Rising Stars, New Arenas: HBCU Athletes Powering Major Sports Beyond the Gridiron and Hardwood
From Track Legends to Motorsport Phenoms, the HBCU Athletic Legacy Expands in Unprecedented Ways
Eugene, Oregon – As the sun sets on another spring, the attention of HBCU sports fans is fixed not only on the traditional powerhouses of football and basketball but on a dynamic, ever-expanding athletic landscape. Today’s storylines feature breakthrough performances across the board—from the roaring engines of NASCAR to the grit of relay exchanges on the track, and from the baseball diamond to the gridiron battles in spring leagues.
The biggest headline of the day shines on Rajah Caruth, a rapidly rising NASCAR driver whose profile is soaring with support from actress Marsai Martin. Caruth, whose racing journey began in virtual simulators and has already rewritten the history books as the first African American to win a late model race at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, connects the worlds of sports and entertainment in a way that has not been seen before in Black college athletics. While Caruth himself is not an HBCU athlete, his growing relationship with Marsai Martin—who is deeply admired within HBCU circles—adds a spotlight to the broader impact of HBCU culture on American sports. His story, featured prominently in recent coverage, is emblematic of how HBCU ethos—hard work, breaking barriers, and community support—resonates beyond campus borders[7].
Meanwhile, on the track, HBCU athletes are making headlines with their performances at the NCAA Division I, II, and NAIA Championships. In the Division I realm, multiple HBCU sprinters and relay teams have advanced to the finals at Hayward Field in Eugene, showcasing the depth and quality of Black college track programs. Notably, all three HBCU sprinters in the men’s 400-meter hurdles at the regional meet ran the top three times, guaranteeing their place in the finals—a historic first for the current generation of HBCU track athletes[3]. These achievements highlight a growing trend: HBCU track and field is no longer just a training ground but a launching pad for national and even international competition.
The momentum is just as strong in Division II and NAIA competitions. At the recent NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Pueblo, Colorado, Johnson C. Smith’s Tyson Williams placed third in the men’s 200-meter dash, while Lincoln (Mo.) claimed national titles and hosted relay teams that swept both indoor and outdoor seasons[2][8]. On the women’s side, Claflin and Bowie State athletes made impressive showings, with Claflin’s Jaevon Riley taking second in the 400-meter hurdles and Bowie State’s Yassine Kamara finishing third in discus. In the NAIA, Dillard University and Voorhees University athletes stood on the podium in the sprints and jumps, further demonstrating the widespread excellence across HBCU track and field programs[8].
Beyond the track, HBCU alumni are carrying the tradition forward in professional spring football leagues. Former HBCU football stars are now key contributors in the XFL, CFL, and USFL, with numerous athletes playing pivotal roles in playoff and championship games. The XFL Championship features HBCU players on both teams, including Chris Rowland (Tennessee State), Darius Hagans (Virginia State), and Willie Drew (Virginia State) for the Defenders, while Jarveon Howard of Alcorn State represents the Battlehawks[6]. The USFL Conference Championship in Birmingham sees HBCU standouts like Armani Taylor-Prioleau (South Carolina State) and Lachavious Simmons (Tennessee State) on the Stallions’ roster. These athletes are not just participants but difference-makers, proving that the HBCU football pipeline remains as strong as ever.
Baseball and softball are also gaining momentum, with national exposure during All-Star weekend events putting Black college athletes on a larger stage. The ongoing baseball season has seen Grambling State and Talladega College emerge as top contenders in their respective divisions, reflecting the strength and competitiveness of HBCU baseball. “Our players know the history they’re making,” said one anonymous HBCU baseball coach. “Every time they take the field, they’re representing something bigger than themselves—their school, their family, and the legacy of those who came before them.”
Historically, HBCU sports have been defined by legendary rivalries, iconic bands, and homecoming traditions that are unmatched in collegiate athletics. Rivalries like Florida A&M versus Bethune-Cookman or Grambling versus Southern are not just games but cultural events that draw tens of thousands of fans and are broadcast around the world. These classics are more than athletic contests—they are reunions, celebrations, and affirmations of Black excellence and unity.
Today’s HBCU athletes are navigating a rapidly changing college sports landscape shaped by NIL opportunities, the transfer portal, and evolving media rights. While larger schools often dominate the headlines, HBCU programs are increasingly leveraging these new opportunities to attract and retain top talent. The recent transfer of Tyson Williams, a standout sprinter from Johnson C. Smith, to the University of South Carolina underscores both the challenges and opportunities presented by the portal era[4]. However, coaches and administrators are also focused on building strong family cultures and academic support systems that make HBCUs a destination, not just a stepping stone.
The performance of HBCU athletes on the national stage, whether in track, football, baseball, or even NASCAR’s orbit, speaks to the enduring legacy of Black college athletics. “There’s a reason why our alumni and fans are so passionate,” said a current athletic director. “We’re not just building athletes—we’re building leaders, community pillars, and history-makers.”
Looking ahead, the schedule is packed with opportunities for HBCU sports to shine. The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene will feature HBCU athletes competing against the nation’s best from June 11 to June 14[1]. Football fans can anticipate the announcement of preseason all-conference teams and early scouting reports as summer practices approach. Baseball and softball conferences will soon crown champions and send teams to regional and national tournaments.
In sum, the story of HBCU sports in 2025 is one of expansion, excellence, and cultural resonance. From the racetrack to the relay exchange, from the gridiron to the diamond, Black college athletes are pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to compete at the highest level. The legacy of Eddie Robinson, Jake Gaither, John Merritt, and countless others lives on in a new generation, ready to make their mark in every arena. The future of HBCU athletics is not just bright—it is blazing a trail for all of American sports.
Quotes:
A top HBCU track coach reflected, “It’s amazing to see our athletes reach the finals alongside the biggest schools in the country. It shows what we’ve always known—talent is everywhere, and opportunity is everything.”
On the momentum in baseball, a standout player shared, “We’re not just playing for ourselves. We’re playing for everyone who wears the uniform after us.”
As one athletic director put it, “The story of HBCU sports is the story of America. We’re breaking barriers, building community, and winning the right way.”
The next chapter of HBCU sports is being written now—on tracks, fields, and even racetracks across the country, with Black college athletes leading the way.
This is the moment for HBCU sports. The spotlight is here, and the time is now.