The 2025 HBCU Superlative Awards were a significant occasion celebrated on December 8, recognizing outstanding athletes and coaches from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This annual event sheds light on the remarkable talents within the HBCU community, offering well-deserved recognition and a platform for these exemplary individuals.
Leading the accolades this year was Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body, who was named the Offensive Player of the Year. Body’s stats are impressive; he completed 113 of 160 passes for a remarkable 1,770 yards, throwing 20 touchdowns against just one interception. Additionally, his dual-threat capability shone through as he rushed for 518 yards, scoring four rushing touchdowns. This fifth-year junior began his collegiate journey at Texas Southern and has made a significant impact at Alabama State.
Another notable recipient was DeSean Jackson, the head coach of Delaware State, who was honored as Coach of the Year. Jackson, a former NFL All-Pro receiver with the Philadelphia Eagles, led Delaware State to an impressive 8-4 record this season. One of his team’s most noteworthy victories was against Norfolk State, where he faced off against his former teammate, the legendary Michael Vick, who now coaches there.
On the defensive side, Livingstone College’s edge rusher Kenyon Garner earned the title of Willie Davis Defensive Player of the Year. Garner’s performance this season was nothing short of remarkable; he ranks third in Division II with 14 sacks and leads the nation with 27 tackles for loss. His dominance on the field clearly set him apart from his peers.
Highlights of the 2025 HBCU Superlative Awards
- Offensive Player of the Year: QB Andrew Body, Alabama State
- Willie Davis Defensive Player of the Year: EDGE Kenyon Garner, Livingstone College
- Coach of the Year: DeSean Jackson, Delaware State
- Special Teams Player of the Year: NC A&T kicker Andrew Brown and Bethune-Cookman kick returner Javon Ross (co-winners)
- Impact Player of the Year: RB James Jones, Delaware State
- Rookie of the Year/Newcomer: Xzavier Jackson, Clark Atlanta
Spotlight on the HBCU All-America Team for 2025
This year’s HBCU All-America team showcases some of the finest talent in college football from the HBCU community. Here’s a closer look at the distinguished players selected for this prestigious team.
Offense
- QB: Andrew Body, Alabama State
- RB: Curtis Allen, Virginia Union
- RB: Marquis Gillis, Delaware State
- OL: Roger Smith, SC State
- OL: Elijah Barker, Alabama State
- OL: Trevon Humphrey, North Carolina Central
- OL: Isaiah Cook, Delaware State
- OL: Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith
- OL: Calvin McMillian, Prairie View A&M
- TE: Travaunta Abner, Alabama A&M
- WR: Jalen Jones, Alabama State
- WR: DeAndre Proctor, Johnson C. Smith
Defense
- DL: Ckelby Givens, Southern
- DL: Quincy Ivory, Jackson State
- DL: Michael Lunz II, South Carolina State
- DL: Kenyon Garner, Livingstone
- LB: Erick Hunter, Morgan State
- LB: Domonique Davis II, Central State
- LB: Brian Bates, Delaware State
- LB: Danarius Hillard, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
- DB: Ta’Shaun Sims, Alabama State
- DB: Jelani Vassell, North Carolina Central
- DB: Jarod Washington, South Carolina State
- DB: Travor Randle, Prairie View A&M
Specialists
- P: Max Tulen, Bethune-Cookman
- PK: Andrew Brown, North Carolina A&T
- PR: Zaire Tart, Virginia Union
- KR: Javon Ross, Bethune-Cookman
- RS: Kieren Jackson, Edward Waters, Jr.
- RS: Elijah Kennedy, North Carolina A&T
In sum, the HBCU Superlative Awards not only acknowledge individual achievements but also celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie within the HBCU football ecosystem. These awards bring to light the immense talent that exists within these institutions, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for excellence.