft — Hunter leads

2026-03-31 · X (Twitter)

@BaldyNFL follow-up on Hunter's measurements and field performance