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.
Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 01:00 PM
Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the HBCU NY Football Classic returns to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025!
This premier HBCU football event in the Northeast promises heart-pounding action as Morehouse College takes on Howard University. Two of the nation’s most storied programs will clash on the gridiron, each vying for victory and bragging rights in front of thousands of passionate fans.
Fans can expect a full day of excitement, from pre-game festivities and marching band performances to halftime entertainment that celebrates HBCU culture and tradition. The rivalry is fierce, the stakes are high, and the energy in the stadium is bound to be unforgettable.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making at the HBCU NY Football Classic – where tradition, pride, and football excellence collide!
HBCU ORIGINAL
Dillard’s Davison, Wilberforce’s Howard, and Wiley’s Russell Claim Week 1 HBCUAC Cross Country Honors
NEW ORLEANS – September 2, 2025 – The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) announced its Week 1 cross country weekly awards, recognizing standout performances from August 25-31.
Women’s Honors:
Dillard University freshman Karlise Davison made a sensational debut, earning both Runner of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. Davison broke the Dillard four-kilometer school record, cementing herself as a rising star in the HBCUAC women’s cross country scene. Her record-setting performance has set high expectations for the season ahead.
Men’s Honors:
On the men’s side, Wilberforce University freshman Skyaqui Howard was named Runner and Freshman of the Week after leading the Bulldogs at the Wilberforce Invitational. In his first collegiate meet, Howard clocked 17:56.7, finishing seventh among 23 competitors from NCAA Division II and NCCAA programs.
Wiley University’s John Russell, a transfer from Ranger College, claimed Newcomer of the Week following his performance at Texas Christian University’s John MacKenzie Invitational. Competing against NCAA Division I athletes from TCU, Texas A&M, and Tarleton State, Russell completed the five-kilometer course in 19:38, showcasing his readiness to contribute at the HBCUAC level.
Additional men’s weekly nominees included Quante Ferguson (Talladega), Javoun Goldsby (Wiley), Earl Hurd Jr. (Wiley), Phillip Isaac (Dillard), and K’Mon Washington (Dillard), highlighting the depth of talent across the conference.
The HBCUAC continues to spotlight emerging athletes and exceptional performances in cross country, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College football team has secured the No. 9 spot in this week’s HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll, powered by BOXTOROW.
The Tigers climbed into the rankings after opening their season with a 10-0 shutout victory over Fayetteville State on Saturday. They earned 36 points in voting from the panel of 18 Division II HBCU head coaches.
Virginia Union holds steady at No. 1 in the poll, with Benedict standing as one of six SIAC programs featured in the top 10.
Benedict will have a bye this week before returning to action on Sept. 13, when they travel to face Central State.
Now in its fourth year, the HBCU Division II Coaches Poll is administered by BOXTOROW and determined solely by votes from Division II HBCU head coaches.
2025 HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll – Week 1
(Records through August 31, 2025)
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Virginia Union (15) – 1-0 – 175 pts – Preseason: 1
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Johnson C. Smith (1) – 1-0 – 153 pts – Preseason: 2
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Albany State (2) – 1-0 – 146 pts – Preseason: 3
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Virginia State – 1-0 – 129 pts – Preseason: 5
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Tuskegee – 1-0 – 99 pts – Preseason: 6
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Clark Atlanta – 0-1 – 86 pts – Preseason: 4
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Edward Waters – 1-0 – 42 pts – NR
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Winston-Salem State – 0-1 – 38 pts – Preseason: 7
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Benedict – 1-0 – 36 pts – NR
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Fort Valley State – 0-1 – 35 pts – Preseason: 9
Others receiving votes: Kentucky State (1-0) 21, Miles (0-1) 9, West Virginia State (0-1) 6, Allen (0-1) 5, Livingstone (0-1) 5, Savannah State (0-1) 4.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, long recognized for his support of HBCUs, is once again spotlighting Black college athletics with the Chris Paul HBCU Classic. In partnership with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, this year’s Classic will be held in Atlanta at the Gateway Center, running from December 18–19.
“As the support for HBCU basketball continues to grow, I’m excited to provide this year’s teams an opportunity to showcase their talent,” Paul said. “The HBCU Classic allows these players and their schools to receive well-deserved recognition on a national platform. I am grateful for the commitment from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and our partners in supporting the development of HBCU basketball.”
John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, echoed Paul’s excitement: “Chris Paul’s dedication to elevating HBCU student-athletes is inspiring. We are proud to stand alongside him and look forward to bringing eight programs and their fans together under one roof this December.”
The Classic will feature programs from the SWAC, MEAC, SIAC, CIAA, and Hampton University from the CAA, creating a unique showcase of HBCU basketball talent. Coaches from across the participating schools praised the opportunity:
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Hampton’s Ivan Thomas called it “a celebration of our culture, our history, and our future.”
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Jackson State’s Mo Williams noted, “It’s always great to highlight HBCU talent on a national stage.”
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Norfolk State’s Robert Jones emphasized, “We put our undefeated record on the line in this event.”
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Grambling State’s Patrick Crarey II said, “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the tradition and talent of HBCU basketball.”
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Coaches from Fayetteville State, Lincoln (PA), Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta all expressed gratitude to Paul for creating a platform that goes beyond basketball.
Game Schedule
Thursday, December 18
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11:00 AM – Clark Atlanta vs. Lincoln (PA)
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1:30 PM – Fayetteville State vs. Morehouse
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5:00 PM – Jackson State vs. Hampton
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7:30 PM – Grambling State vs. Norfolk State
Friday, December 19
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11:00 AM – Lincoln (PA) vs. Morehouse
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1:30 PM – Clark Atlanta vs. Fayetteville State
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5:00 PM – Hampton vs. Grambling State
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7:30 PM – Jackson State vs. Norfolk State
The event not only celebrates basketball but also showcases the culture, pride, and excellence of HBCUs on a national stage.
The post “Chris Paul brings HBCU Classic to Atlanta” appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Campus
Delaware State Hornets vs Delaware Blue Hens | DeSean Jackson’s Coaching Debut & FBS Era Begins
NEWARK, Del. – All eyes will be on Delaware Stadium Thursday night as Delaware State University, one of the MEAC’s proud HBCUs, takes the field against in-state rival Delaware in the season opener. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the Hornets aiming to make a statement against a Blue Hens program stepping onto the FBS stage for the first time.
The Hornets enter a new era under head coach DeSean Jackson, the three-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver making his college coaching debut. Jackson, who brings star power and energy to Dover, has also brought in big names to his staff, including former NFL running back Clinton Portis as RB coach.
On offense, Delaware State will look to transfer talent to spark a turnaround. Kaiden Bennett (Sacramento State) leads the quarterback competition, joined by Maryland transfer Jayden Sauray and veteran Marqui Adams. The Hornets’ challenge is steep—they’ve won just two games in the past two seasons—but with new leadership and fresh fire, this opener represents a chance to reset the program’s direction.
Meanwhile, Delaware’s Blue Hens have the spotlight as they begin life in Conference USA and at the FBS level. Head coach Ryan Carty has an impressive track record, going 22-1 in home openers as both a player and coach. The Hens return experience on both sides of the ball, including QB Nick Minicucci, WR Ja’Carree Kelly, and defensive standouts Jack Hall, Gavin Moul, and Hasson Manning Jr.
But make no mistake—the story Thursday night is bigger than a debut. It’s about Delaware State stepping onto the state’s biggest stage with new leadership, looking to shock their rival and show what HBCU football can do against an FBS opponent. For the Hornets, a win wouldn’t just be an upset—it would be a program-changing moment.
Fans can secure tickets at BlueHens.com/fbtickets to witness history unfold in Newark.
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