Here is a list of every HBCU football player drafted to the pros

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches on Thursday, many will be watching with cautious optimism, hoping to hear the name of at least one HBCU player. It’s a moment full of possibility but also grounded in reality.

In recent years, the draft hasn’t always favored HBCU athletes. And in some years, not a single name has been called.

Still, we hope.

The goal remains the same for those waiting for their chance: show up, stand out, and seize the moment when it comes.

In the meantime, here’s a chronological list of HBCU players who have been drafted into professional football across the All-American Football Conference (AAFC), NFL, AFL, and USFL, including some significant and historical draft moments for players coming from HBCUs.

Notable Draft Moments Regarding HBCU Players

• Paul “Tank” Younger (Grambling) became the first HBCU player to play in the NFL in 1949 with the L.A. Rams. (He was not drafted.)
• Bob “Stonewall” Jackson (North Carolina A&T) was the first HBCU player drafted in the NFL (1950)
• Charlie Brackins (Prairie View A&M) was the first quarterback from an HBCU drafted (1955)
• Roosevelt “Rosey” Brown Jr. (Morgan State) is considered one of the greatest “sleeper picks” in NFL history, drafted 321st overall and becoming a Hall of Famer
• Buck Buchanan (Grambling) was the first player from an HBCU selected #1 overall in a professional draft (1963 AFL Draft)
• Ed “Too Tall” Jones (Tennessee State) was the first HBCU player selected #1 overall in the NFL Draft (1974)
• Steve McNair (Alcorn State) was the highest-drafted offensive HBCU player at #3 overall in 1995

HBCU Players Drafted into the AAFC (All-American Football Conference)

HBCU Players Drafted into the NFL & AFL

HBCU Players Drafted into the USFL (2022–2023)