The fourth annual Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl kicks off today at 4 PM ET in New Orleans’ Yulman Stadium, featuring 105 draft-eligible stars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities battling for NFL attention. This year’s game – broadcast live on NFL Network – comes with heightened anticipation after three players from last year’s event signed active NFL roster contracts.
What Makes This Game Special?
Founded in 2022 by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, this showcase combines an NFL-style combine with live gameplay. For the first time, 10+ NFL general managers will attend in person to evaluate talent from conferences including the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, and SIAC.
Players to Watch
- Jada Byers (Virginia Union RB) – Two-time CIAA Offensive MVP who rushed for 6,080 career yards despite a 4.84-second 40-yard dash
- Irv Mulligan (Jackson State RB) – SWAC Offensive Player of Year who set school records with 1,245 rushing yards in 2024
- Elijah Williams (Morgan State DL) – MEAC Defensive POTY with program-record 31 career sacks
- Karon Prunty (NC A&T CB) – FCS All-American with 11 career interceptions
- Daniel Richardson (Florida A&M QB) – Threw 28 TD passes in 2024 season
Game Format & History
Teams are named after coaching legends Jake Gaither (Florida A&M) and Eddie Robinson (Grambling State). Team Gaither leads the series 2-1 after last year’s 10-6 defensive battle. This year’s coaching staffs include:
- Team Gaither: Chennis Berry (SC State) & Alvin Parker (Virginia Union)
- Team Robinson: T.C. Taylor (Jackson State) & Sam Shade (Alabama A&M)
Why It Matters
The Legacy Bowl has become critical for HBCU talent evaluation:
- 27 SWAC and 25 MEAC players participating – most ever
- 52 FCS vs 24 DII prospects – highest ratio since inception
- New partnership with Delta Airlines for player transportation
