Elijah Williams Signs NFL Contract with Minnesota Vikings, Highlighting HBCU Football’s Rising Impact
Baltimore, MD – Elijah Williams, a dominant defensive end from Morgan State University, has made a significant leap from college standout to professional athlete by signing an NFL contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Williams’ impressive performance at the Baltimore Ravens’ Local Pro Day earned him a rookie minicamp invite with the Vikings, where he secured a spot on the team’s offseason roster. This milestone is a testament not only to his individual talent but also to the increasing influence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in shaping the future of professional football.
During his collegiate career at Morgan State, a key member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Williams established himself as one of the most formidable defensive players in the league. He finished his tenure with a school-record 31 sacks and 52 tackles for loss, accumulating 216 total tackles over 42 games. His senior year was particularly outstanding, with 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, earning him the 2024 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award and a finalist spot for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the top defensive player at the FCS level.
Williams’ path to the NFL was propelled by his standout showing at the Ravens’ Local Pro Day in Baltimore, a crucial event that offers regional prospects exposure to NFL scouts. Playing just minutes from Morgan State’s campus, he showcased a quick first step, relentless motor, and the kind of disruptive pass rush that made offensive linemen struggle to contain him. His performance turned heads around the league and led to the Vikings inviting him as a tryout player to their rookie minicamp in Eagan, Minnesota.
At the Vikings’ minicamp, Williams continued to impress coaches and staff with his work ethic and on-field impact, which earned him a coveted NFL contract. He joined the Vikings’ 90-man offseason roster and will compete throughout training camp and preseason games for a chance to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster or the practice squad. His journey reflects the wider narrative of HBCU athletes overcoming obstacles and proving that elite football talent thrives within these historic programs.
Morgan State, located in Baltimore, has a rich athletic tradition and is one of the flagship institutions in the MEAC. The Bears football team, along with other sports like basketball and track and field, has been a source of pride for the university community and the region. Williams’ success underscores the quality of coaching, development, and competition present at Morgan State and across HBCU conferences.
“The heart and hustle Elijah showed at Morgan State has translated perfectly to this next level,” said a Vikings coaching staff member. “He’s a competitor who never takes a play off, and that’s the kind of player we want on our team.”
Williams’ rise comes amid a renaissance period for HBCU sports, where increased attention, NIL opportunities, and enhanced scouting efforts are enabling more Black college athletes to gain national recognition and professional opportunities. His signing not only elevates Morgan State’s profile but also inspires current and future HBCU athletes who aspire to play professionally.
Morgan State also recently secured a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal for Williams with The Harbor Bank of Maryland, reflecting growing corporate investment in HBCU athletes and programs. This kind of support is helping to modernize the HBCU sports landscape and provide athletes with additional resources as they pursue their dreams.
Looking ahead, the Morgan State Bears are preparing for their upcoming season in the MEAC, aiming to build on the momentum of producing NFL-level talent like Williams. The program’s ability to develop players capable of excelling at the highest levels of football will be a key recruitment message as they compete against other top HBCU schools in football and beyond.
Elijah Williams’ journey from an undrafted player to an NFL signee is more than a personal victory—it is a symbol of the enduring excellence and potential within HBCU athletics. His story adds to the legacy of Black college sports, reminding the sports world that talent from historically Black institutions continues to make a profound impact on the game of football and American sports culture as a whole. As Williams embarks on his professional career, he carries with him the pride and history of Morgan State and the broader HBCU community.