Sports
Staying True: Ravens’ Carson Vinson Becomes NFL’s Lone HBCU Draft Pick in 2025 Without Transferring
By Jamison Hensley / ESPN | July 26, 2025
When Alabama A&M offensive line coach Markus Lawrence heard a knock at his office door, his heart often sank. Carson Vinson—6’7″, 314 pounds and loaded with raw talent—could have easily told him he was entering the transfer portal like so many other promising players from smaller programs chasing bigger opportunities.
But Vinson stayed.
And now, after four seasons at Alabama A&M, he stands alone as the only HBCU player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, taken in the 5th round by the Baltimore Ravens. Rather than chasing NIL deals or Power Five spotlight, Vinson chose loyalty, commitment, and the road less traveled.
“He could have left us and chased the money,” said Lawrence, now coaching at South Carolina State. “Instead, he chased commitment and loyalty.”
Despite being the only HBCU draftee, Vinson takes no pride in that statistic. He believes more HBCU talent deserved recognition and wants to use his success to inspire others to stay true to their path—even if that path doesn’t lead to a bigger-name program.
Vinson earned his shot by dominating at the Senior Bowl, including a highlight moment in a one-on-one drill against Bengals first-rounder Shemar Stewart. At the NFL Combine, he ranked among the top 15 offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (5.2), broad jump (9’3″), and three-cone drill (7.51).
Throughout the draft process, Vinson received messages from HBCU coaches, players, and fans across the country. The support reminded him that while HBCUs may be rivals on the field, the community is united in mission.
“We have our rivalries, but after we get past it, we’re all one big family,” Vinson said.
Vinson joins Cobie Durant (South Carolina State, 2022) as only the second HBCU player taken in the first five rounds over the past five years. ESPN’s Jordan Reid sees the transfer portal and NIL deals as ongoing barriers for players who stay at HBCUs to get noticed.
“It’s hard to blame them,” Reid said. “But it makes what Vinson did even more special.”
From Two-Star to Standout
Arriving in Huntsville, Alabama, in 2020 as a two-star recruit, Vinson didn’t initially impress Coach Lawrence.
“I didn’t think he was going to be tough enough,” Lawrence admitted. But during Vinson’s first practice, he demolished the starting defensive end in one rep. “I looked at Coach [Duane] Taylor and said, ‘Scratch that whole soft deal.’”
From there, Vinson emerged not only as a physical force but as a cerebral presence, famously carrying a chessboard to games and remaining undefeated against teammates.
“He’s our biggest, meanest, strongest guy — and he’s playing chess in the locker room,” Lawrence laughed.
Vinson’s breakout moment came in a 2023 matchup against Vanderbilt, proving he could handle FBS competition. Despite late recruiting interest from North Carolina, Vinson turned them down.
“They didn’t want me out of high school. I had a chip on my shoulder,” Vinson said. “I said, ‘I’m going to do it from the school that wanted me first.’”
The Ravens Take Notice
By the time he visited Baltimore, Vinson had already earned a reputation as a physical beast. But his handshake sealed it for GM Eric DeCosta.
“He almost broke my hand,” DeCosta joked. “When he left, I just said, ‘I’m good.’”
Baltimore’s offensive line coach George Warhop became one of Vinson’s biggest advocates, pushing hard for the team to draft him after watching him battle in Senior Bowl practices.
“He wasn’t perfect, but he competed,” Warhop said. “And there aren’t many guys built like him.”
Selected with the 141st overall pick, Vinson received the call from DeCosta and then a straight-shooting message from Warhop:
“Don’t let me down. I’m going to work the dog crap out of you.”
And Warhop has made good on that promise, delivering intense coaching and no-nonsense feedback from rookie minicamp forward.
“He just kind of looks at me and says, ‘Yes sir,’ and goes on and does what he’s supposed to do,” Warhop said. “We’re trying to get him up to speed fast—by any means necessary.”
Building Legacy, Not Just a Career
With Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten locking down the tackle spots, Vinson won’t need to play immediately. But the Ravens have a history of developing Day 3 linemen into starters, and Vinson could be next in line.
If and when his moment comes, Vinson plans to pay it forward. Inspired by Alabama A&M legends Robert Mathis and John Stallworth, he knows firsthand the value of representation.
“Seeing guys like Mathis in person makes the dream real,” Vinson said. “It’s not just about giving money — it’s about showing up.”
And that’s exactly what Carson Vinson plans to do — show up, stand tall, and lead the next generation of HBCU talent to believe that staying loyal can still lead to greatness.
On a chilly night at Xfinity Arena in College Park, MD, the Alcorn State Braves squared off against the University of Maryland Terrapins in a thrilling non-conference matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. While the Braves came up short against the Big Ten powerhouse, the game was full of heart, hustle, and moments of brilliance, showing why SWAC basketball continues to grow in talent and competitiveness.
Key Moments and Plays
From the opening tip, the Braves demonstrated defensive intensity. #1 Jameel Morris was a one-man highlight reel, electrifying the court with multiple standout plays:
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Steals and Corner Jumper: Early in the first half, Morris read Maryland’s offense perfectly, stole the ball, and drained a smooth corner shot, igniting the Braves’ bench.
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Driving to the Hole: Displaying speed and skill, Morris powered through defenders for a strong layup, showcasing his ability to attack the basket under pressure.
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Steal and Score: Morris continued to turn defense into offense, picking pockets and converting fast-break opportunities into easy points.
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Bounces Off Contact and Scores: Perhaps his most physical play of the night, Morris absorbed contact at the rim and still finished strong, earning a roar from Braves fans.
Supporting Morris were Travis Roberts (14 points) and Shane Lancaster (10 points), each contributing key buckets and energy off the bench.
For Maryland, Pharrel Payne led the Terrapins with 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Andre Mills (16 points, 8 rebounds) and Elijah Saunders (12 points) kept the team ahead, ultimately finishing with a final score of Maryland 84 – Alcorn State 64.
SWAC Pride on Display
Despite facing a Big Ten program, the Braves showed the grit, athleticism, and strategic mindsets that SWAC teams are known for. Under Coach Jake Morton, Alcorn State’s players exhibited discipline, teamwork, and moments of brilliance that remind fans of the talent emerging from HBCUs and the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Looking Ahead
While the Braves didn’t come away with the win, the performance of Jameel Morris and the energy from Coach Morton’s squad set the tone for the season. SWAC basketball continues to rise, and games like this against top-tier programs help put HBCU talent on the national radar.
Key Players:
Alcorn State Braves:
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#1 Jameel Morris – 22 points
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Travis Roberts – 14 points
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Shane Lancaster – 10 points
Maryland Terrapins:
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Pharrel Payne – 22 points, 7 rebounds
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Andre Mills – 16 points, 8 rebounds
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Elijah Saunders – 12 points
Final Score: Maryland 84 – Alcorn State 64
💜💛 Whether it’s Morris’ highlight-reel plays or the strategic leadership of Coach Jake Morton, the Braves proved that SWAC teams can compete with some of the best in college basketball. Stay tuned for more HBCU basketball coverage!
HBCU ORIGINAL
Bowie State Bulldogs 28, Lincoln University (PA) Lions 17 Lincoln, PA — Frank “Tick” Coleman Field
Location: Lincoln University, PA
Date: November 8, 2025
Game Summary:
Bowie State closed their 2025 season with a strong 28–17 road victory over Lincoln University (PA). After falling behind 14–0 early, the Bulldogs stormed back behind quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who accounted for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing.
Lincoln opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Rhyel Miles-Eubanks to Omarion Dupree, followed by a 1-yard TD run from Dexter Baptism to make it 14-0.
Bowie State responded before halftime when Witherspoon hit Xavier Belton on a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7. In the second half, Witherspoon tied the game with a 4-yard rushing TD and later connected with Raymon Lewis for a 51-yard strike to give Bowie its first lead. Micah Robinson sealed the win with a 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
📊 Team Stats
| Category | Bowie State | Lincoln (PA) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 312 | 389 |
| Passing Yards | 215 | 246 |
| Rushing Yards | 97 | 143 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 30:48 | 29:12 |
⭐ Top Performers
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Savion Witherspoon (BSU): 15/21, 215 YDS, 2 TD; 36 YDS rushing, 1 TD
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Xavier Belton (BSU): 26-yard TD reception
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Raymon Lewis (BSU): 51-yard TD reception
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Micah Robinson (BSU): 42 YDS rushing, 1 TD
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Samuel Graham (BSU): 13 tackles
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Rhyel Miles-Eubanks (LIN): 22/36, 246 YDS, 1 TD
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Omarion Dupree (LIN): 6 REC, 72 YDS, 1 TD
Final Record:
Bowie State finishes the 2025 season 3–7 overall (2–6 conference).
Lincoln (PA) closes out their campaign 0–10.
Final Score:
Delaware State Hornets 14 – Morgan State Bears 12
📍 Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD
🗓️ Friday, November 7, 2025
📺 ESPNU
In a tough MEAC battle under the Baltimore lights, Delaware State University held off a late surge from Morgan State to escape with a 14-12 victory.
Running back James Jones was the difference-maker, racking up 115 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, including a 68-yard dash in the first quarter that set the tone early.
The Hornets’ second score came in dramatic fashion — Jones fumbled at the goal line, but A. Francis recovered in the end zone for a Delaware State touchdown, giving them a 14-3 lead at the half.
Morgan State battled back with a pair of field goals from A. Amaya and a 67-yard touchdown run by Randall Nauden, but a failed two-point conversion left them short in the final minutes.
Defensively, Delaware State’s Jianni Woodson-Brooks led with 8 tackles, and Quincy Robinson added a clutch sack to help seal the win.
With the victory, Delaware State improves to 7-3 overall and 3-0 in MEAC play, staying firmly in the hunt for the conference title. Morgan State falls to 3-7 (0-3 MEAC) after a strong but incomplete comeback.
🔥 HBCU Original was on the ground capturing every moment — from the sideline intensity to the fan energy. Stay locked in for exclusive highlights, interviews, and all-access coverage from this MEAC rivalry matchup!
#HBCUOriginal #MEACFootball #DelState #MorganState #HBCUPride #CollegeFootball #DSU #MSU #HBCUSports #WeCoverTheCulture
BALTIMORE, MD — The Coppin State Eagles opened their 2025–26 men’s basketball season under the bright lights of CFG Bank Arena, taking on the University of Maryland Terrapins in a much-anticipated in-state showdown. Though the Eagles ultimately fell 83–61, the night was a showcase of heart, hustle, and promise for a young Coppin squad looking to make noise this season.
From the opening tip, Coppin came ready to compete. The Eagles matched Maryland’s energy early, trading baskets and pushing the pace behind Khali Horton, who led the way with 19 points, showing his ability to create shots and finish through contact. Coppin’s defensive intensity in the first half forced Maryland to work for every possession, keeping the game within reach before the Terps’ depth and size began to show.
By halftime, Maryland had built a 47–32 lead, powered by the hot shooting of Pharrel Payne and Darius Adams, who combined for 37 points. Still, Coppin refused to fold. Coming out of the break, the Eagles went on a 7-2 run sparked by Nhyier Bethea and Justin Winston, cutting the deficit and re-energizing the Baltimore crowd.
Throughout the second half, Coppin State continued to battle, showing flashes of what’s to come this season — active hands on defense, strong rebounding effort, and improved offensive movement. Head Coach Larry Stewart praised his team’s resilience, noting that early-season tests like this help build character and chemistry.
“We’re learning who we are,” Stewart said. “Playing a team like Maryland gives us the opportunity to see where we can grow, and I loved the effort our guys brought tonight.”
Maryland’s depth and shooting proved too much in the final stretch, but Coppin’s intensity and fight never wavered. Despite the scoreline, the Eagles’ energy on both ends of the floor stood out — a clear sign that this team plans to compete every night.
For fans and supporters, the game was more than just a season opener; it was a celebration of Maryland basketball and the continued rise of Coppin State’s program, representing Baltimore and the HBCU community with pride.
The Eagles return to action later this week, ready to build on the lessons learned from their season debut. With a roster filled with new faces and a commitment to growth, Coppin State’s future looks bright.
Final Score: Maryland 83, Coppin State 61
Top Performer: Khali Horton – 19 points
Next Up: Coppin State continues non-conference play before returning home to the PEC Center for their home opener.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — HBCU Original was live on the scene as the 2025 HBCU Football Classic brought the energy of the HBCU gridiron straight to Lincoln Financial Field. The matchup featured two Philadelphia legends — DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick — returning home as head coaches, leading Delaware State University and Norfolk State University in an unforgettable clash under the lights.
The crowd came early, the bands were loud, and the city showed up in full force. From the maroon and gold of Delaware State to the green and gold of Norfolk State, HBCU pride filled every corner of the stadium. It was more than football — it was a celebration of culture, community, and homegrown greatness.
The Game: Delaware State 27, Norfolk State 20
The action on the field didn’t disappoint. Delaware State’s balanced attack and fourth-quarter resilience lifted them over Norfolk State with a 27–20 victory.
Norfolk State quarterback Otto Kuhns showed off his arm early, connecting with wide receiver J.J. Evans for a 13-yard touchdown in the second quarter. But Delaware State responded — grinding the clock and leaning on the legs of running back James Jones, who powered through defenders for a 76-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
Jones finished the night with over 120 rushing yards, while Kuhns threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns for Norfolk State. Delaware State’s defense sealed the win, forcing a late turnover and holding off a final Spartan drive as time expired.
The victory pushed Delaware State to 6–3 overall (2–0 MEAC), while Norfolk State fell to 1–8 (0–2 MEAC) — but both teams walked off to roaring cheers from an HBCU-filled stadium that understood this moment was about more than records.
Philly Legends, HBCU Pride
For DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, the game was more than a sideline duel — it was a full-circle moment. Both coaches, products of Philadelphia’s football culture and NFL greatness, used the platform to shine light on HBCU football and inspire the next generation.
“It’s about giving back, showing these players they belong on any field in America,” Jackson told local reporters postgame.
“The love we get from Philly and the HBCU community — that’s what this is all about,” added Vick.
Fans echoed that sentiment. Between drumlines, step shows, and chants from alumni, the day felt like a homecoming festival meets playoff atmosphere.
The Culture Lives Here
HBCU Original was there to capture it all — from the tailgate parties outside Lincoln Financial Field to the electric halftime performances that had the crowd on its feet. The event proved once again that HBCU sports bring a cultural heartbeat no other stage can match.
As the lights dimmed and fans poured out onto the streets of South Philly, one thing was clear:
This wasn’t just another football game — it was a movement of pride, purpose, and progress.
📸 Stay tuned for HBCU Original’s exclusive interviews, photo galleries, and behind-the-scenes coverage from the 2025 HBCU Football Classic in Philadelphia.
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and hbcuoriginal.com for more highlights from across the HBCU Nation.
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