The 2025 NFL Draft may have ended, but the journey is just beginning for several standout HBCU athletes. While many went undrafted, they quickly turned heads in free agency, earning opportunities to prove themselves at the next level.
HBCU Stars Signing NFL Deals: Undrafted Free Agents from 2025 Draft Class
When the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up, the spotlight didn’t fade for talented athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Instead, many found their NFL dreams continuing through undrafted free agent deals. This year’s crop of HBCU talent signing with NFL teams shows how much these programs continue to grow in recognition.
Though draft day didn’t call many HBCU players’ names, the days followed saw phones ringing with life-changing opportunities as teams scrambled to sign the best available talent.
The defensive back position has been a particular strength for HBCUs this year. Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, who started at Jackson State before heading to Colorado, landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His reputation as a hard-hitter could make him a fan favorite in Duval County.
Meanwhile, Florida A&M’s Kendall Bohler is taking his coverage skills to Denver. Jackson State’s Robert McDaniel will try to crack Washington’s lineup with his ability to play safety and corner.
The most recognizable name might be Shilo Sanders, who signed with Tampa Bay after stints at Jackson State and Colorado. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders earned second-team All-SWAC honors during his Jackson State days and now gets his shot at creating his own NFL legacy.
On the offensive side, North Carolina Central’s Joaquin Davis brings his reliable hands to the Broncos’ receiver room. His teammate, offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins, is headed to New Orleans, while North Carolina A&T’s Jason Ivey will compete for a spot on Cleveland’s offensive line.
The Growing Pipeline: HBCU to NFL Pathway in 2025
What we’re seeing in 2025 is no accident. This results from increased NFL scouting attention at HBCU programs and the continued development of pro-ready talent in these schools.
Several players who started at HBCUs before transferring also earned NFL opportunities. Devontae Davis (Jackson State/Florida Atlantic) signed with Indianapolis, Kisean Johnson (Alabama State/Western Kentucky) joined Baltimore, and Da’Quan Felton (Norfolk State/Virginia Tech) landed with the Giants.
Not everyone received full contracts—North Carolina Central’s Quantez Mansfield and Howard’s Robert Jones III earned minicamp invitations, which still gives them a chance to impress coaches and scouts.
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For these athletes, the journey is just beginning. As training camps approach, they’ll fight to convert these opportunities into roster spots, carrying with them personal dreams, the pride of their HBCU communities, and the hope of inspiring the next generation of players from these historic institutions.
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